Previous News
Pastor Steve Thobela is expected to arrive at the Things to Come Mission home office this evening from Grand Rapids, Michigan after spending time with Grace Ministries International and Grace Bible College. His visit coincides with his position at the University of South Africa. Pastor Steve works with TCM Missionaries Dean and Sheba Padayhag, helping teach at the Grace Berean Bible School in Kempton Park and helping lead the Sushanguve Church. While in Indianapolis, Pastor Steve will visit the home office as well as participate in Grace Church services. Join with us in praying for safe travel and for a great time of fellowship.
We need Good Samaritans with a heart to save the heart of faithful Pastor Carlos Adrales in the Philippines. His doctors in Manila give a surgery success rate of 97% for three heart valve blockages. Cost for Charity Surgery is over $10,000. Pastor Carlos is resting and waiting for surgery in Manila as soon as funds come available. He and his wife, Mila are outstanding pioneer church planters, evangelists and teachers in Northern Luzon. Presently they are opening the Ilocano language field at the most northern point of Luzon. Many churches stand today in Isabela Province as well, IGBI-Cauayan, where Carlos' children teach and lead.
TCM is cooperating with the Philippines to raise funds for Pastor Carlos' urgent need.
Tim Heath went to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon after becoming very dizzy and vomiting violently. Tim writes, “I was so dizzy and weak that I could not stand, so Jun (our Filipino guest) and one of the guard station came and helped me get down to the stairs into a car. Friends took us to a clinic first, then the doc there suggested we go to the Hospital. The diagnosis was quickly determined as vertigo in the extreme. They gave me a shot, then a little later a pill and we stayed the night in the hospital.” Tim was released around 5pm on Thursday, and is feeling better. They still plan to leave for Singapore with the Pielagos tomorrow morning for five days.
Pastor Maruli & Yokhe Marpaung reports from Makassar on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. They traveled all night with believers from the Grace churches in Makassar to preach the gospel in Mamasa. The meetings were held in Hotel Matana from August 29 to September 1. Pastors and leaders were trained during the day and evangelistic meetings were held at night. Every day people accepted Christ as Savior. Pastor Maruli’s vision is that within one year there will be Grace Bible Churches in Mamasa and the nearby town of Sumarorong. Read Pastor Maruli’s report.
Ledith Improso had dental surgery today in Cagayan, Philippines. Gardner writes: The surgery took almost three hours. The dentist confessed that this was the most difficult extraction in her career! She said she never had a case like this before, breaking three of her drills. Fortunately she is a Christian who prayed a lot during the operation. It is past eleven in the evening here and Ledith is having a hard time sleeping. Ledith will have to rest from heavy work for a whole month while taking antibiotics for two weeks. Thank you for all your prayers.
Luz Gaddi arrived in Mombasa last Wednesday after a 15-hour bus ride. She writes, “Pastor Titus accompanied me. Now I am trying to buy things I need like a stove, bed and mattress plus kitchenware. I am bargaining hard, looking for second hand things that are still good and within my budget. I am also having a problem with the water, hopefully this will be solved. Otherwise everything is under control. Pastor Peter Kagwi and his wife are very helpful. He wants me to teach in the Bible Study hour on Sunday. Please remember me in your prayers as I start a new ministry.”
The Improsos applied for a US visa at the Manila Embassy in July and again in August. In spite of many letters and requests, they were denied both times. The Improsos will now go directly back to Kenya to continue their work as the Kenya Field Representative and also in the development of the Bible school in Thika. Ledith has dental surgery in the Philippines this month which will put them in Kenya by the end of October 2011. TCM Member Care Coordinator Joyce Anderson will take the Improsos’ place in the Northwest conferences.
Genesis and Verna Maraat are so thankful God provided them with a four room house near Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Maraats were able to prepare the rooms for classes in their Grace English Center. After passing out fliers in the university to advertise, eight students came today to start English classes. It is their hope that through teaching English many will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Joe Campos has been appointed to become the Executive Director of Prison Mission Association on October 1, 2011. Joe will replace current director Don Sommer, also a former TCM missionary. Joe & Michelle Campos left Brazil in March for an extended leave of absence in the States for the education of their children. Joe has been seeking the Lord’s guidance for US-based ministry. Please continue to pray for the Campos family in this new responsibility. PMA will be communicating directly with the friends and supporters of the Camposes.
TCM Missionary to Thailand, Verna Maraat went in for surgery August 20th and by 5pm that evening she was up for visitors. Her surgeon is very positive that the tumors are benign and will have results of the biopsy in one week. Since Verna was already anemic, when she lost two pints of blood during the operation the doctor had to give her a blood transfusion. However, praise the Lord, Verna had no negative side effects and she received the blood transfusion with no problem. Verna was released from the hospital yesterday (August 24) and is home recovering. Thanks for all the prayers and gifts which have completely covered all expenses. Update: Verna received the results of the biopsy today, August 31. It is called Leiomyoma and is benign. Verna is home recovering well.
Pastor Tim and Judy Heath are expecting visitors this month. Philippine Field Director Jun Pielago and his wife Deb will stay with Heaths for a two month (August 25-October 25) exposure trip. This trip is part of Mrs. Pielago’s requirements to finish a six month-study program with Asia Center for Missions in Cebu City. During their stay, the Pielagos will be doing documentation work and will be involved with the Heath’s ministry. Already plans have been made for various ministry meetings.
Luz Gaddi reports: Our seminar in Ng’iya and Siaya, Kenya began yesterday. There were nine people plus several youth who attended the first meeting. Maureen, my trainee and I commute two hours by public transportation each way to the seminar. The church is made of mud and has no pulpit, table or even a blackboard, Pastor Titus said he has a small blackboard for us to take. I call the church an “all star” hotel because it is “holey”—you can see the stars at night. Today they asked for a break because of market day, but we will resume classes tomorrow. After the class we will visit the pastor from Siaya as long as we can get home before dark.
The TCM-Philippines newsletter not only reports blessings from the past, but
looks forward to more expansion. Remote Palawan Island has 11 new
congregations. Another outreach is on Panay Island where six Bible classes
are developing into churches, with plans to reach all surrounding provinces.
Luzon, the large northern island, dedicated a new church in
Dasmarinas while members and Bible students press forward to plant churches
with buildings in Pangasinan Province, Alaminos City, in famous Baguio City,
and Cavite in metro-Manila. In Zamboanga in the south, 65 pastors & Bible
women attended a joint-workers seminar to encourage one another in the
gospel work. High enrollment this year in the four campuses of International
Grace Bible Institute means over 200 students are studying to enter these
developing fields. And the expanding vision of the Philippines now asks
prayer for their team heading for the countries of Cambodia and Thailand in
October for medical evangelism and encouragement of missionaries they know
in Phnom Penh and Chiang Mai. Praise & Prayer Notes
STTAM, Seminary of Grace Bible Church in Indonesia, passed a milestone
when they held national exams for 50 people in June. Fifteen were 2011
graduates and 35 were previous grads who had not yet faced the official
exams for Indonesia Dept. of Religion. Presently 40 students attend
Lembean Seminary, and several lead weekend Christian service assignments
in local churches. In August more students will be assigned and a plan
is in the works to send a team of faculty and students for a mission
trip to outlying islands of Sanger-Talaud and also to Central Sulawesi. The
team is praying for $1000 to carry the cost of travels. STTAM has faculty of seven regulars and seven part time.
Praises are due to GAA members in Indonesia helping with 92 million
rupiahs to buy a building now being finished in August for use as
mens/womens dormitories.
TCM introduces a new project to raise $2000 to help our Kenyan brothers and sisters who are suffering from a severe drought. Let us work together to purchase food for distribution to these families in need. Kenya Director Samuel Mwangi writes, “The drought is very bad at this time because many people did not harvest as they expected. We prepared the field and planted…But before harvest the sun came and everything became dry. People were supposed to harvest this month but nothing in the field. The primary school might be closed early since most children go without food and they cannot concentrate in the school. Most of the families eat one meal a day and some go without. The food in Kenya also is very expensive such that most people cannot manage.” BBC News TCM Project Page
July 22 to 23 - more fruitful classroom sessions were held at Grace Berean Bible School, Kempton Park. Twelve students attended and eagerly participated in the discussion regarding “7 Dispensations” and the “Book of Acts”. Other students were absent due to their work schedules. During the divided session, Level 1 had their examination on “Bible Introduction and History” with Sheba while Dean lectured on “Financial Stewardship” with the Level 2 students. Another set of books were given for their reading assignments and reflection papers. Dean spoke for more than 8 hours the whole weekend. The next classroom sessions will be on September 23-24. Please pray as the students continue to learn deeper teachings and prepare themselves for the ministry.
The Grace churches from several countries in Africa will be joining together in Mbeya, Tanzania on October 12-16, 2011 for a time of fellowship, encouragement and study. The conference is a part of the All Africa Grace Fellowship, an organization with African leadership dedicated to strengthening the Grace message throughout Africa. Read the invitation and the schedule.
Things to Come Mission-Philippines is expanding our ministry to include Puerto Princesa, the capital city of the island province of Palawan. Puerto Princesa is centrally located to the 11 TCM congregations in the Palawan province. Pastor Jun Obsequio resides in Palawan and has a small group of believers that he mentors in the Puerto Princesa area. TCM-Philippines is looking for more workers to help with the ministry among the small congregations and to expand the work in many Gospel-unreached places of this peaceful province. Pastors are now looking to host an all-sector and province-wide fellowship (workers, men, women, and young people) to be held next year in Puerto Princesa.
Philippine Field Director Jun Pielago reports: Pastor Bermejo and I, together with several other workers, visited 22 churches in the Baganian-Land Ministry District under SM Pastor Rey Centino. We were able to see how the workers are doing their work among their members and how the members are supporting their workers. Our visit ended with the seminar for workers from two ministry districts (SeaGold and BagLand in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay) attended by 65 pastors and Bible women. The joint-workers seminar which was held in our new church building in Guinoman built on a 1000-square meter lot—huge and beautiful! The church has an average attendance of over 200.
By God’s Grace we were able to continue the building project after postponing for two weeks. During the break we sold the traditional food of Toraja people. We call it Papiong, made from Pork and Vegetables and burned in Bamboo. Many members, youth, children, and parents came to help with the project. We raised $600 in sales which is enough to paint the ceiling and finish one wall on the new church building. Continue to pray for this ministry. So far the unfinished building has been used for the Sunday Service, Youth Service, and GSOP Training. May God be glorified! – Agus & Yokhe, Indonesia
Recent news of the pending surgery of Verna Maraat in July in Chiang Mai,
Thailand brought abundant blessings to TCM via gifts to help with
Verna's doctors, tests and hospital bills. God's people showed their love
for Verna and we have raised the entire amount for the project. Now
she is ready for the hospitalization ... but continued prayer is requested
for the whole process as well as the outcome.
Dean Padayhag writes: The Workers Union is having a national strike. They are asking for a double digit salary increase and other additional benefits. They promise to bring the government to its knees if their demands are not met. We already feel the effects. Many of the gas stations are without supply. Once I get the money I also need to fill my tank. Hope there is still left for me. The strikers are so violent. They even burn some of the houses of the local politicians in our province; I suppose to get more attention. Please pray that these problems will be dealt with properly. We know that when there is a problem with gas it also affects other commodities. Note: Dean was able to fill his tank thanks to a friend in the gas station.
Luz Gaddi reporting: I had a great time in Sori and Guasi in southwest Kenya. In the village of Guasi 12 students attended, two of whom are wives of pastors. The church has some 50 members, many men. Again I suggested that these men be trained on Saturdays. Since they can't go to Bible study, the Bible study should be brought to them. They are great potential. They plan to plant a daughter church. They were so happy and appreciative that they were visited by a missionary. To show their appreciation they gave me three live chickens and five kilos of beans. Imagine in spite of poor harvest these brethren from Guasi sent me some of their farm produce. Some who didn't have money brought offering in kind, like chickens. One chicken even laid an egg in the church. Then when I arrived it laid another egg in the box!
Nathan & Jessica Killion have moved! Well, it was only about 1 1/2 years since our last move, but yes, we moved again. After about a month of living in the new place we’re feeling settled in and enjoying the area. The purpose of this move was to be closer to North Chiang Mai University (NCU) where Nathan began teaching an English class in mid-June. This class meets twice a week and gives us an excellent opportunity to meet students and faculty at the school and build friendships with them. Please pray for the students at NCU. Also, please pray for us to have God’s wisdom as we endeavor to reach out to them with the love of Christ. Pictures of the Killions new home.
Two students from Grace Berean Bible School in South Africa have started a small church in Springs, approximately one hour from Dean and Sheba Padayhag’s church in Kempton Park. Pastor Mashinini was formally a pastor/evangelist of the Evangelical Reformed Church while his sister, Catherine, was a pastor for a charismatic church. Pastor Mashinini was introduced to Dean and Sheba four years ago by Chairman of Grace Churches, Pastor William Itumeleng. Mashinini loves the Grace message and everyday he can be found preaching at the train station, on the train and at the taxi rank before and after work.
Pastor Peter Kagwi plans for a main library to serve the four Bible training centers in the Mombasa, Kenya coastal area. “It's our prayer that the books will be a great help to our pastors and those being trained in our centers. At this time we are in the process of partitioning our main church building so that we can have the regional church office and the library. This project will require about $500. For the main church hall, we have already spent $535 for the construction and we thank God for his provision. Continue praying for the Lord's supply in order to finish the second phase of this project.”
Supervising Ministers Pesidas and Ole ask urgent prayer for 10 TCM
church families affected by flash floods in the Davao City area. One
grandmother died and members took refuge in Pangi Grace Church.
Immediate appraisal and release of assistance came via TCM Treasurer
Sagrado Improso, Sr. The Calamity Fund handed over 45,000 pesos to aid
these families. Read more at Sun.Star Davao.
Tim and Judy Heath held their first youth meeting Sunday night in their home. Those who attended the meeting were from 14 to 33 years old. “We had fun, shared some from the Word and challenged them to pray… The older group wants to meet every other week, the younger ones each week. So we are opening our home to them and they can come as often as they like.” Continue to remember the Heaths in your prayers especially as they have had some sickness due to adjusting to the climate and being tired from traveling and getting settled.
Carlo & Elma Paña just returned to their home in Uganda from a visit to the Philippines. The ministry did well in their absence and they have jumped into the new church plant in the Bukasa, Muyenga suburb of Kampala. The Lord provided the land a few years ago. Now the Pañas and those attending the fledgling group have set their sights on an established Grace church by the end of 2011. This includes a building to replace the tent they are meeting in now. Read more in their announcement.
A recent visit to the province of Iloilo by Field Director Jun Pielago with
Pastors Rebana and Padayhag yielded the following observations: The TCM
ministry in this province is just starting to move forward. Iloilo is one of the five provinces in the big island of Panay in central Philippines. Four days were spent visiting the six small Bible study groups. These groups were opened by Pastor Rebana about a year ago. The positive response of the groups to the study of the Word of God 'rightly divided' is very encouraging! One of these groups is now organized into a small local church. We are praying that the Lord would continue allowing it to grow and spread out to the other four provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras) of Panay Island.
Philippine Field Director Jun Pielago writes, “TWO HUNDRED TWO - 202 - IGBI STUDENTS are presently enrolled in our four TCM Bible schools: IGBI-Cauayan - 21; IGBI-Bataan - 16; IGBI-Ozamiz - 89; IGBI-Tagum - 76. We are rejoicing in the Lord for these students who are willing to enter into full time ministry as pastors and Bible women. The yearly turn out of IGBI graduates helps much in minimizing the perennial shortage of workers in our churches. Our prayer: more workers - young men and women - to join the ''army of the Lord'' in fighting for the cause of Christ.”
In celebration of the South African National Youth Day on June 16th, the Grace Berean Church in Kempton Park, South Africa hosted the NOGBY (Nation Organization of Grace Berean Youth) Youth Day Conference. Approximately 50 delegates attended the conference with a day packed full of challenging messages of Wake up, Stand & Be Counted and Youth with a Mission, a drama skit, and motivational film. Dean and Sheba Padayhag report that they “came home very exhausted… but fulfilled!” Please remember the NOGBY in your prayers as they will be having their National Election on August 21st.
Tim and Judy Heath arrived safely in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “I, Tim, was sick again on the plane but made it okay. Our group of 4 believers picked us up at about 2:30 AM. We got to bed by 4 and are totally blessed by the apartment and the friendship that we have here. Much to our surprise and joy was the arrival of our daughter, Jessica! What a shock! She will be here for 10 days, so will be a part of our shopping for things and getting moved in. We are very blessed to be here and begin the work God has called us to do. We had lunch with Emily, Pst. Heng and Eunice. Plenty of little things to do but we are feeling good or maybe great! God is so good!”
Warren Keiper worked God's work as a missionary right up until his homegoing June 12th in Brazil, S. America. He and Shirley faithfully entered and served in Brazil with TCM from 1969 until 1986 as Bible teacher and preacher. An example of Warren's fervor for Christ on his application was: "With the present opportunities presenting themselves in Brazil, it becomes apparent the work should go forward. I feel most inadequate in experience, yet so ready to go--if it be His Will. As noted above, the Word says, 'the man of God...thoroughly furnished unto all good works..'" Warren's works continue on with his children Leo and Carol and their families now working with Word of Grace Mission.
Brazil was Warren's goal and inspiration all the years of his service. We honor his faithfulness and join our prayers for wife Shirley and their immediate families, plus all the spiritual family gained through Warren's years of teaching the Word of God and preaching God's Grace.
Myra Omictin begins her second term of English Classes in Cambodia on Tuesday. “Just this morning we gave out a couple hundred leaflets that advertised our English center. Two of my students, Sona and G-one, volunteered to help me distribute the leaflets. It was fun seeing them talking to some people on the street, especially to a police officer. Praise God for these students. It reminds me of my previous job in Cebu where I used to work as a Marketing Staff of INS. We used to give leaflets/flyers to different places. And now I do the same thing but in a different country. Our experiences are not wasted indeed!”
Gomer and Nene Indino held a Public Evangelistic Meeting in Shangri-la, Pontal do Paraná on May 28th. The Meeting was led by the young people’s organization, REDE AO MAR (Net into the Sea), who shared the gospel through testimonies, dramas, acrobatic presentations along with singing and preaching. Even though the weather was very cold, 10 people accepted the Lord as their Savior! From that group two attended the church service at Shangri-la and one couple decided to attend home Bible Study. One week before the meeting, Gomer and Nene did a one week orientation on evangelism and plan to continue the orientation the last Saturday of each month.
Pastor Agus & Yokhe Marpaung are busy with building and training in Makassar, Indonesia. “Thanks for posting our project in TCM website so many people will pray. Our ministry in Makassar is going well. I planned to conduct Evangelism Training for youth and Preaching Training for adults. Last month 15 young people joined the training at Tanjung Bayang Beach for one day and night. Preaching Training in the church is called Grace School of Preaching (GSOP). Thirteen men and one woman joined and in three months they will practice how to preach and learn the doctrine about dispensations. Today the old roof of our building is removed and now you can see the church! May God be glorified in Makassar.”
All are welcome to Cascade Mountain Bible Church in Leavenworth, Washington on June 12, 2011 when Tim & Judy Heath are commissioned for missionary service. Tim was the pastor of Cascade Mountain for five years before answering the call to mission. He then turned the ministry over to Pastor Todd James before starting deputation. Director Ben Anderson will come from the TCM headquarters to participate in the commissioning. The day after, the Heaths will depart the United States for Malaysia, arriving on June 15, where they will be met by Pastor Heng and the faithful members of the Grace Restoration Centre. Pray for the Heaths on this new adventure with God to share the love of Jesus with the people of Malaysia.
Shortly after arriving back in Cambodia, Ariel and Faith Mahilum began planning a Vacation Bible School in Ramon Village. Ariel reports, “Faith brought many VBS lessons from the Philippines. We went to Ramon last Saturday and stayed until Tuesday. 80 plus students attended the 3-day program with the theme: WHO IS GOD? It was an amazing experience and opportunity to reach this village with the gospel. Many students trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Also, we are thankful for the sacrificial participation of the Cambodian college students, Filipino missionaries and visitors…two from the Philippines Nonoy and Leslie (first cousins of Sis. Myra Omictin) and Bro. Allen Radtke from the USA. They helped during the VBS and contributed to the success of the event. Please pray for the Word to grow in the hearts of these students. Also, thanks to all our praying friends and supporters. Your love for the Lord, the work and to us is a tremendous encouragement. Blessings!”
45 new workers (pastors and Bible women) were accepted by the TCM-Philippines board as recommended by the Screening Committee headed by Pastor Rudy Galambao, Sr., and Pastor Max Amlon. 34 of these new workers were graduates of the TCM’s four residential Bible schools and the rest were graduates of the TCM’s Field Bible School. The new ordained pastors are: Ramiel Bacelo, Roger Toling, Vicente Simangan, Rommel Managaytay, and Jolie Perez. Welcome and Congratulations! Read the newsletter for more Philippines information.
The Mahilum family arrived in Cambodia, May 10th after a two month home assignment in the Philippines. “We visited both sides of our families, friends, churches and attended graduation ceremonies, child dedication service, clan reunion and the 53rd Conference in Cebu. Team Cambodia gave a report during the National Conference in the Philippines and a Cambodian grace member, Channtha Pin, gave her testimony to the almost 600 attendees. Ariel taught one session during the conference and spoke to several churches in the Cebu metropolitan area.”
Tim and Judy Heath are 33 days away from leaving for Malaysia. “We are thankful for your prayers for us. When we share what God is doing, it results in thanksgiving by many…We have been very blessed as people join our support team. Thank you for praying for us in this critical area. We are 2/3rds to our goal or need. How Good God is! Our group in Malaysia has found us a possible apartment to rent. We are in the process of getting it reserved, so when we arrive on June 15th, we will be able to go directly to our new home! As we come to the end of deputation, Judy and I want to thank you for all your prayers and encouragement to us as we have traveled, visited with you and sent on our way to the next church. We have been weary at times but always blessed in the whole process - again THANK YOU!”
When we started Grace Berean Bible School we had seven Level 2 students from our previous Ministerial Advancement Program (MAP). Few showed interest in enrolling for Level 1. Since January the Lord has brought us more than we expected, even from other denominations. One Level 2 student introduced GBBS to his Pentecostal friends and two of them enrolled with more to come. One attended Kempton Park church last month and felt so blessed by the message that she attends even though she lives outside Kempton Park. Level 1 and Level 2 are on their third set of books. They are busy working on assignments and requirements. We are impressed with how they are taking the course seriously; most of these students have ministries in local churches. Next classroom sessions will be May 20-21. –Dean and Sheba Padayhag, South Africa
Pastor William Itumeleng’s wife, Lesego, went home to be with the Lord this morning. Pastor William is Chairman of the Board of Association of Berean Grace Ministries in South Africa (ABGMSA). He was trained for the ministry by Dean and Sheba Padayhag and was part of the church planting team for Kempton Park. Lesego had throat cancer and two weeks ago was told she had 3-6 months to live. She is survived by a 1 ½ year old baby girl. The funeral will be May 14.
Director Ben Anderson and Member Care Coordinator Joyce Anderson traveled through Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia from April 5 to May 3. During the journey they spoke in numerous meetings, both public and private. Activities included encouraging, reviving, challenging, correcting and training. Ben says, "Overall the TCM ministry in Southeast Asia is expanding and there is a strong spirit of growth and unity. Pray for the Guimbas as they plan to go to Laos in June. Pray also for Tim & Judy Heath as they arrive in Malaysia in June as well. A highlight of our trip was the 53rd Annual Conference in the Philippines. Ben emphasized love and unity in the Body of Christ as the TCM Grace churches celebrated 103 new Grace churches in 10 years. Joe Watkins and his family participated as well as TCM President Doug Cox. Let us pray for more open doors and more people to step through them."
Berean Grace School of Ministries in Mombasa, Kenya held their first graduation on April 30. Through this school pastors and church leaders are learning the Grace message. Pastor Peter Kagwi reports, “We thank God for the first BGSM graduation that was so successful. Thanks for all those who attended or prayed for this remarkable occasion. On June 4th the leaders will resume for the second year training. Pray that they will be motivated to continue as well as sharing and teaching what they are learning.”
The TCM Grace National Annual Conference was successfully held in Lapulapu City, Philippines, April 19-22. Approximately 600 delegates, foreign guests, and visitors were in attendance when the opening ceremonies started. Pastor Jun Pielago reported the highlights of the conference: “informative reports of TCM ministries, both in the Philippines and abroad; heart-warming and God glorifying choir festival of praise and thanksgiving…wonderful congregational singing; encouraging testimonies of missionaries representing Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Kenya, and Uganda; and enriching messages and lectures on the conference theme: Reaching Our Goals Together for Growth. Everybody went home tired but happy, bringing with them the challenge of reaching more souls for the Lord and planting churches in the next three years. It was a spiritually uplifting and enriching conference! To God be the glory!”
Grace Bible Church in Mombasa, Kenya held its first youth conference on April 16. Jim Tollar and Pastor Peter Kagwi spoke to the thirty youth in attendance on the subject of Unity. There was also a time of praising God through songs as well as some musical presentations from the youth. Jim Tollar reports, “We discussed how important it is for the Body of Christ to be united with regards to our doctrine and walk. The conference was held at New Ambassadors Grace Church in an area called Jomvu, located about 30 minutes outside of Mombasa … It was a great time of fellowship.”
Praise the Lord for His protection for Luz Gaddi as she was robbed the evening of April 15 coming home from a cell group meeting. Luz was being escorted home by an assistant Pastor when a man came from behind and snatched her hand bag which contained her house key, phone, eye glasses and a camera. By the Grace of God she only suffered minor pain in her head from being pushed to the ground during the event. She was able to replace her phone the next day. Please pray that God will give her peace of mind and keep her encouraged during this time.
The same day that Ben and Joyce Anderson flew to Hong Kong we discovered at the home Mission Office in Indianapolis, Indiana three major problems. The roof had damage by a water leak from rain. The water was leaking in around the chimney area and a hole had to be cut into the roof to assess the damage. The hole is now covered but there may have to be further repairs in the future. Also it was discovered that the crawl space was filled with water about four feet deep, just under the floor joists. A handyman pumped out water for two days and repaired the damaged pipes. There was also an electrical short in one of the mission’s offices. An electrician was sent out to replace the burnt wires. Praise the Lord all three problems are now fixed and the mission is back to operating normally.
Director Ben & Joyce Anderson left Indianapolis on April 5 for one month of ministering to the TCM fields in Asia. In Malaysia they will visit the newly formed Amazing Grace Restoration Centre in preparation for Tim & Judy Heath's arrival in June. Then the Andersons fly to Indonesia for meetings, seminar and ordinations in Jakarta, Makassar and Manado. On Sunday, April 18 they move on to Cebu City, Philippines for the 53rd Annual Conference. President Doug Cox will address the conference and travel with Ben to see the Bible school and churches around Ozamis City. Ben & Joyce will travel to Thailand to make plans for ministry with the Maraats and Killions. Their trip ends with a weekend in Cambodia with Myra Omictin and church leaders (Mahilums are on a much deserved home assignment in the Philippines). Pray that the TCM ministries in Southeast Asia will be challenged and encouraged.
Missionary Myra Omictin along with Hak, a Cambodian Grace student leader, and his students had a successful educational trip to the Killing Fields, S21 prison-museum, and other places of interest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A highlight of the trip was seeing the students participate in a Sunday worship service. “It was an encouragement for all of the leaders to see these young people [learn] the Bible. One thing that made me glad was when Hak asked the students how they are saved, some of students answered according to what they have learned from the Scripture. One of the boys even read Ephesians 2:8-9 and a few girls quoted John 3:16. Wow! They are not theologians but they know and believe the Word of God with all their heart.”
Eight of our TCM missionary kids got together in Chiang Mai, Thailand for food, music, and fellowship. Gardner and Ledith Improso along with their three girls are visiting the Maraat and Killion families while on their way to the Philippines for home assignment. Please remember all TCM missionary kids in your prayers as they serve with their parents all over the world. A special prayer request for Abigail Killion as she is undergoing tests to determine the cause of a small seizure she had last Friday morning.
“The Lord opened up a ministry opportunity (and an interesting tour) on a cargo ship [the Gladiator] in the Port of Mombasa. It turns out the captain of the ship is married to one of Genesis [Maraat’s] cousins in the Philippines. Isn’t it amazing the ship happened to be in port during the time of Genesis’ trip to Mombasa?... On Thursday we came and preached the gospel to all on board (about 26 men). The great thing about this meeting was that attendance was mandatory because the captain is a believer! We pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of those not saved that they may come to believe that Christ died for their sin.” -Missionary Jim Tollar. Read the Tollar’s latest update.
After completing a five week TESOL Seminar (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages) January 10 - February 11, Nathan Killion had opportunities to put what he learned into practice. "From March 14-18, Nathan taught at an English camp at Chiang Mai University. This annual 1-week camp is organized by a local English ministry and run by teachers and volunteers from four different English ministries in the area. The week included a couple fun nights during which the Gospel was shared. This experience (plus teaching at the church) is a clear indication of the effectiveness of using English teaching as a bridge for sharing Christ!" Read the Killion's latest update.
Joe and Michelle Campos along with their children flew from Recife, Brazil and arrived safely on the 17th in Grand Rapids, MI. They will stay for two weeks with Michelle’s sister, Daniela, while looking for housing and enrolling their children in school. Joe picked up the TCM van for future travels to Pennsylvania for a missionary meeting and for other deputation invitations. If you know of available housing in the Grand Rapids area please contact the TCM Office at (317) 783-0300.
Missionary candidate Tim Heath reports, "I do have a [blood] clot; am giving myself 10 shots over the next 5 days; am ready to go on coumadin and try to rest a bit. The clot is long and if it had dislodged it would have been serious-our God is gracious. Judy also had an infection and if she had not gone to the doctor when she did, she could have been hospitalized. We know we are in God's hands and praise Him for His protection of our every moment! Thanks to all who are so gracious to pray- our God is good!" The Heaths plan to depart for Malaysia in June. Read Tim's latest update.
“You need Jesus!” Myra told her Cambodian friends at her birthday party. She continues, “My birthday celebration last night was fulfilling. It was not just a celebration of God’s faithfulness but also an opportunity to tell my students about the message of salvation. During my “speech” I shared to them about life’s realities. I told them, ‘You need Jesus. We all need Jesus. The reason I tell you this is not because I want you to be Christians, but I want you to know the truth . . .’ Birthdays and Christmas are great opportunities to share the gospel.”
The Southern Mindanao Ambassadors For Christ held their youth conference in North Cotabato, Philippines, on December 20 -24, 2010. Four youth prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and about 30 committed their lives to being Christ' ambassadors. Please pray for the young people across the Philippines to remain active and encouraged to labor for the Lord and to know that their work is not in vain. And, pray for the leaders to have strength and opportunities to present the gospel to those who do not know the Savior and to train and equip the youth to make the Lord known through their words and actions.
Introducing the Winter 2011 issue of the International Harvest: Four Paths to the Mission Field. Four ordinary couples tell how God led them to leave their homes and everything familiar to serve God overseas as missionaries. Also featured in this issue: Africa Safari 2010 Report, Following On with news about our ministries, a report from Member Care Coordinator Joyce Anderson and How Can I Help which tells about three projects in three different countries. May you be challenged to participate in God’s mission as you read the International Harvest.
Missionary to Thailand Genesis Maraat arrived safely in Nairobi, Kenya on March 1st. He will speak at the 10th Anniversary of Kisumu Grace Bible Church which was started by him and Verna. Genesis writes, “God is good in giving me a very refreshing rest last night here in Nairobi. Today we will drive to Thika and Embu. Tomorrow will be the pastors’ fellowship. More than 20 are expected to come… Please continue to pray for the pastors meetings in Embu and Kisumu. May God be glorified in this trip.” Genesis will be in Kenya through March 18th when he will travel with the Improso family to Thailand.
Things to Come Mission has a long history with the Berean Bible Institute. Founding President Ed & Linda Bedore served with TCM for two years in Embu, Kenya. TCM Associate Director Joe Watkins has taught mission classes for several years as an adjunct professor. Missionaries Jim & Missy Tollar received their Bible training at the BBI. On March 1, Dr. Robert Nix takes over as the President of the Institute. First we thank Dr. Ed & Linda Bedore for their vision and faithful service for the past 15 years. We pray for Robert & Linda in this new opportunity for serving the Lord. And we look forward to more mission training and more missionaries going to the field in TCM’s continuing partnership with the BBI.
Director Ben Anderson together with wife Joyce and missionaries Tim & Judy Heath and Jim Tollar spoke at the fifth annual missionary conference at Berean Bible Institute in Slinger, Wisconsin. The conference opened on Friday evening, February 25, with a message from Grace Ministries missionary Talo Vergara. Saturday started with a message on being a Living Sacrifice by Ben Anderson. Then Tim & Judy Heath challenged the audience to partner with them in the new Malaysia Field. After a lunch sponsored by the institute, Jim Tollar “Skyped” us about his new ministry in Mombasa, Kenya. The conference closed with a report from Ricki Anne Zanella, GMI missionary in Uruguay. Each missionary was lifted up in prayer by the audience. TCM thanks the BBI for organizing this mission conference each year.
TCM Philippines has just concluded the last of the five Continuing Edcuation seminars for our TCM workers and lay leaders. 494 attended the seminars in Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao this year. Out of this number, 60% are Pastors & Bible women, and 40% are equally divided among lay church leaders & Bible students.
The fifth and last seminar this year was held in Negros. 50 were expected, but 67 came! The ''no-holds barred'' portion created an atmosphere of intelligent sharing of ideas which led to identify ministry problems that needed to be addressed head on.
The TCM Workers’ Continuing Education Program is an institutionalized program whose aim is to help workers become more effective in the various areas of their ministries. ’’Thank you and let's do it again!'' - a statement that re-echoes and summarizes the general and common response from the TCM workers who attended the seminars this year and last year.
This year will be the busiest for us in terms of movement. From mid-March this year our family will leave Kenya for a little while to Philippines, and hopefully proceed to USA. Within 3 months, we will get Keren and Kezia to college at the same time apply for a US visa. This will be the first time we have to have our kids away from us since our mission work started. There will be a lot of prayers and financial resources needed for us to keep the two of them at a university until graduation, as much as for them also being away from us.
In order to work in Kenya as a missionary, a work permit is required. Praise the Lord after much follow up work done by Grace Bible Church-Kenya Director, Samuel Mwangi all is in order for Jim Tollar to receive his permit before his visitor’s visa expires the end of this month, just in time for classes at Berean Grace School of Ministries which are back in session February 2nd through the end of April. This school is essential for teaching Mombasa area pastors and church leaders the Grace message. In addition to these teachings, Jim and Pastor Peter Kagwi will meet once per month in other areas within the Mombasa providence conducting Bible training classes.
"We praise God for the completion of the translation and partial printing of the Highway of Life in Cambodian language. Each booklet contains 5 Lessons and 5 worksheets. Many thanks for praying and supporting this
project and the sacrificial effort of the Cambodian Grace Members. To God alone is the glory!" -TCM Missionary, Ariel Mahilum
Kenya Missionary Luz Gaddi, presently living in Thika, will move to her next assignment in Kisumu this February. “In Thika, seven members attended my Teacher’s Training seminar including two pastors. Whereas before there was no Sunday School for kids, now there are 16 regular attendees. The pastor's goal is to have three Sunday School classes within this year. I will be moving to Kisumu in February. It is the third largest city and located in western Kenya. We have seven churches there. Please pray for wisdom, power and health as I start training teachers of children in Kisumu.”
Tim & Judy Heath are halfway towards their goal of reaching Malaysia with full support by June 2011. “We began deputation on Sept. 19th and up through Dec. 12, we were in 27 churches, met pastors or had other types of meetings about 15 times and traveled about 13,000 miles. Our car continues to run, for which we praise God. What these facts above do not say is how God worked in many people's lives as we shared our future ministry in Malaysia. We have been encouraged by the churches and we have been an encouragement to them as God has worked through us. Praise His Name!”
Project ABBA was very successful this past December in Brazil. Joe Campos reports, “We were able to preach the Gospel to many new children as well as some parents in the four churches here in Recife. It was great to see the kids having so much fun and Michelle did a great job in presenting the Gospel to all who were there. The results have been seen with an increase of people in our services and Sunday school classes.” Thank you for all the prayers and support for this special project.
Everything is set for the launching of Grace Berean Bible School on
Saturday, January 15th. The program will be held at New Millennium College
Hall at 10:00AM. We are expecting 15 students for 1st year. The 7 senior
students of Ministerial Advancement Program will be carried over to 2nd
year. Each one of them will receive two books to be worked at home. They'll
come back in March for the exam and class room instructions (Friday and
Saturday). We have been praying and promoting the school to our churches and
thank the Lord it has created a real encouragement to our members. ABGMSA
board members and some members from other churches are coming to support
the new training program.
Pastor Jun Cadeliña reports from the Philippines, "2,049 young people attended the 16 youth conferences last month (December) which were held in the different places of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Out of
this total attendance, 120 renewed their commitment to live for the Lord and to serve Him, while 146 professed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their only Savior."
Bob Xavier writes from Florida, “I have been greatly encouraged by the Biblical maturity of our new youth leadership. We graduated nine new black belt leaders all home-educated, who are sincerely grounded firmly in the grace-centered finish-work doctrine. Three of these black belt students are now attending a secular college and one student is attending a Bible college to become a missionary. The other three black belt student leaders are assisting me with teaching at our new church location in Sarasota, Florida.” Read more on the Xavier’s Newsletter.
"On Jan. 4, we opened the new term for our English classes. I am glad that we have more students than last year. We have 48 students enrolled as of yesterday. We divided the students into 4 levels/classes. I have 18 college students, 15 High school students and 15 pre-schooler/primary students. The parents of the children came and enrolled their kids because this is our new policy. It is very encouraging to meet the parents and talk to them. I even told them that I will visit their homes soon. Thank you for praying for this ministry. I truly appreciate it. Pray for the teachers and assistant teachers namely Sroech, Sophal, Janet, and Elsa." -TCM Missionary, Myra Omictin Pictures of the English classes and Christmas Party