Remember

Ever been told that you are "living in past?" That's not a bad place to be unless you adamantly refuse to ever enter the present. As we remembered the Memorial Day weekend last month let us take a moment to contemplate how and why we are here.

 

The "how" is sobering and often a somber thought. We take a minute to thank our veterans, thank our Lord and Savior for the one's who died for our freedoms and thank our Heavenly Father for the mission we are on. We express gratitude.

 

The "why" is also right before us. For our mission of reaching the lost is not yet complete. We must drive on. No one said it would be easy... it's a lifetime of toil and sweat but the rewards are eternal. Let us never look back too very long as it is quite difficult to go forward using only the rear view mirror.

 

Ecclesiastes12:13b "Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man". There we have our marching orders. The word of God is clear so let's look at a quick update on some of our "troops "in the field.

 

1. (Name Removed) in Israel wrote in March about heading to the town of Hebron to visit a Muslim family. Fairly routine event for someone living in Israel. However, since she last wrote Israel has been involved in a shooting war with the terrorist group Hamas. This is not a fairly routine event.

2. Josh Miller/family are heading to Peru this fall. They are the most recent addition to our mission family.

3. Chris and Faith Anderson in Romania reported in April of their intention to continue on with the purchase of the house they are in. This greatly aids the ministry effort. A sizable payment was due and the Lord saw fit to provide. Pray for the political and social atmosphere in Romania as events unfold.

4. (Name Removed) to the mountain people of inland Asia. Visas were finally issued and as of this writing they are still on track to head back to Asia. Covid continues to slow their departure somewhat as testing and vaccinations must be in order.

5. The volcano that erupted on St. Vincent (Grenadines) altered the ministry of Dexter Kirby but it did not end the on going work. The radio ministry and Bible College work continues. 

 

The late Dr. Jerry Falwell once said..."Nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished apart from prayer."¹  So true. Let us never slack off from this duty and may we never forget the sacrifices our honorable war dead made. For this allows us to continue on our appointed mission.

 

We certainly live in some wild and often crazy times. This too will pass. However… the love and mercy Jesus rains does on us never will pass! To God be the Glory!!

 

 

Mission Fact: We live in tech filled world of over 8 billion people. Trans World Radio (Guam) has the capacity to reach almost half of those people... that's over 3 billion people. All of China, Micronesia, Malaysia and 2/3 of India are able to tune to the Good News of Salvation.... in their native language!²

 

1-World Vision; spring 2021

2-TWR.org  May 2021.   page 5 of newsletter

Mourning Time

Recently I attended a funeral of a dear Christian lady. She died before her time so the funeral was a whirlwind setup, emotional and somber. Despite being a Christian of good example, it was a wakeup call to me, as none of us really knows what the next hour holds; thus the title of this Missions Minute, "Mourning Time".

You may recall me stating that we need to get out of our comfort zone and witness. For our individual mission field is right outside our doors and includes everyone... every country. Lynne lived her life that way and I am grateful for the time I knew her.

We are all aware that our missionaries face the same COVID trials, financial hurdles, and crazy weather patterns we do. However, are any of you waiting for a foreign government to allow you to return to your field of work? The S. family to Israel and KR to South Korea are waiting for just that. There are several others as well. Their visa applications are pending but progress has been made in both cases.

Any of you ever experience an active volcano? Dexter Kirby and family on St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, is doing just that as of this writing. Dexter continues to minister to the people and has opened the doors of the Bible school there to shelter displaced locals. Our job is to declare, talk about, and share all about Christ. We have the fantastic privilege of talking about our eternal Christ, what He did for all mankind, and what He did for us personally. Look for those opportunities to be a missionary right here.

Independent Faith Mission (IFM) has on their mission newsletter these words, "Standing Firm in Troubled Times". Their troubles are our troubles... all of which Christ says to bring to Him. Through Jesus we can stand firm! Pray for Dexter, the S. and K.R. families, and remember that our "mourning time" will soon turn to Morning Time, as Jesus returns! To God be the Glory!!

Mission Fact: Over 100 people died in the minute or so it took you to read this brief article. Death is inevitable but where the soul spends eternity can be changed. We have work to do.

Bob I. - Missions Director

Sprung Spring

With winter in our rear view mirrors now and Easter Sunday soon upon us, let us take a minute to reflect on the calling we all have. That calling is the one to serve our God, to glorify Him in everything and to persevere/drive on till it is over. The entire world is the mission field as no place is exempt from sin. Let us look at a few situations where that work goes on... some bullet points.

 

1. From Bangladesh: this largely Muslim country has the biggest unreached people group in the world... the Shaikh.

2. From St. Vincent/Grenadines: this island nation with a population of only 112,000 (smaller than Greensboro) has no less than 7 principal religions.

3. From Suriname/South America: In order to reach the villages with the Gospel via radio: 3-5 aluminum towers need to be erected in the jungle. Permits and village chieftain permission also are needed.

4. South Africa: Zulu men are being trained for pastoral ministry. However, Covid-19 and lack of funds hinder their spiritual journey. There is a church building already there for them.

5. Mainland Asia: ______ family is now at 92% raised support. Some preaching opportunities have already surfaced.

6. From South Carolina: Tabernacle Children’s Home is in need for daily food stuffs. Think about the logistics of this... They have to pack 150 lunches each week for the kids! Pray for additional support for their work.

7. Across our great nation: Over 29,400 professions of faith were made at various Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2020.

 

So you see, we push on and never falter. "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. By the way... the common theme of all those missionaries/places and results? They are all  about GBC missionaries or the fields on which they serve. There are many more as there are many more lost souls to reach.

 

In closing, the late missionary to the Auca Indians in South America, Jim Elliot, wrote, "I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus." Spring is ushering in a new life so let's make it a full one. To God be the Glory!

- Bob Idacavage, Missions Director

  

 

Mission Fact: Myanmar (formerly Burma) shares borders with 5 heavily populated countries. Buddism is largely followed in the country. Just this past 1 February 2021, Myanmar's military seized power in a coup.¹ Want to know more about Myanmar? See Denya and check into the Burmese children's ministry. If you want to be a missionary, be faithful to God today.

 

¹CNN Editorial Record/Wednesday, 3 Feb 21   

Work On!

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow" Heard that song recently on BBN... What an encouragement for us in these trying times. We know He lives so why are we afraid, timid or cowering in the dark? May this Missions Minute be that encouragement as well and reassurance that we can "work on"

This writing will be relatively brief this month as my bad habit of procrastinating almost won as I let my deadline creep up. So let's roll.....

3. John Sircar (Bangladesh): John never slows down.He and his staff handed out Christian literature at the local market to the heavy populated Muslim locals. He requests prayers for open receptive hearts.

4. Ed Hoagland (Mexico): Here is another man and family that NEVER stops!This info is a little old... mid-November... but we can still rejoice in the salvation of some ladies. They received Jesus at one of the feeding centers run by Ed's church.

5. Speaking of feeding centers... the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission continues to minister to men in the region. I recently had the honor of being there briefly and went away  seeing first hand other Christians working to help others. Let me or Gregg Smith know if you can help with some items for them.

We are quickly approaching the end of winter. However, we are not to slow down or quit... for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b Knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus is always, always, always with us, how can we stop? Despite Covid, ice storms and power outages let us always give all the glory to God!!

 

Mission Fact: The population of Africa is around 1.3 billion people.That is 16% of the world's pop.2018 stats.1 

GBC supports no less than 9 different missionaries to the "Dark Continent".Remember to lift them up in prayer and keep them ever before the throne of God.

1Wikepedia:Africa/continent facts 2018        

For the Long Run

Just say that you are a farmer with extensive holdings... cattle, horses, and multiple other things to protect. Now you have excellent fore-knowledge that a killer storm is approaching. What do you do? You certainly don't go on a quick vacation or sleep in. You get to work! May this Mission Minute serve to get us working as this "killer storm" is rapidly approaching.

You may say, What storm? It's not our present day political scene, our even our newest buzz topic, COVID-19. It is the time where the anti-christ rules. Millions of people need to hear... millions of people need to see the love of Christ before it is too late. Let's get going...

Pray for Ethan Prater and family as they make final prep for their field of work; the country of the Dominican Republic. Since they were here on the 11th of November 2020, they have reached 100% of the support needed! Praise be to God for when GBC took them on as mission family members, they reached the 100% mark. I will let you know more as I do in the weeks ahead. Pray for the Prater family in this exciting transition time in their lives. 

Remember our Friends of Israel representative, Lee Nall in her recovery period. As well, Praise God for good news from Lomax and Linda Skinner. Remember them as Linda has had "spots" that were thought to be cancer. They appear to be a non-benign condition and she is slowly gaining her strength back. 

More news, albeit indirectly... please remember we are all working on the same goal. And that is to lead lost souls to a saving knowledge! Here it is... TransWorld Radio (TWR), of whom GBC supports Dwayne and Mildred Gow reports "special programming was created by TWR ministry teams in multiple languages with messages of hope for those under stress because of COVID-19. Mens Bible study groups were established in Japan, Kenya, Czech Republic, Nigeria, Denmark, Poland, Portugal and Norway."1

Malachi Boys Home in near by Summerfield is the only boys home in America (per director Art Shady), that does not charge anything for boys to live there.They are solely supported by churches like GBC. Despite many physical needs, Malachi Boys home was able to take on another young man, age 14. Brother Art Shady is not afraid to take on wayward young men.. remember how tough 14 can be. 

So there it is... just a small portion of the work and effort that our mission family exhibits on a daily basis. Actually, every Christian needs to pray.. give..go (In your heart with empathy for the lost), and encourage. May Christ be exhalted and honored everywhere!! 

Mission Fact: As of late September 2019; Israel's population stood at over 9 million. This is more than a 10 fold increase since 1948.2  Messianic Jew Joel Rosenberg calls Israel the "Epicenter of the world". For this is where our Lord will one day return!!!

    1. Lauren Libby, president, CEO; TWR

    2. www.Jewishvirtuallibrary.org

Outreach Ministry February 2021

Launching G.F.F. (“Gospel Friends of families” at Glen Haven)

We praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve families in the Glen Haven Apartment community for the past 7 months during COVID!  Each month, the number of children and families have been growing and we are now building relationships with 97 children reaching 36 families!  

These children are from all over the world including Burma, Thialand, Nepal, Bhutan, India, 

Afghanistan, Mexico, Tanzania , Congo and Uganda….and what a blessing that God has sent these children for GBC to share the love of Jesus and the Good News!  

Every Thursday, a team of volunteers meet at Glen Haven apartments for group activities, crafts, snacks and a Bible lesson and we are doing it all outdoors and praying for the Lord to protect all involved during COVD.  

We are inviting everyone in our congregation to get involved in the launch of 

G.F.F. (“Gospel Friends of Families”)

• G.F.F. will enable you to be a prayer partner and friend to one of the 36 families at Glen Haven apartments.  
• As a G.F.F. you receive a picture of a family, and information about the children, the country they are from, age, grade, favorite things and also any prayer needs.  
• You will also receive updates about particular prayer needs as they develop (from the GBC Outreach Ministry team who will serve as your liaison) 
• You are also encouraged to send cards to encourage and let them
• At Christmas, you will also have an opportunity to purchase a small gift for each child in your family.

 

Everyone needs a FRIEND and as Christians we want the love of Christ to shine through us!   Will you consider becoming a G.F.F., making an impact on the life of a beautiful family living in the Glen Haven apartments?  Thank you for praying and partnering with the GBC Outreach Ministry.  May all that is done for for God’s glory!  

To become a G.F.F, or if you have additional questions, contact Denya Haymore at denyahaymore@gospelbc.org.

A sample of the information G.F.F.’s receive.

Let's Move On

It is absolutely wonderful to be writing the first Mission Minute in awhile. Not like nothing has happened since I last wrote in March. 

For the world as we used to know it has totally changed. We now have a new president elect, new football season with empty stands and we all have color-coordinated facemasks. Many other changes abound.

Despite all this, our Sovereign Lord and Savior is, and always has been, in control. He has not been surprised by any of the "trials and inconvenience" we live with now. That said; should we put personal evangelism/missions work on hold? NO WAY!! This upside-down world needs Jesus now more than ever before. "Many Bengali people around the world are interested in the Gospel because of the virus." Quote is from John Sircar in Bangladesh, a mostly Hindu country. As I read through the many missionary newsletters, I have not seen a single complaint about their plight, not one disparaging word about quitting. All have asked for increased prayer and more opportunities to evangelize!

This Missions Minute stands as a re-opening of our hearts to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For sure: our missionaries need financial support and our spirit one with theirs. But especially they covet and need our prayers. We cannot let them down. 

Much has occurred in the last 9 months. Coming up within the next month, the Staff and Deacons will be recommending that we take on 3 new missionary families and 1 new Mission Board. More to come on their individual field of calling as the information becomes available. They range from Honduras in Central America to the Dominican Republic to South Africa... and Boone, NC as well.

I encourage you not to let up in your prayers for them. All of the obstacles we have had with Covid, so have they, often magnified due to being in a different country and culture. For example: a couple of our missionaries have had trouble renewing their visa’s. Covid adds another factor/obstacle to hurdle as Europe and the Mediterranean region has strict travel restrictions in place. Missionary Bret Anderson and his family to Tanzania is now missionary Bret Anderson and family to Spain. Again, I will update you as information comes in.

Yet, it is not all obstacles and detours. Ed Hoagland in Mexico reported at least 30 saved via their ministries in November alone. God is still at work; so should we. I encourage you to soldier on for time is rapidly passing... Jesus is coming soon! Till then, keep looking up but wear your mask!

 

Mission Fact: Although the global church of God continues to grow despite severe persecution in some restricted countries, there are millions without access to the Gospel. There are upwards of 3 billion people who have never been reached with the Gospel. Today, there are 106 ABWE missionaries serving in 18 high risk countries.¹

Work now as one day it will be high risk to be a Christian... everywhere.

¹Message: Info magazine of Association of Baptists for World Evangelism

            Volume 67, Issue 2. 2019

Bob Idacavage, Missions Director