Far Reaching Ministries

Update from Richard at Canaan Farm, Masindi, Uganda

2012-03-06T11:09:00.002-08:00

The year started off quite busy. We felt the Lordpressing upon our hearts to continue with evangelistic outreaches to unreachedcommunities in different villages scattered around us. This had been going onevery weekend since last year November which is the beginning of the dry seasonwhen most people in the communities are not involved in a lot of work and willturn up to hear the gospel. Togetherwith a team of leaders from the men's and women's bible study groups we havebeen moving out to the surrounding villages and communities that haven't hadthe opportunity of hearing the message of the gospel relayed using the Jesusfilm. The turn up and response to the gospel has been very good. We believe theseeds of the Word planted in the hearts of the people will bear fruit for thekingdom of God.

We have also been busy finishing up the clinic building.Six rooms have been completed this January and ready for use. The past fewweeks Suzan has been seeing patients at the clinic. Apart from the wonderfulblessing of getting treatment, many of the sick are prayed for and ministeredto about the greatest physician Jesus Christ and His mission for mankind. It'ssuch a wonderful opportunity the clinic presents to share the love of JesusChrist.

The tailoring ladies and the adult literacy classescontinue to meet and learn new skills, get more experience and gain moreknowledge. We have started a new adult literacy class as well. All the classesmeet and have a bible study before any work begins. A great transformation canbe witnessed in the lives of those who attend these bible studies.

At the farm, we are breaking new ground and opening up newland for cultivation. This would not have been possible without the tractor anda committed team of men & women from villages around us. We hope toincrease the acreage under crop production and also try some new crops such assimsim, g.nuts and passion fruits. We really want to stretch and push ourselvesto the limit this year.

Prayer requests:

1. Pleasepray that as we search for medical personnels to work at the clinic, God may bring us faithful and committedprofessional medical Christians to join us in the ministry and He may also opendoors for their pay.

2. Prayfor our men's and women's bible studies that they will always be enriched with the presence of God and experiencegrowth in their spiritual lives.

3. Prayfor our evangelistic team as they reach out in the community, that God will open the spiritual eyes and ears of thepeople such that the seeds of the Word that are planted in their hearts maybear fruit in it's right season.

4. Prayfor the work at the farm and the managers that God will give them divine wisdom, knowledge and strength in their workas we expand our operations.

5. Prayfor Suzan, Abigail and I too, that God will continue to grant us His grace as we serve Him.

Update from the Coggins!

2012-03-05T10:46:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Gulu and Kitgum,

A couple of weeks ago one of our security guards, Geoffrey, came to Keith and asked for 50,000 shillings (about $22) so that he could take his brother-in-law back to the village to die. When Keith question him about this he explained that couple of months prior, this young man, named Patrick (19 yrs. old), was driving his boda at night (a boda is a motorcycle taxi), and several men jumped on him, stabbed him nine times and left him for dead, stealing his motorcycle. Someone heard the commotion, came and found him, and took him to the government hospital. One of the wounds was so deep that his intestines were protruding. The hospital did surgery and sewed up all the other stab wounds.

A few weeks later, the family realized that he was not recovering well, so they took him back to the doctor. He was given some medication and sent home. As time progressed, he got worse and ended up back in the government hospital. His stomach was swelling and he could no longer eat. Approximately three months after the attack was when Geoffrey came and asked for the money.

As Keith was listening to this request and explanation, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and urged him to give the 50,000 Ugandan Shillings, but instead of using it for transport to the village, he told Geoffrey to take him to the Gulu Independent Hospital (reputable, dependable, but very expensive). Most Ugandans cannot afford the private hospitals. He instructed him to tell the hospital that he will be sponsored and that he would come there himself shortly.

Keith arrived at the hospital and for the first time saw Patrick’s condition. Left as he was he may not live another day. Swollen, erratic breathing, with something like hiccups, was his condition. He was septic. His Hemoglobin count was 5 (it is supposed to be 15-16 for an African). They wanted to give him blood and antibiotics IV for a day or two before doing surgery. Two days later his HB had reached 10, so they did the surgery. The previous surgery was a botched job. There were areas in the intestines that were blocked from the previous sutures and there was a large abscess near his left kidney. They re-did much of the suture work on his intestines and cleaned him out leaving an opening in his left side for the area to continue to drain so it would heal from the inside out. They are changing the dressings frequently. The following day after the surgery, he was smiling! It has now been one week and he is walking all over the hospital and giving the Lord the praise for his life.

At this time, Monica, was with us in Gulu waiting on the time for her to deliver her baby. She gave birth to a 9lb girl on March 1^st. Her name is Yana. Clayton was in Kitgum when the baby was born -he could not get transport back to Gulu in time, so I (Lisa) was blessed to be there for the birth. As I was moving around the hospital many people stopped me to congratulate us on the miracle of Patrick’s life. Glory to God for these two lives!!

It is hard for us to write about all that we see and experience here without it becoming a huge volume, but we can say this:

There are many thousands of people here in northern Uganda, who have not been exposed to God’s word. They may have heard from people about God but they have not clearly heard the gospel of Jesus. They will die and live an eternity without God. There has been virtually no education in Northern Uganda for the 20 years of LRA insurgency. This affected an entire generation of adults! They cannot read, and they are led by fears and traditional superstitions. This manifests itself in all areas of life. But… They want to know!!! We cannot reach them without your prayers. May the Lord burden your hearts for these thousands! Please pray, please Give, so that we can be more empowered and equipped to add to His Kingdom.

Please, join us in sincere praise and prayer to the Lord for the continued healing for Patrick and for the little Yana and she begins her new life with her family.

In Jesus’ Name,

Keith and Lisa

Update from Jamie McKinley Pray

2012-02-23T13:55:00.002-08:00

Dear Friends,

Regarding human trafficking; the Lord is really opening my eyes to the evil of this sin around me, but most importantly He is showing me that His power and Who He is is greater than that of the world.

I know many of you receive me newsletter in the mail, but for those of you who don't I ask that you take a moment to just read this story. It is my prayer as I try to put the feelings and thoughts of my friend in a story that it will help you understand the situation here and in the world and bring us to our knees in prayer. Please remember that we are soldiers in a battle and we need to fight in prayer and be ready for the Lord to move and work!

Will You Hear Her Cry?

Thank you for your prayers and support.

In Him,

Jamie McKinley

Monica is home! ~ by Vicky Bentley

2012-02-18T05:40:00.001-08:00

Thank you for praying....Monica is home! Please pray God will continue to build up her red blood count and strengthen her during this pregnancy!

Revival & Prayer ~ by Vicky Bentley

2012-02-18T05:37:00.001-08:00

Wes just called from Texas where he is sharing at a men's conference. They held an early morning prayer meeting and a good number of men came to pray....

As I was praying for them from Africa, God led me to a quote written nearly 200 years ago by a faithful warrior for Jesus, Edward Payson (affectionately known as "Praying Payson of Portland"):

I was enabledto lie at Jesus' feet and to wash them with the tears of contrition. Nopleasure I have ever found in the Christian life is superior to this.

Excerpt from PrayingEdward Payson’s diary (February 18)

Payson's life was permeated with prayer. He lived in teh presence of God. His bedroom had hardwood floors and the grooves where he knelt testified of his devotion to prayer and intercession...

Through Payson's prayers to Jesus REVIVAL came....

Would to God that more men and women would PRAY and usher in REVIVAL for us....

PRAY without ceasing...

Ask of Me, Jesus said, and I will give you the heathen....

Maybe God haschosen you for such a time as this?

Praising God for a new baby girl....

2012-02-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

Gifti and Chaplain Abdrahaman Tia (he asked that we begin calling him Abraham from now on), went with a team to visit the home of George and Rose, members of Calvary Chapel Nimule. Rose just gave birth to this baby girl. Gifti is on the left and Abraham is on the right.

Children are a gift from the LORD;

they are a reward from Him.

Psalm 127:3

Looking for volunteers....

2012-02-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

We are need of volunteers to help glue journals! If you are interested please call the office at 951-677-4474! Thank you.

Prison Ministry ~ by Vicky Bentley

2012-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Lastweek Chaplain Abdrahaman Tia, a graduate of class eight who has remained hereat the base on staff, re-opened our prison ministry. He shared with Gifti Mura,our Rabuna Fi women's ministry leader, and she organized a group of ladies fromour Bible study to attend also. Every Wednesday and Friday at 7:00am a smallteam is going to encourage these forgotten prisoners.

Tiatold me that the men said, "It's only the Christians who remember us. Manyof us have not seen family, colleagues, or friends since we were imprisoned. Weare alive but dead. Please pray for us. We are suffering from many pains -physically and emotionally, but especially spiritually." The team prayedand God immediately strengthened those who were sick, giving a miraculoushealing, and helped them to find courage in Jesus.

Giftibrought t-shirts for them and they were so excited they took their shirts offimmediately and put on the new ones with great big smiles...such a small thingbrought such big joy!

Please pray that God will save each of these men. We willupdate more as we can and try to get photos if the prison guard will allow it.For today, here is the team that went this morning (from left to right: Tia,Betty, Joyce, and Kumi).

Then the King willsay to those on his right,
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father,

inherit theKingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

For I washungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink.

I was astranger, and you invited Me into your home.

I was naked,and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me.

I was inprison, and you visited Me.”

Then theserighteous ones will reply,

“Lord, when didwe ever see You hungry and feed You?

Or thirsty andgive You something to drink?...

When did weever see You sick or in prison and visit You?”

And the Kingwill say, “I tell you the truth,

when you did itto one of the least of these My brothers and sisters,

you were doingit to Me!"

Matthew 25:34-40

Keith Greene used to say, “The only difference between the sheep and the goats was what they didand didn’t do!” Which group will yoube told to join?

Please pray for Monica ~ By Vicky Bentley

2012-02-14T05:32:00.003-08:00

Please pray for staff Chaplain Joseph's wife, Monica. She has an enlarged spleen, she is pregnant and severely anemic. Yesterday, Joseph gave her a unit of blood and today I gave her one, but she still needs one more. We know your prayers are so powerful...thanks for lifting her up!

Romans 14:23

2012-02-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

...Ifyou do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

Letthis be your guide throughout the day….

Stopand pray before you speak or act…

Watch howintimately the Lord will instruct you…..

Prayer that Overcomes by Vicky Bentley

2012-02-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.whispersofhiswonder.blogspot.com/p/get-into-battle.html

Our Croc by Vicky Bentley

2012-02-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

Meet Martin Ring and our pet crocodile.....

Call to Arms ~ By Vicky Bentley

2012-02-08T03:54:00.000-08:00

Call to Arms ~ Prayer Warriors & Intercessors Needed

I believe this may be the most important message God has given me, PLEASE take the time to read through and watch the video link at the bottom….a life depends on it…..

For quite some time God has been stirring my heart for the plight of the modern day slaves, the women and children especially, who are being bought and sold EVERY DAY…in nearly EVERY COUNTRY…for inconceivable forms of sexual abuse and torture.

Google “Human Trafficking” and find statistics as high as 32,000,000 (yes, that is million, not thousands or ten thousands or even hundred thousands, MILLIONS) people living under cruel and oppressive bondage….

It’s a GLOBAL problem – people are abducted, kidnapped, or tricked into believing a job awaits them in another country…only to wake up chained to a bedside, raped repeatedly, sometimes injected by force with illegal drugs, they are TRAPPED and WITHOUT HOPE…..

How do I know this is true?

         It happened to a sister from our church in Nairobi, my dear friends met
          the traffickers and tried to expose the truth
                     I will share the whole story soon watch for the post….

All of these victims are bound with no way or even HOPE of escape TODAY ~ while many of us are comfortable and secure….

Hebrews 13:3says,

“Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”

My eyes are welling up with tears just typing….as if I felt their pain in my own body…Oh LORD have mercy on me for neglecting these suffering people….

I am accountable to God for my actions & you are accountable for yours. I will stand before Jesus and have to explain why I did or didn’t do anything about these brothers and sisters (Matthew 25)….

I know it’s HUGE and OVERWHELMING... there are governments, law enforcement, armies, politicians, millionaires, drug lords, and the like propagating and protecting this billion dollar business.

BUT GOD is Bigger, Greater, Stronger, Smarter, Richer, and in EVERY way ABLE to intervene…

We must link our impotence with His Omnipotence for the sake of these suffering
brothers and sisters….

NOW before any more people are enslaved….

2 Chronicles 7:14 says,

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

BOW before Him now…
          PRAY…
                 From a HUMBLED heart because you recognize ONLY Jesus is big enough to save the
                    women and children being bought and sold and the immoral men and women creating
                    the demand…. God is not respecter of persons, His grace is sufficient for ALL…
                                 CONFESS the sins, even if they are not yours personally.
                                                We are a BODY and we NEED Jesus more than ever before!

SEEK HIS FACE daily until every soul has been set free. God will direct you how to pray and there are great resources on the web to pray for countries and ministries I will pass on later. Just start to pray, wait on the LORD and listen to the Holy Spirit guiding you!

This link is a video made to expose the trafficking. One of the experts testifying is Pastor Justin Holcomb, a dear friend and longtime partner in this ministry. http://vimeo.com/unearthed/jacob

WARNING: The content is graphic ~ not in pictures but the facts alone are horrifying ~ but these are someone’s children, sister’s, friend’s…and MOST importantly these are people made in the image and likeness of God. The ending clearly reveals Jesus is the ONLY HOPE…for the victims and the abusers…

PLEASE prayerfully watch and share it and….
              PLEASE I BEG YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER…..
                GOD IS A MIGHTY DELIVERER….
HE WILL HEAR OUR CRIES FOR THEM…..(Psalm 10-15)

From whispersofhiswonder.blogspot.com

Sabrina Praying

2012-02-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Sabrina praying! How beautiful the sound of worshipping saints!

Check this out....

2012-02-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Misty Edwards will inspire and encourage you!

Rejoice! Jesus will come!

2012-02-03T11:26:00.001-08:00

Rejoice! Jesus will come!

New Website - New Look!

2012-01-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

THE NEW WEBSITE IS UP!

Check it out now!

Harvest of Souls at Canaan Farm!

2011-12-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

It is getting to harvest time in Uganda and farmers are getting ready for a big harvest this year. As farmers at Canaan farm and surrounding villages in Kiriyandongo prepare to start bringing in their harvest of corn, sunflower, vegetables and fruits they witnessed a different kind of harvest, a harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.

A two day Gospel retreat organized by Vicky Bentley for women involved in Rabuna Fi projects took place at Canaan farm on Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20th. The retreat specifically organized for ladies turned out to host men as well who turned up in big numbers after word of the retreat filtered through the village. As a result over 500 people got the opportunity of hearing the Good News taught. The theme of the retreat centered on the Church as the bride of Christ.

The presence and power of God was so real during the meetings and as a result over 30 people received Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives. At the end of the retreat believers faith in Christ was strengthened and more souls were added into the kingdom. Praise the Lord!!

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to teach both the women and the men and disciplining the new believers. Pray that God will speak through us and us as vessels of his Love to the community.

Blessings,

Richard & Suzan

* * * N E W W E B S I T E ! * * *

2011-11-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the new FRM Website!

(you can also copy/paste "www.frmusa.org" into your address bar)

We will be working on it over the next few days and weeks to get it as up-to-date as possible, so please check back frequently!

Come visit us and get some Christmas gifts for friends and family

2011-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Rabuna Fi has been invited to MOPS Christmas Bazaar. If you are in the area please come visit our table and get gifts that will make a difference in someones life.

...You never know what you will see in Africa...

2011-10-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Vicky and I found this creature in our front yard of FRM Guest House in Uganda...

...you can see it's eyes...

...This is very brave of me...

In Him

Natasha..

Sticky Fingers

2011-10-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

It started out as a normal day, I was sitting eating lunch with Eunice when out of the corner of my eye I saw something move in the kitchen. I at first thought it was a cat, but as we turned to see what had entered through the back door, there it was............a monkey.
Yes a monkey had not only walked into our house, but was sitting there quite content on the countertop eating my bananas. After yelling at it and chasing it back outside it sat at the top of the back fence finishing the banana it had stolen. When I went back in the kitchen I saw the bunch of bananas left and there were holes in them where his fingers grabbed the banana. So of course I was not going to eat them, so I fed the rest to it so the bananas at least would not be wasted.
Lesson learned that even though there is an electric fence around the compound when the power goes out frequently this allows for all sorts of animals to make themselves at home in my backyard and apparently in my kitchen. (That is Eunice's voice in the Video) Hope this made you smile. Blessings~ Jamie
My Unexpected Lunch Guest

Seeing the Creator in the Creation

2011-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

: Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. ~John 1:3

: For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. ~Psalm 95:3-5

: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. ~1 Chronicles 29:11

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ~Matthew 6:28-30

How great it is to just sit and watch a sunrise or sunset and see and soak in the vivid colors of the sky. How treasured are those moments when I can just meditate on His Word and look out on a land or part of God’s creation. To see a stream, a field of flowers, a few birds who eat from the crumbs I leave on the wall, the animals on safari, or even the stars; it is impossible not to praise the Creator.

Everything was created for God’s glory to speak and show His power and His majesty. I love to find beauty in the secret streets or corners no one might look, like the small pots and gardens in the midst or a trash filled slum. To see the child at play with a toy made of scraps and things thrown away. The Lord uses and makes beauty from the ashes in our own lives and hearts (Isaiah 61:3).

I had the amazing opportunity to go with the Zavala family on a road trip to Kijabe. The trip was to go for fellowship and to see the ministry and work of the mission hospital there. I had never been and was a little curious to see what it looked like and know where it was located. The blessing was that God did a mighty work in His creation and as we traveled we were blessed with views of fields, trees, mountains, and rivers.

The earth speaks of God’s beauty and power and yet I often do not take the time to meditate on it. I find on days when I wake up with things to do or try to work things out without being still and resting in Him I forget He holds the Earth together in His hand (Psalm 46:10). Everything, not just some, but everything is for His glory. The hard times and the good, the beauty and the disregarded all can and will be used to display His glory. My prayer is that I would trust Him in every aspect of my life as He cares for the flowers He cares more for His children (Matthew 6:25-34). When I fully yield to Him I can be that vessel that shines and displays His glory.

Here is a little poem I read that just shows a man who saw in his seminary the beauty that surrounds drives us to praise the Creator.

Pied Beauty, Gerard Manley Hopkins

Glory be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;

And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;

Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
PRAISE HIM.

I am so encouraged how the Lord works and shows me His glory and hand in life.

In Him,
Jamie

Come Away With Me My Beloved

2011-10-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

My beloved spoke, and said to me:

“ Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell.

Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!”

~Song of Solomon 2:10-13

My November newsletter will talk a lot of the work God is doing in my heart. Yet I still can’t help but share just a small piece of what God has shown me just today. These last few months have been a true refining time for me and I feel the Lord sifting through my heart and cleaning it out so that He can fill every area. Needless to say it is still a work in progress, but the Lord is faithful to continue to cleanse me and make me into His pure bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). I am humbled as the Lord reveals things in my heart and life that He desires to purify.

Yet as I have discovered in my Christian walk whenever the Lord is working and trying to shape me into a vessel that will shine more of His glory the devil is waiting and lurking to see if he can destroy any progress. As I have seen God’s hand and His changes have been seen in my heart and His glory shown in it, this last week I have also seen the devil trying to distract. This is nothing unexpected, but definitely a thing that brings me to my knees in prayer.

For it is in prayer that victory is found, for we are not fighting physical powers but spiritual battles. As I have been setting aside more time and trying to be more diligent in growing in my relationship with God and giving Him my whole heart the world tries to come in between. I know we face the battle everywhere not just in the mission field, but I see how technology, entertainment, activities, and people can draw the focus off the eternal things and off Him and steal time. As I study Revelation with our youth group and dig into it, and look at the lost around me I feel an urgency to reach as many as possible for His Kingdom since the end is near and life is a vapor. Yet how often time is wasted on distracted thoughts, pointless entertainment, and technology. Even ministry can become so busy and demanding that something good can cause me to loose focus on why I am serving and Who I am serving.

However, today as I woke up I just felt that desire to not make plans but listen to His voice the calling me to “Come away with Him.” These days are always nice to just read His Word, pray, listen to a teaching, read a study, and just sit and hear from Him. Today I was so blessed, so refreshed and encouraged. After a week that seemed to have different and odd distraction, I was able to drive, not face traffic, not get caught up in work, and just set aside time to refocus and be refilled by His Spirit. God will not relent until He has all of my heart and by responding to His voice today I am just overwhelmed with peace and joy. For it is not by my own strength I can live day by day but by His Spirit! (Zechariah 4:6) I encourage you answer His call and come away with Him, you don’t need a whole day like I had today; but just time that is dedicated to Him alone, He is a jealous God!

Please continue to pray that my focus would be on God and His glory and that these distractions would fade and be at a distance. Thank you so much for your prayers, you are truly a blessing!

In Him, Jamie

Update: from Natasha!

2011-10-03T13:10:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,

I’ve been reading the book “Love, a Holy Command” by Oswald Chambers… and I really want to share a few thoughts with you. “Whenever God has given you a blessing, take time to meditate beside the blessing and offer it back to God in a deliberate ecstasy of worship. God will never allow you to hold a spiritual blessing for yourself; it has to be given back to Him that He may make it a blessing to others. If you hoard it, it will turn to spiritual dry rot. If God has blessed you, erect an altar and give the blessing back to God as a love-gift.”

Do I stop and meditate over spiritual blessings that God gives to me? Am I ready to give them back to God or I am trying to hold them for myself? These are the real questions that I am asking myself…

The Lord brought me to a place in my life where I am like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning from Him…and honestly, I am telling you that it’s not easy for me… I am more like Martha… I like to be busy about my Father’s business…and I understand that there are different seasons in our walk with Jesus, and there is nothing wrong about being busy in the ministry…I am just saying that I am in a season in my life right now when God wants me to be quiet and listen… so I can embrace everything that Jesus has for me…It’s amazing how deep He can take me if only I am ready to receive…I hope it all makes sense to you and encourages you to get on your knees and let the Lord draw you closer to His Heart full of Love…

The warfare is so strong that it is hard even to explain…I read again and again Matthew 17 and see the warfare that the disciples faced after their experience on the mountain…We are all fighting; not against flesh and blood but our fight is in the spiritual realm…I cannot forget about it, you cannot forget about it…It does not matter how hard it might be…Jesus is my Victory, His Precious Blood covers me…His Love covers me…I can rest in Him, it gives me strength to move further...It makes me want to yield to my Beloved even more…to let Him do whatever it takes to make me like gold for His glory, for His pleasure…

I know that Jesus is writing His story through my life and it’s an amazing story of His Love and Faithfulness…

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; it’s flames are flames of fire,…many waters cannot quench this love…” Song of Solomon 8:6

in Him,

Natasha

Photo Slideshow: Bud Stonebaker

2011-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Check out this slideshow from Bud Stonebaker!

Bud was just recently over in Sudan and was kind enough to put this slideshow together for us all to enjoy!

Update! from Natasha

2011-09-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Wow, it’s been awhile since I sent my updates out…You probably though that I was dead J in a sense you are right…but let me start from the beginning J

As you probably know that the Lord opened an opportunity for me to go to Sudan…and it was a great time…so stretching and challenging and yet amazing!!! Full of God’s faithfulness and love…

I might share with you before that it was my dream from the beginning of my ministry with FRM to go to Sudan and serve the Lord there. In God’s Sovereignty, He took me through an amazing time of ministry in Calvary Chapel Nairobi, knitted my heart together with the people in the church and missionaries there…

When I finally arrived to Sudan, it felt like home, I wrote about it in one of my newsletters that I called it my earthly “promised Land” I even kissed the ground J Yeah, and arrived in a military caravan with guns and everything… but that’s a whole nother story. Just makes me smile to think about it. J

Being there slowly but surely the Lord started speaking to me that He called me to Himself and not to a certain geographic place on the planet…Jesus took me to a place where I realized that it does not matter anymore what I want…it’s all about what He wants…You know, those moments with Jesus you can never forget…I loved the ministry in S. Sudan, I’ve seen this country celebrate its independence and I’ve seen how much more needs to be done there…I’ve seen God’s glory!!! It was a mountain of transfiguration for me…And I felt like I was Peter who was asking Jesus to stay there…This is how amazing it was, yet, Jesus spoke clearly to me…,” you are going back to the valley”…Everything in me cried out to God for mercy, I asked the Lord to give me a sword (a scripture that I can stand on) or a song that I can sing to Him, and He gave me both…This passage from Matthew 17:1-8 became alive to me…How faithful and amazing the Lord is!!!! And even though I had to give up my dream…He gave me peace that passes all understanding…I started my updates with the statement that you probably though that I was dead…and this is true, I had to die, so Jesus can live through me…isn’t it a prayer for all of us…It was not an easy time for my flesh…nor for people around me…but I appreciated their prayers and support!!!

I arrived in Nairobi on the 26^th of August…I had such a great time of reunion with people in the church and my fellow missionaries…The time went by so fast and on the 13^th of September I came to Uganda to serve here and help with a guest house…And a question came up in my mind: “Why, why did the Lord move me again?” In His perfect love He wants me to obey Him in everything…and I know by my obedience to God that I love Him…

There is so much more to tell…I am in a place where the Lord took all my dreams, all my secure places that I had in my heart and left only Jesus… “When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:8

Prayer requests:

· Please pray for the Lord to continue to lead me the way He wants to…

· Pray that He would give me wisdom in how to help with the guest house in Kampala.

· Please pray for my daughter Masha and my Dad, Vladimir that they would come to the Lord…

~Natasha

New: Follow by Email!

2011-09-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

Check it out! Now you can follow by Email! Simply enter your email in the “Follow by Email!” field, click submit, then check your inbox for a confirmation email and a link to confirm your email address. FeedBurner will then email you with updates to our blog for every day that there are new posts!

Feel free to forward this information on to others! :)

May the LORD richly bless your day!

~ FRM

2011 FRM Chaplain DVD!

2011-09-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our newest video, the 2011 FRM Chaplain DVD, is now uploaded to YouTube!

(Here's what our DVD face looks like!)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

- or -

copy and paste the following URL into your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-qanaQvPjg

Be blessed! :)

~ FRM

Chaplain Graduation

2011-09-01T07:24:00.001-07:00

August 22, 2011

The 8th class of Chaplains graduated! I am excited to see more of God’s men out in the world preaching the gospel! The Ceremony looked like this: 2:00pm-2:15pm Prayer and Worship. 2:15pm-3:00pm Chaplains March In and Speech by Wes Bentley 3:00pm-3:05pm Interlude, 3:05pm-3:20pm Speech By Inspector, 3:20pm-3:30pm Speech by Army Officer / CDR Nimule Garisons, 3:30pm-3:40pm Army Officer From Juba, 3:40pm-4:00pm Presentation of Songs From the Youth and Women, 4:00pm-4:20pm Pastor John Sharing theWord of God, 4:20pm-4:30pm Speech From Immigration Police, 4:30pm-5:00pm Conclusion by Wes Bentley, 5:00pm Dinner Feast. I thought it was so powerful that the chaplain’s read the knight’s code. I was so blessed that God has more instruments well equipped to share His glory to the world. The part of this graduation that hit me the most was that these men would be going to the Nuba mountains where there is fighting and unrest. The gospel and Jesus is the only hope these men have. Nothing saves like Jesus can. Jesus gives men courage to face what doesn’t seem survivable. Death no longer is the end and all these men have a calling. It inspires me, an American woman who doesn’t have any immediate threats on my life, to live each day as an adventure that God increases my courage and faith. Why do we have to have the end in sight for us to start being who God made us to be? I want to be that woman today. Don’t you?

-Haley Jalinski

South Sudan - Arrival & days leading up to class 8 Chaplain Graduation

2011-09-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

On our way to our final destination of Nimule, South Sudan we stopped in Kampala, Uganda at the guesthouse. We stayed there for two nights and fellowshipped with Bob and Susanne, Keith and Lisa and their son Jonathan, Brian and Jill, Giftie, Michael, and James Olal. We drove from Kampala, Uganda to Nimule, South Sudan. It took about 8 hours. On the way we stopped and got chapotie which is like a tortilla, and fresh pineapple. They were so delicious! When we got to the compound in Nimule we were greeted by singing and cheering by the Chaplains. It was great seeing some familiar faces. We got right to work with the Chaplain sponsorship letters and preparing the sanctuary for the day of graduation. We painted the inside of the chapel and made the compound spotless. The Sudanese television would be filming the graduation. We also have been doing some interviews for the chaplains so that sponsors can hear and see their chaplain. Working with the chaplains and ministering to the ladies and the youth here has been such a blessing. God has granted this nation’s independence and I would not be surprised if it was because of the obedience of His children here. Kevin and I talked to the youth about purity and what it means to be a Christian in your youth. We have done team building games with the youth and chaplains. We pray that God unites them more as brothers and sisters in Christ. More to come!
-Haley Jalinski

Safari day 3

2011-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tuesday- Final day

Our last day on the Masai Mara was a bittersweet ending. We went out on a morning game drive. We saw so many hot air balloons in the sky so early in the morning. It was quite a sight. The sweet part of the last day was knowing we had a busy week ahead and we could relax for one more day. The bitter part was the busy week coming up. The Chaplain Graduation means having to do a lot of preparation. God really blessed us with sweet fellowship and just an overall relaxing time at the Masai Mara.

Safari day 2

2011-09-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

Monday- August 8, 2011

The second day to our safari was a blast. We spent the whole day out on the Mara. We ate our breakfast and lunch among the wildebeest. It was a great time for Kevin and I to spend with Aunt Vicky and Uncle Wes. We laughed and were awed by God’s creation around us. We learned on the second day that every animal on the African Savannah was useful for one reason or another. The vultures cleaned up and keep things sanitized. The elephants eat the acacia trees. So that is why there are only a few that pop up. The zebra and wildebeest eat the tall grass. The lions keep the population of wildebeest down. The list goes on and on. I just think that is so amazing. We serve a resourceful God. How much more will the God who gives purpose to the elephants give you a direction and a plan for your life. I like to dwell on this because being 19 a lot of life decisions are coming up. Including me getting married in December. Going to college also gives a lot of opportunity for God’s will to become more and more evident. So I have faith that He will direct me as I learn to surrender more, listen to Him often, trust and depend on Him solely, and have my hope resting in Him only. Then just be obedient.

The Tent Is Up!

2011-08-29T11:02:00.001-07:00

The first tent of many went up last week! FRM is planning to have traveling ministry groups in Sudan take the tents and a team to set them up to preach the good news of the Gospel, and hopefully leave it there as a church plant! Keep this project in prayer!

Here’s the word from the mouth of John Eastham:

Half way through putting it up, there was a thunderstorm.

We got soaked and very muddy.

I was muddy from head to toe.

I worked with 9 Sudanese chaplains. they were awesome.

God gets all the credit since He sent an American pastor with me who could teach the chaplains how to use a trucker's ratchet.

We will put the side walls on the tent tomorrow.

After that we will take the tent down, pack it up, take it out, and then put it up again.

It's all to train the chaplains how to put up the tent.

thank you so much for the prayer support. I really appreciate it.

I found the instructions in the tent materials, however, they were not nearly as helpful as I had hoped.

Anyhow, it is up.

Plans for the tent are to use it for evangelical crusades with the FRM chaplains and (possibly) it will become the church

"building" for Calvary Chapel Juba (capital of South Sudan).

That is why putting up the tent and training the chaplains is so important. Many, many people may be saved because of how it is used.

john e.

Masai Mara Safari Day 1

2011-08-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Us fueling up for our first game drive

We landed at about 12pm and we were so excited to be there! Our drive from the airstrip to the lodge where we were staying was amazing! Everything that you see and know about the African savanna came true. The zebra and wildebeest were everywhere. We stayed at the Intrepid lodge. We checked in and got settled for our two day safari adventure at around 12:30pm on August 7. At the lodge we found this suspension bridge that was straight out of the old jungle book cartoon.

Kevin and I on the jungle bridge

Our first game drive was a huge success. We saw a momma lion and her cub feeding on a wildebeest. In Uncle Wes' eyes that was a beautiful beginning to our safari. After we crossed paths with a herd of elephants. There were about five in the herd. If I remember right there were two adorable little babies and three grown up elephants. The guide said that if the babies can still pass under the mother's stomach that it was under one year old. We would see a baby elephant later on in our journey that would be smaller and closer to the one year mark. There were plenty of zebras, wildebeest (1.3 million were there due to the migration), Thompson gazelles, warthogs, mongoose, impalas, topis, and safari trucks. We really wanted to see cheetah, lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and giraffe.
-Haley Jalinski

Postcards from Africa

2011-07-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

So here I am. Africa. I have been hearing about the ministry since about 1996, coming on staff in 2007. After all these years of reading the FRM newsletter and reading all the missionary newsletters and seeing the photographs and reading the prayer points and all the other things at work that make me a part of the ministry, I am finally here.

Kelly and I flew into Entebbe where Vicky and Natasha picked us up and we left the following day for Gulu, and onward to Kitgum. We visited Keith and Lisa Coggin at Sanctuary of Grace, and then onto visit Lois at Tender Trust. We have been working on updating the photos and the information for the children that are sponsored. We have also visited Kitgum Infant Orphan Care and Sister Teddy at NUCBCD. We have had a chance to worship together, make ‘smores with them, and love on the kids. Your kids are well. J And they are so sweet. They shake my hand and greet me as I pass by. And they know that their life is different because of you.

Today Kelly and I shared with the kids from the 23^rd Psalm. The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not want. He goes before us. He cares for us. He walks with us through “the things that can make you dead”—according to one of the kids here at Tender Trust. What a great reminder that no matter what, when I choose to follow Him, He takes care of all the details. I’m looking forward to see where He’ll lead me next. In the short term, its back to Gulu and then on to Sudan on Monday. Looking with expectation toward the future!

Because of Him,

Sheri

Tender trust....

Time with precious kids...

Teaching the Bible...

Whispers of His Wonder

2011-07-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Two new posts to the Whispers of His Wonder blog. Please check them out

there are precious truths to glean.

~heart of Far Reaching Ministries

Whispers of His Wonder Posts

2011-07-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

Please check out our new Whispers of His Wonder blog. It is located to the right. All you have to do is click the photo. We have some little treasures that are sure to bless your heart.

~from the heart of Far Reaching Ministries

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...

2011-07-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

When Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” He was not joking. Being here in Nimule, and seeing what the Lord had done in the last 13 years, I am so encouraged… The name of the women’s ministry here is Rabuna Fi, and it means “God is here.” We have six Bible studies a week. Women from different language groups are coming every day. We have ladies from Dinka, Madi, and Acholi language groups; we also go to Loa and Mutuwa where we gather under trees to study the Word of God!!! It amazing to see the Lord is working in the lives of these ladies…

The Bible study in Mutuwa was born from an evangelistic crusade the Sudanese ladies led in June. The Word comes alive here. These sisters have great faith and do great exploits for Jesus.

I noticed right away the difference between ladies of Rabuna Fi and the new believers in Mutuwa. Gift Mura, the Project Administrator for Rabuna Fi, taught about a sin and God’s attitude toward sin. Most of these ladies had no idea that God hates sin, that we are lost in our sins and that only in Jesus can we defeat sin. Please pray for us as we teach these sisters the foundations of the faith. I look forward to watching God move! It’s exciting to teach those who are ready to receive! Please pray for Gift, while she is getting ready to teach every Friday. Pray that these ladies have a hunger to study the word of God. Lastly, most of them don’t have a Bible in their dialect, so please pray the Lord will provide for everyone to have a Bible.

... Bible study ...

... teaching the Word of God ...

Sudan News: Read All About It!

2011-06-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

I would love it if you would read the following article for a news update on Sudan!

Click here!

- OR -

Copy/Paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/11/world/africa/11sudan.html

~Agape

Vicky

Urgent Prayer Request for Far Reaching Ministries!!!

2011-06-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Prayer Warriors, please pray for the situation in the Nuba Mountains and for Chaplain Haknock Kalbas Kuri.

The Nuba Mountains are being bombed around the clock. Chaplain Haknock, who is currently in heavy combat, lost his wife and eleven members of his family when his home was bombed.

Ask the Lord for His divine hand of protect and the peace and comfort that passes all understanding for Haknock. Pray for an end to the bombing and safety for those affected.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Updates from Natasha, Sudan!

2011-06-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,

For so long I have not updated you with the great things that the Lord is doing in my life…

Ok, let me start from the time when I had to leave Kenya in order to receive my visa. My work permit is not approved yet but it is not rejected either, so please continue to pray for it J.

I left Nairobi on the 14^th of June, traveled to Uganda, and had an awesome time of rest in Kampala. It was good just to stop and wait on the Lord, just to sit at Jesus' feet… On the 25^th of May I started my journey to Sudan…and some of you know that it took me 5 days to get there…Usually if you travel straight to Sudan from Kampala it takes around 8-9 hours…

It was a journey of God's faithfulness and I was learning again to trust and follow the Lord not to try to run ahead of Him. Now I am in Sudan, I call it my earthly "promised land" J…my first impression of Southern Sudan is that it is so peaceful here, you cannot tell that this country could go into war at any minute… I was also very surprised that Sudan is so beautiful…You know how sometimes you have an idea of how something should look…so Sudan does not look like I thought it would look like J. It's greater!!!

I got a chance to see Juba the capital of Southern Sudan, but I love Nimule and the FRM Compound here. The ladies in the women's ministry are so encouraging. The name of this project is Rabuna Fi, it means God is here in Arabic, they have Bible studies throughout the whole week, sometimes even twice a day…It was very encouraging to see their passion for Jesus during the outreach we had and where a few ladies shared a teaching from the Bible. They have their prayer group and literacy class…and it's amazing to see how God is using those who are open to Him. When we had an outreach, I had a chance to share the Gospel and we gave glory to God for almost 50 people who got saved during that time…

We also had a one day conference for the youth… You know, like everywhere young people need a lot of encouragement especially at the time we are living in… Satan is at work and he wants to destroy youth with all kinds of stuff, but we, as the Body of Christ, should stand strong in prayer and discipleship for the young generation. It was very neat to see how many young boys and girls received Christ and rededicated their lives to Jesus. It was a one day conference and we taught them on the foundation of the Christian faith. Please pray that they will grow in their relationship with the Lord and would stand strong on the Rock, Jesus Christ!!! Especially at a the time like this when the war between Southern Sudan which is a Christian Nation and Northern Sudan which is completely Muslim nation can begin at any moment…

· Please continue to pray for peace in Southern Sudan.

· Pray for the time of preparation for the Bible Studies, protection while traveling, and good health for all of us here in the FRM compound.

· Please continue to pray for Masha, that she would come to the Lord with her whole heart.

· Please pray for good health for my parents.

Agape,

Natasha

Ministering to the youth in Nimule

2011-06-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is Natasha and yes, I am here in Nimule, Sudan…serving Jesus in every way possible and impossibleJ. The Lord is so gracious; He brought Jamie, who is serving with Calvary Chapel Nairobi up to Sudan for a visit to ease my transition.

Vicky, Jamie and I, felt the Lord calling us to reach out to the youth of Calvary Chapel Nimule. We spoke to Pastor James Olal and the choir that meets here three times a week for practice. God gave us a theme of “In Christ Alone,” for a one day conference on the foundations of the faith. The youth invited their peers from all the other churches in Nimule to join us too.

Saturday June 18^th we woke up to rain and prayed God would not let that stop anyone from attending. By 11:00am we had about 50 young hungry hearts. Brian Yeager, visiting from Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, shared his testimony and helped us perform the drama called, “Redeemer.” We gave an altar call and rejoiced as over 20 people came forward to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. After each of our five sessions we planned a short workshop, hoping to train them how to practice all the things they were learning. My favorite memory of the day was watching groups of five pray together. Some went to their knees, others sang softly, and all of them poured their hearts out without reservation or hesitation. Seeing this future generation on their knees seeking God and crying out to Him for their nation of Southern Sudan and for their own growth in their relationship with Jesus will remain with me forever.

We closed with a promise for more in-depth discipleship on Saturday. Vicky and I will be taking turns sharing, please continue to pray for wisdom on how to minister to the youth here at Calvary Chapel Nimule and in this community.

Outbreak of War in Sudan

2011-05-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

People of Abyei, meeting in church to pray.

People of Abyei, meeting to pray and decide what to do.

Just recently, FRM sent relief to the people up in Abyei, Sudan. They are located on the border between the North and the South (which is the place with the greatest oil supply). We just received word that the Arab North invaded Abyei, declaring war. The whole community we were reaching out to are now in hiding in the bush. Our chaplains working there had given us word that everyone is safe, but they are all in hiding. They made time to assemble in a small church for prayer before having to flee. We know that all great revivals come in when the people travail in prayer even to the point of tears. Will you please join us and fast and pray for our brothers and sisters in Abyei right now?

Potatoes for Grandmothers!

2011-05-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the "Potatoes for Grandmothers" outreach in Russia!

Food being divided and organized for each family!

stockpile of food to be delivered to families!

woman overjoyed by the amazing blessing of food supplies!

One of the families who received your gifts and blessing!

Russians in Kenya

2011-05-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

How amazing is the Lord!!! I want to share with you about the team from my home church, Calvary Chapel Vladimir… The Lord opened a door for them to come and serve long side of us in Nairobi…You can only imagine how excited I was when I saw them at the airport in Nairobi. Seven people came on this first teamJ. It was very cool to see how they ministered to the kids (they had two VBS’s and FIC kids concert. The FIC Youth concert went very well too). We were able to go and witness to the people in the slums of Kibera and Kawangware. Everybody on this team recognized that the people are very open to talk about and listen to the Gospel! So, we used every opportunity to share the Gospel and you know what…one lady from the team, Tatiana, could not even speak English…her desire to share the love of Christ with the Kenyans was so encouraging… she learned a few words in Swahili and was so brave to use them!!!

It was great to see how the Lord used all of us for His glory, and how faithful He was when we had to be flexible in changing plans in ministry… You have to do what you have to do… For me personally, to see my family here was very special… I was very tired physically but spiritually I was so fired up…

Tatiana is inviting people to the FIC concert

VBS in the slums of Matumba

Edick was painting kid's hands and faces in the slums of Kibera...

This verse from Isaiah 6:8 “Whom shell I send and who will go for Us…” became alive once again…To see these guys step out in faith…was great!!! My prayer for them right now is for them to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus and share His love wherever they go…

Update: from Extreme Missions Training Student, Christina!

2011-05-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago on our day off, Jamie and Natasha took us to a place near Nairobi, where a huge amount of tea is growing in the fields.

It was a relaxing day of fellowship and afterwards I felt spiritually and mentally uplifted. We are usually doing ministry six days out of the week, so it's good to spend our day off just relaxing and having fun with the team.

In celebration of Good Friday, we planned a day of food and fellowship with the ladies of Calvary Chapel Nairobi. In Kenya, eating chicken is considered a luxury, and killing a chicken is only affordable for special occasions. In order to have enough chicken for all the ladies, we had to kill and prepare three chickens. Jackie, Ana Marie and I learned how to cook chicken literally from scratch! It took a few hours to prepare along with some traditional Kenyan side dishes, but at the end we had a feast in honor of Good Friday. Before we ate, we took time to pray, sing a few worship songs and then Jamie read a passage of scripture about His death and resurrection. It was a good time of fellowship, and an opportunity to continue to get to know the ladies better and build relationships with them. My favorite part of that day, was seeing the reaction of the ladies as we helped them prepare the food. They were blessed that we were willing to learn from them and to prepare the food the way the Kenyans do. Even though it was more work than we are used to in our fast paced Western culture, it gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with these ladies.
On Easter Sunday, we hosted a party for the FIC (Fellowship in Christ) youth group at the church. Our vision for this was to allow the youth to fellowship in Christ, while at the same time challenging them to learn more about Jesus. We had them play games to challenge their knowledge of Bible scriptures and also to remember the significance of what Easter means to us as Christians.

We've spend a lot of time these past few weeks praying and preparing for the arrival of the Russian team that finally arrived a few days ago. They will be serving here with us for about a week and a half, and so far they have been a total blessing to Calvary Chapel Nairobi.

Yesterday, the Russian team lead worship alongside Natasha and the entire church was blessed with the worship they lead in Kiswahili, English, and Russian. After service, they held a special concert for the children of Calvary Chapel Nairobi, as well as the children we handed out flyers to in the slums behind the church. The children enjoyed a variety of singing, games, puppets, miming, and even rapping, all relating the gospel message that Jesus is the way to life. It has been a blessing so far to work with the Russian team, and fellowship with them at the guesthouse. I have the opportunity to learn about Russian culture, while living here in Kenya.

Our schedule over the next week and a half will be filled with evangelism, outreach, home visits, debates, and children's programs as we serve alongside the Russian team. Please continue to pray for Jackie, Ana Marie and I to finish strong and to serve well as we are sometimes distracted with thoughts of what the next season in our lives will bring.

Pray also for the family of the lady I am discipling named Damaris, that her husband will be saved. Please also pray for:
1. Team Unity with Russian Team and Jamie, Natasha, Ana Marie, Jackie and I
2. Good health and specifically for Ana Marie's health to improve
3. Wisdom for Pastor Dave on decisions of where we do outreaches
4. The Holy Spirit to help us bring people into His kingdom with the many outreaches this week!
5. God's provision for moving back to America:
If you desire more details please contact my friend Diana Gutierrez for more details on this via email dianagutierrezsd@gmail.com

In His Service,
Christina

Construction Team Needed!

2011-05-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! We are looking for a team of guys and gals with construction experience and skills to go to Sudan for the last 2 weeks of August. Please contact Ed Gauntt for details by emailing him at ed@frmusa.org or calling 951-677-4474.

Thanks! And God bless you!

Meet and Greet 2011!

2011-04-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's time for our Second Annual "Meet and Greet" Fundraiser!

Please visit our website for more details!

A Divine Elective

2011-04-18T10:51:00.001-07:00

Since returning to Nairobi, I have made a new little friend named Brian. We have the best conversations about his family, school, and Jesus. The best part about these conversations is that they all take place using sign language. My first Sunday back working with the kids in Sunday school, I asked Brian a question only to discover that he was deaf. At first, I was bummed because I couldn’t talk to him, but then I thought it was worth a try to see if maybe he understood American Sign Language. His face lit up when I used my hands to ask him his name. We became friends instantly. This past week I had the opportunity to teach a few of the boys his age that come to Sunday school some sign language so that they could at least greet him when he came to church. I never imagined that God would use that sign language class I took as an elective in college to show His love to a little boy in Africa.

~Anna-Marie Lawrence

Extreme Missions Training student

Angel Primary School

2011-03-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

Today Love Covered Angel Primary school. Fifty four students received love packs filled with mosquito nets, blankets, school supplies, and a uniform. Wes shared the final message and extended an invitation for anyone who was not sure where they would go when they die the chance to receive Jesus. This old man sat in the same shade as the children but was off to the side…..I could not help but think of my own grandfather, Claude, who is 92 years old and does not know the Lord. God in His love and mercy continually stretches forth His hand to forgive and receive the lost. Would you please pray that Claude will accept Jesus? Wes and I have shared with him many times but he says he will, “take his chances.” Last week he had a series of strokes or seizures and we feel he is not long for this world. How I long to know he will be in heaven with my grandmother….may God’s love cover more children in Sudan and also span the ocean to reach our family, friends, and neighbors in the USA.

~ Agape, Vicky Bentley

Weekly Devotional

2011-03-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Back to the Bible

1 Peter 4:14-16

¹⁴If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

It’s unfortunate that whenever we have the chance to share our faith with a friend, a co-worker or even a family member, the risk of making things awkward between us is usually enough to make us reconsider. The thought of sharing our faith with a stranger as they leave work is even more frightening. It would be embarrassing and humiliating.

I was recently in South Sudan, Africa, spending the month of October teaching the SPLA chaplains at our Far Reaching Ministries base. As I taught through the Book of Romans, I could see the resolute focus on the face of each man desiring to share the Word of God with their own people, not to mention the Muslims of Northern Sudan.

These men are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they are ready to lay their lives down, to be martyred, for the Gospel’s sake.

It made me reconsider my walk with the Lord. I can say as an American, I have never had the threat of being martyred for my faith. But there may come that time where we will have to stand and be imprisoned or even die for our faith. If it’s embarrassing to tell an unsaved friend or someone we work with about Jesus Christ, can we stand when the time may come that we will be persecuted or arrested for our faith?

A number of years ago, I spent Friday and Saturday nights on the streets of West Hollywood, California, with a group of Christians sharing our faith to anyone who would listen. After many weeks of doing this, militant gay groups would threaten us with bodily harm and the West Hollywood police would threaten us with arrest. If this was happening in the late eighties, things are getting worse twenty years later!

Are we ready to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, to let our light shine before men? Are we ready to suffer as a Christian, or will we stand ashamed? I pray that God gives us a resoluteness to be a witness for the Gospel today!

Devotion

2011-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

^{Luke 9:57}

Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”

"Are You Coming?"

After years of ministry, I have heard many people proclaim, “Lord, I will follow you wherever you go.” But when the journey gets difficult, it is then a different story. I have spoken to hundreds, who proclaim they want to be a missionary in Africa, but time passes and we never hear from them again. When life gets difficult will you continue to follow Jesus wherever He goes?

Wes Bentley has an analogy he uses when speaking to men at conferences, and that is of a soldier lying in a fox hole with his rifle between his legs, shaking with fear. While the enemy approaches, he’s unable to perform his duty! His commander yells at him and says, “Are you coming,” and he lays in his fox hole unresponsive.

As believers, we all experience the difficulties life has to throw at us. But the real question is are we going to continue following Jesus wherever He goes, or are we going to remain in the fox hole…”Are you coming?

I think of all the trials Paul experienced: stripes above measure, in prisons, in death often, stoned three times, shipped wrecked, a night and a day in the sea, robbers, and perils among false brethren. … “Are you coming?”

And again, hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… “Are you coming?

As Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Father, if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me; never the less not My will, but Yours, be done”…”Are you coming?”

Jesus is saying “Follow Me” are we able to make that journey to the end? “Are you coming?”

EMT Update

2011-02-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

Please keep praying for the Extreme Missions Training (EMT) Students. This week they will each begin teaching one of the Rabuna Fi groups. Today Christina taught from 2 Samuel 2:1-11. She did an awesome job and I was blessed to watch the women hang on her words. They truly are starting to crave the Word of God! After study we called for the Rabuna Fi leaders to come and pray over each sister with a need. I captured pictures of the EMT gals praying alongside these leaders. You could hear five different languages beseeching the throne of grace for help and it was like music to my ears! God is doing a marvelous work in this obscure little village. One day these women will be a mighty army for His name….please don’t forget to pray for us!

~Agape, Vicky

African Grasshopper

2011-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is just one of many crazy looking creatures you would see here in Africa. Look at all those beautiful colors!

Our Newest FRM Family Members!

2011-02-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Africa Here they Come! Our latest Interns.

We want to welcome John and Lily Eastham and their children to the Far Reaching Ministries family. John has begun his phase of the internship in our office. This time is designed to help prepare them mentally and spiritually for serving in Africa. Lily currently is focusing on homeschooling their children and they will swap roles midyear. The Eastham family will be serving in Uganda. Follow their progress through this final phase of preparation for the field by reading their newsletters posted here on the blog!

Devotion for the week of Feb 07, 2011

2011-02-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 55:8 & 9

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

As I read these verses in Isaiah, I am reminded of Acts 1:9 – 11 ⁹“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them  in white apparel, ¹¹who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

You see, the apostles kept looking up to heaven for Jesus to return back to them; they did not understand. To return was not the Lord’s plan at all. It took two “men in white apparel” to tell them to stop looking up, and then we see that they all returned back to Jerusalem.

At times, when we pray, we feel God does not answer our prayer the way we ask Him to, so we feel He has let us down. In reality, His thoughts and ways are not ours!

Recently, a brother and I went to this hospital and prayed over a baby who was diagnosed with a disease that is not curable. As the family and the rest of us prayed and anointed the baby with oil, in my heart I felt God would heal this precious life. But because His ways are not ours, He saw to take the baby to heaven and into His arms. I was saddened, but it did not shake my faith. In my heart, I wondered why He had not healed the child.

A few days after hearing the news, I was driving to work and the Lord spoke to me with His small quite voice and He said, “I did heal this child.” In His ways, He saw fit to give the baby life for an appointed time, so the family could bond with the child, to hold it, love it, and have memories to last the parents a lifetime. I said, “Thank you Father, I did not see it your way, I know my thoughts are not yours, and your ways are higher than my ways!”

Just like the apostles, I stopped looking up, asking the Lord why, but thanking Him for the opportunity to experience His love and faithfulness even when we don’t fully understand!

Sudan Succession

2011-02-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

We are happy to announce that Sudan has officially succeeded from the North! The results are in from the voting, and 98% are in favor of the succession! We are so glad the Lord answered prayer! Many are dancing in the streets tonight rejoicing over such a monumental victory.

While this is a great day for South Sudan, we need to pray as it is uncertain if the North will honor this clear and decisive vote. Today, Vicky Bentley saw the military fly overhead and soldiers movement on the ground, so now is the time to remain vigilant in prayer for our brothers and sisters in South Sudan!

~ Shannon Forsythe
Assistant Director FRMA

Help for Eowyn's Family

2011-02-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Faithful Prayer Warriors,

Wednesday we shared with you Eowyn Havertape’s passing into the arms of Jesus. She was the baby at Loma Linda who you have been faithfully praying for. Eowyn was the niece of Jason and Britny Havertape, the missionaries serving in Russia who were featured in the January newsletter.

If you would like to help her family with financial assistance at this difficult time, please use the link below to donate.

Please click here to make a donation to help the Havertape family

- or -

Copy and Paste the following link into your browser:

https://www.frmusa.org/?q=support/Havertape%20Family%20-%20Eowyn

If you would like to read more in depth about Eowyn, her story is at http://www.eowynhealth.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the family as they adjust to this difficult time.

Thankful that Our Savior holds her in His arms,

~ FRM Staff

Building a foundation

2011-01-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last week we were able to assist several nationals as they went into the schools to teach as part of the CRE (Christian Religious Education) program. This week we actually started teaching the classes. On Tuesday Jackie and Christina taught the two classes while I took photographs for a project I am doing for the church. Jackie was teaching the older kids from the Gospel of John. As she went verse-by-verse through the first chapter, she was explaining that Jesus is not only the Son of God, but He himself is God. I enjoyed watching the kids listen so intently as Jackie simply and excitedly explained the deity of Christ to them.

Jackie teaches the students from the Gospel of John.

After Jackie was done teaching, I was curious to see what the kids retained from the lesson. I found two young boys that had been in her class. I asked them what they learned from the teaching. I was fully expecting some short answer, but almost in perfect unison, they began retelling Jackie’s entire lesson. They even reviewed with me what they had learned from the week before, and recited their memory verse.

These two boys impressed me with their memories and desire to learn the Word of God.

I was humbled once again when I realized that we are a part of building the foundation of these children’s lives. That thought spurs me on to take advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel with these children.
--Anna-Marie

Taking advantage of every opportunity

2011-01-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most unique things about the Bible study we have at the salon in Kibera is that the women continue their work as we teach. This concept is unheard of in America, but here they cannot afford close down their business for an hour.

The first week I thought it was going to be hard to teach while they were still braiding. However, God soon changed my perspective. Now I am encouraging knowing that God is the One choosing people each week to come and have their hair done at the salon so that they may hear the Gospel. It is as if we are teaching and doing evangelism at the same time!

This past Tuesday I was teaching again. We discussed what the life of a Christian should look like according to the third chapter of Colossians. The Gospel is repeated several times in this book. If it is repeated in the Bible, we repeat it as well.

At the end of each study, we ask the women how we can be praying for them. We also have the habit of asking the customers. To our surprise, one of the customers told us her name and that she was a Muslim. She even allowed us to pray for her. Even though she did not pray to receive Christ that day, I was so encouraged to be reminded of God’s Sovereignty.

He is so faithful to bring people to us that need to hear that Jesus Christ loves them and died for them. At the same time, God reminded me of our part to take advantage of every opportunity to share about Jesus Christ because we never know who might be listening.

Devotion for 24 January 2011

2011-01-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Nehemiah 4:16-17

¹⁶“So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah.” ¹⁷Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that one hand they worked with construction, and with the other held a weapon.”

As I read through verses 16 & 17, scripture here shows us a great spiritual warfare that is taking place among the workers! When reading chapter 4, one could look at this as just a mere story that happened around 464-423 B.C. When Nehemiah was tasked to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he and his people came across immediate physical and mental warfare.

It was so great that literally half the servants were working at constructing of the wall, while the other half held spears, shields, and bows for protection! As one who works in Africa part time, I am well aware of this type of warfare. If it were not for the believers praying and financially supporting this ministry, work could never be accomplished in Africa. It should encourage those that can never go to Africa, or other parts of the world, that their support and prayers are as important as being actually serving there.

In these two chapters we see there are the servants, the leaders, those who carried burdens and those who protected those that were building the wall. We can never trivialize where God has called us in serving Him. We are ALL part of the great commission, and no matter if we are leaders or servant, God is working through all of us for His glory!

Outreach to Somali Refugee Ladies in Nairobi

2011-01-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to accompany Natasha to visit some Somali ladies who converted from their past Muslim faith to Christianity. It is on Natasha’s heart to reach out and minister to these ladies on a weekly basis.

The two-room house is shared by four ladies and their combined six children. We brought them a bag of groceries and the word of God to encourage them to persevere through the trials they face ever since their conversion. Natasha shared with them scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:17 which says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..”

We set out to encourage them, but hearing them tell us that “prayer is everything to us,” really challenged me in my faith to trust God more as these women do. After being abandoned by their husbands, these ladies are faced with the challenge of raising their children with no income and just trusting God for provision.

We prayed for healing for one of the children who suffered brain injury after being sick from meningitis. We also prayed for God to provide money to pay school fees so that their children could go to school.

In order to protect them from possible retaliation from Muslim family members who could find out about their conversions, I cannot post pictures. But please continue to pray for their needs, and for wisdom as Natasha continues to do house visits for all the ladies in the Somali Bible study.

Joshua 1 And The Heavenly Image

2011-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Our destination as believers is not a geographical location – ITS AN IMAGE! (Psalm 17:5) We are being transformed, from glory to glory, into the image of our Savior…God has to encourage us to move forward because we tend to be happy in neutral – we hate change – and Satan knows that neutral is the same as backsliding. As you sit today feeling defeat over your personal stronghold or giants in your life purpose to recognize God will lead you. You will overcome, not because of what you have earned or deserve BUT BY HIS UNFAILING PROMISES (1 Thessalonians 5:24). We have a “Joshua” to follow, His name is Jesus Christ…be strong therefore and courageous, He cannot fail you, victory is YOURS! (Pastor Joe Focht, excerpts from Joshua 1)

She Looks To The Sky

2011-01-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

She Looks to the Sky, by Sherry Youngward has always been one of my favorite songs. I learned it was written after Sherry read an excerpt from Jonathon Edwards journals. Edwards wrote about Sarah Pierpoint, the woman who soon became his wife and the mother of their ten children. As I read what he had to say I was challenged in the deepest part of my soul. This type of intimacy comes only to those who devote all their heart, soul, mind, and strength to Jesus….and isn’t that what Jesus said was the most important command (Matthew 22:37-40)? I encourage you to linger over these words. Jesus will be back for us soon, will He find us faithful to that greatest command? Will He be able to look at our lives and say, “Well done my daughter, well done.” I am purposing to take His new mercy and recklessly abandon my heart to this kind of intimacy…want to join me?

Agape,
~Vicky

They say there is a young lady in New Haven who is beloved of that Almighty Being, who made and rules the world, and that there are certain seasons in which this Great Being, in some way or other invisible, comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight, and that she hardly cares for anything except to meditate on Him – that she expects after a while to be received up where He is, to be raised up out of the world and caught up into heaven; being assured He loves her too well to let her remain at a distance from Him always. There she is to dwell with Him, and to be ravished with His love and delight forever. Therefore, if you present all the world before her, with the richest of its treasures, she disregards it and cares not for it, and is unmindful of any pain or affliction. She has a strange sweetness in her mind, and singular purity in her affections; is most just and conscientious in all her actions; and you could not persuade her to do anything wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this great Being. She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness and universal benevolence of mind; especially after those seasons in which this Great God has manifested Himself to her mind. She will sometimes go about from place to place, singing sweetly; and seems to be always of joy and pleasure; and no one knows for what. She loves to be alone, and to wander in the fields and on the mountains, and seems to have Someone Invisible always conversing with her. (Works 16, 789-790)

She Looks to the Sky, Sherry Youngward

They say she is loved by the Greatest of all who have walked the world.

He lives far away still she spends all her days

Content with only His words

She often walks alone, but never is she lonely

You can offer her anything her affections are all for Him only.

She looks to the sky as if He is coming down through the clouds up above

Tho’ no one has seen Him you cannot deny she is drenched with His love

She often walks alone, but never is she lonely

You can offer her anything her affections are all for Him only.

All the daylong she sings sweetly

She says He speaks to her mind

She’s only rich with affliction

Yet a bitter word you won’t find

She lives with assurance He loves her too deeply to let this distance remain

She’s brimming with longing for Him to come calling and sweep her away

She often walks alone, but never is she lonely

You can offer her anything her affections are all for Him only.

All the daylong she sings sweetly

She says He speaks to her mind

She’s only rich with affliction

Yet a bitter word you won’t find

Technology is fun!

2011-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Internet here in Nimule always has been a big challenge here for our missionaries on the field since it very difficult to get a signal. Vicky and I walked down to the next compound and we sat outside on a log to check emails. Crazy huh! While Vicky and I were checking their emails, children would come one by one and then all of a sudden there be many children just laughing and pointing at the screen. They would ask in Arabic is that a picture or a video? Can you imagine they never seen a computer before in their life? What fun joy to see the kids face discovering something new! Enjoy looking at these fun photos!

-Alison Jalinski

Bible Study open to women of Kibera, Nairobi

2011-01-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Lord opened up the door for Jackie, Anna Marie and I to teach a women’s Bible Study in the slums of Kibera. The Bible study takes place at a hair salon, and the owner, Doreen, invited us to come and teach the ladies who work there.

We are all three taking turns teaching through the book of Colossians, which is good for these ladies because many of them are new believers who need encouragement in their faith. But some of them are customers who happen to be there getting their hair done and end up at a Bible study they did not plan on going to.

The first few weeks of the study, the women did not respond very much after the teaching to ask questions, or even give feedback about what they learned. Last week, I had the opportunity to teach about Paul warning the Colossians about false teaching in the church. After I was done teaching, some of the women starting talking with our Christian translator Mildred.

Mildred later told me they were asking her questions about different false teachings they have in their culture, to know if they are Biblical. I was excited that they were responding to the Word of God and relating it to their lives. I am hoping that as more weeks go by, we can continue to build relationships with these ladies so that they will grow more deeply in Christ.

Above Ana Marie Teaching, and Mildred translating

Above Jackie, Ana Marie and Mildred and ladies

listening to Bible study.

Back-to-School VBS

2011-01-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

On Sunday afternoon, we had the pleasure of hosting a Back-to-School VBS for the children that live in the slums located directly behind the church. Christina and I have worked at vacation Bible schools before, but none of us had experience when it came to planning.

We didn’t have any money in our budget for a VBS, so we decided to do a car wash in our neighborhood to raise money for the event.

Several of the youth from the church helped us with the VBS. One of the youth named Chris was extremely helpful. He started the VBS off with a time of singing. Chris has an amount of energy that I find amazing. I felt like I was taking an extreme aerobics class just trying to keep up with him and the kids.

The kids singing and dancing

After a time of singing, the kids broke into groups to learn about what it means to love their neighbor. We used the story about the Good Samaritan to help them understand that we are to love and help anyone in need, regardless of any differences.

Jackie, Wallace, Chris, and the puppet helping the kids memorize their verse

We had a craft for the kids, which turned out to be what I can only describe as a time of fun chaos for my group. At one point, I was surrounded by 25 kids all begging for me to put glue on their projects. One of the teachers walked by and saw that a kid was dropping glue into my hair. As they were gluing little hearts onto their projects (or my hair), the kids kept saying, “Teacher, I need a love to put on mine!”

The kids answering questions about the Good Samaritan story

We ended the day with a snack, a skit and more singing. We all agreed that the time spent singing and dancing with the kids was one of our favorite parts of the day. Jackie helped lead the worship time by showing them the dance moves, so she had a perfect view of all the laughing faces. Christina and I were down dancing alongside the kids.

Christina and the kids enjoying a giant giant group hug

During one song, Chris would randomly yell a number and we would have to get that many people into a giant group hug. We learned a lot by evaluating the event to see what we can do better next time, but we were all blessed...possibly more than the children.

Raising up Men of God

2011-01-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today we served at a men’s luncheon at the church. One of Arie's desires is to raise up strong Godly men in the church. Today’s message was geared towards fathers being the head of the household & raising their children in a Godly manner. To our surprise 22 men showed up & a couple of them even brought their sons with them. We ladies cooked & served them lunch after the teaching. We cooked sukuma wiki (which is like a spinach leaf) with beef & ugali (maize flour). We had a great time cooking with the ladies. We each took turns trying to make ugali while the ladies giggled at our efforts. You pour the ugali flour into a huge pot of water & almost immediately it turns into a play doh like substance. You have to stir it continuously & as you’re stirring it becomes tougher & tougher to stir. We had to put our entire bodies into it…the Kenyan's could stir it with one hand...they are some tough women! We were all so blessed to be able to serve the men & blessed to have a great turn out of man desiring to grow in God.

Christina stirring the ugali

Pastor Arie teaching

FIC Youth Christmas Party at Calvary Chapel Nairobi

2011-01-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Wednesday before Christmas, I had the opportunity to attend the Calvary Chapel Nairobi’s youth Christmas Party. The party took place in the sanctuary of the church and went from afternoon till evening. It started off with a time of fellowship and greeting one another. Jackie, Anna Marie and I are just starting to build relationships with the youth, as well as with the other members of the church, so we spent time mingling to get to know them better.

After the time of meeting and greeting, we played some games to help break the ice for those who did not know everyone there. We played a name game, and Christmas Bible Trivia. Chris, one of the Kenyan youth group leaders, conducted the name game, and by the end of it we all knew each others name as well as what we like to do for fun.

Jackie, Anna Marie and I hosted a game that tested everyone’s knowledge of the true Christmas story. We asked everyone questions, and eliminated the youth down to three main contestants who competed for the grand prize. The game was a lot of fun, while at the same time giving the opportunity to learn more about the word of God.

After the games we had a time of more fellowship, eating baked items baked by Jamie, and dancing. Finally, the party ended with a time of testimonies and a recap of the youth mission trip to Garrison, and Katui, Kenya. Those who went on the trip shared their testimonies of the trip and how God used them to reach some unreached parts of Kenya.

Dancing...

meeting with a group of Somali ladies

2010-12-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you about a meeting that we had with a group of Somali ladies who were Muslims but received Jesus Christ as their personal Savoir. We got together with other believers from another church. Also, our 9 sisters and 1 brother from Somalia joined us. As I said all of them are Christians now… We had a time of worship, small Bible study and then a few of them shared their testimonies…One lady in that group has 11 children and was abandoned by her husband because she became a Christian, she also hosts two more young ladies who became Christians whose families chased them out of their homes…Another lady has two brothers who promised to kill her because of her conversion into Christianity and she prayed for protection from the Lord and one of her brothers moved to Dubai and another brother suddenly died…It’s a tragedy, but she is safe for now. You know, to hear these stories about the lives of these ladies was very challenging and encouraging…to know that God is in control and Muslims are getting saved and challenging because their lives are so hard and their faith is so strong for them it is life and death…We prayed with them and they sang a Somali worship song!!! It was so cool!!! J Also, they received a gift of some food and supplies to study the Bible…It was a sweet time of fellowship…Thank you Jesus!!!

Updates from Jamie McKinley

2010-12-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

So internet has been off and on here, but I just wanted to update you all on the huge blessing God gave me.

As you know we have been praying for a car that I could drive so that Natasha and I could do more ministry without the added cost of taxi fees. I am so happy to say that God is faithful and with the great help and shopping expertise of Wes, we here in Nairobi have a new car! Yes, I am driving quite frequently now, and loving the added freedom and opportunities it has already given Natasha and I to minister more to the church body and others.

Thank you to all who have supported me in prayers and support for making this possible. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to all of you who were a part of this. I am also so thankful to Wes and Vicky and the team here who took the time to help me choose the right car that would fit the ministry needs and the security needs. I am not a big fan of car shopping and all my loving friends and FRM family made it much better. This is just again another answered prayer!!

The photos are of the car and us having fun in it, it is a 2003 Toyota Noah. A van that is big enough to help pick people for guesthouse and also will help with the youth girls when we have events. The fun part is the back seats can move and face each other or just be set up all facing the front, so much fun!

Now all we need is a great name for it, if you have any suggestions please let me know, Natasha and I still have not picked out a name. Hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season and celebrating to true reason for the season!!!

Update from Natasha, Nairobi

2010-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

This week I had an opportunity to go to my first wedding here in Kenya…It was an interesting experience… It is very common here to start your wedding ceremony 2, 3 or even 4 hours late, so… instead of starting it at 11.00 we started at 1.30 pm. The whole ceremony took 12 hours and was held in different places. By the end of the day we were very tired…It looks like our church is entering a wedding season, we are going to have another wedding at our church this coming Saturday, and also next Saturday I was invited to sing worship at another wedding…Such an exciting time!!! Why I say that… is because many people here just come together and live as husband and wife without even getting married… it's the “Come and stay” life-style, as we call it. The sinful relationship that destroys many people’s lives…

Kitange dresses

Scholastica and I waiting for the wedding...

Another exciting thing that had happened today is that Benodictor, who moved with his family to Mombasa for a church plant from Calvary Chapel Nairobi, came to visit us! It was so good to hear about the work that the Lord is doing in Mombasa. Benodictor leads a Bible Study and 10 people got saved!!! He is very excited about it. We'll also be starting the Sunday service soon. The ministry to the Muslims is continuing and I was very encouraged to hear that the Lord opens the hearts of those who are open to hear and receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!! It’s hard, but it’s good!!! Please pray for Benodictor’s wife, Millicent; she is going to have a baby in one or two weeks. Pray for safety and protection when they are witnessing to the Muslim community… Pray that the Lord would open the eyes of those who are searching for the truth…

Benedictor telling us about the ministry...

What Sheri is thankful for;

2010-11-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

That God has a plan for my life, I am not an incident or an accident. He has something for me that He has planned since before the foundations of the earth, and His hand is clearly seen in how He has prepared me for today. I am thankful for the time I spent with my dad and that he was a wonderful object lesson of Matthew 7:11. And, I am thankful for my friends who are Jesus with skin on, and for my four legged Jesus with fur on.

My dog and cat

- Sheri Hansen

What Cayley is thankful for:

2010-11-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

My husband & son

My granddaughter

My dog

My son & his family

My children

What Kelly is thankful for:

2010-11-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

It is difficult for me to put down on paper all of the things that I am thankful for this year. From the amount of time that I am blessed to be able to spend with my grandson to having a family that is thriving and healthy, I am thankful for it all. Even the issues that seem to press down on me, I find it all a little easier knowing that I have a gracious Lord that bares my burdens for me. What I am most thankful for though, is being a child of a merciful, kind, wonderful and gracious Savior.

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you!

- Kelly Mejia

What Shannon is thankful for:

2010-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

I can always look back and see the hand of the Lord in everything I have gone through. I am thankful that we serve a mighty God. I am thankful for this life He has chosen to so graciously give me. I am honored to be mom to Sage and Courage, I am incredibly privileged to be wife to Bartley Forsythe, and I am honored to serve my Lord.

Deuteronomy 3:7 for what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us....

Happy Thanksgiving!
- Shannon Forsythe

Cars in Kenya

2010-11-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

For all of you who drive, or buy cars, or even just fuel cars you will definitely find this story funny. Hope this little story brings a smile to your face next time you have car problems or traffic problems.

So obviously coming to a new country and culture I expected to find changes in driving especially the main one which is driving on the opposite side. I love to laugh at the things I learn that I never would have thought of and especially how I learn them.

The first funny experience I had was when I was going to refuel my friend's car at the gas station. I pull up and roll down my window(gas is full service here so not self service, I know nice). The guy walks up and says no gas. I saw another car sitting in the station, not realizing they were having a different service and thought to myself, "No gas? What does that mean?" So I turn to my fellow missionary confused, and asked, "Do you have to belong to a membership for certain gas stations? Or is there something I have to do or sign or say to get gas? What is wrong?" She laughed so hard, because what I thought was something I did wrong was simply not understanding the simple statement. "No Gas." She just said as sweet as possible to my confused person, "Jamie they mean, no gas, as in there is no gas at this station they ran out." Yes, in America even with the gas prices and many cars I had never before found a station that ran out of gas. So remember sometimes it is better to pay for high price gas then find out there is no gas at all.

The second experience I had with cars here that is unusual for me is buying a car. I personally do not enjoy car shopping, shoe shopping I love, car shopping I just endure. I was so blessed to have Wes offer to help me shop for cars, my limited knowledge is obvious to dealers and it was so great to have him be able to really look for a good car. So Wes, Vicky, Natasha, and I went looking for a car that would be suitable for me here in Kenya. I was excited to have their help. So we go on our first test drive of a car. Most importantly in shopping for cars is to make sure air conditioning works, so we are testing that out as well. In Kenya due to robberies a lot of dealers leave very little gas in the cars on the lot. I am sure you know where this is going..... Yes you are correct we ran out of gas on our test drive. So Vicky and I and the cars salesman get out of the car and push from the back to get the car out of the road. I was laughing so hard since here I am in a dress and Vicky in heels pushing this car. That is definitely hands down the most fun I have ever had shopping for a car. Please continue to pray as I have not bought a car yet, but it looks as if God has provided a good one, just pray all the details work out and it would be a blessing to the ministry here.

The most important thing in the mission field and in life is to just be able to laugh at yourself and situations. I am always so happy to just be able to see the humor in things.

Pushing the stalled car.

In Him,
Jamie

Back in Africa

2010-11-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
It’s been a LONG time since I updated you on what the Lord has been doing in my life…So, here we go…
I had a chance to go to Russia for two weeks and was able to attend the Annual Calvary Chapel Conference and it was a great time of fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ!!! I also got to spend time with my daughter and I am very thankful for your prayers for her…I can see how God’s love is pursuing her. She is in the place where she knows the Gospel and she knows that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life but she chooses not to walk in this truth. Please continue to pray for her… Continue to pray for the church in Russia…the warfare is so strong and believers there need to stay strong in the Lord, be on fire for Jesus and preach the Gospel!!!
I am back in Africa now and it is a great time of reunion with the missionary team here…We had another family who was in the stats for three months and now they are back. We also had Wes and Vicky Bentley with us for a couple of days and it was great time of encouragement and fellowship!!! It’s so good to be back at church again and see all the faces…
Now we are entering into a special season of Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! Please continue to pray for wisdom in teaching the ladies; we are studying the gospel of Matthew. Pray for our women’s Christmas Tea, that it would be special event for each lady…
Agape,
Natasha

new bass guitar...

in Moscow...

Daily Devotion

2010-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

The resurrection tells us to be steadfast and immovable. These words tell us to have stability in faith. The resurrection should cause us to remain loyal to Jesus regardless of our circumstances. Corinth was a difficult place to live in, full of pagan worship, temptations, and trials that confronted Christians.

The resurrection tells us to be diligent, “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” What is the work of the Lord? It is doing good to others in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus went about doing good . We are to “abound” in His work.

The resurrection tells us to have confidence. “You know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” We need such a reminder that our work is not wasted when we work for Him. It provides hope and steadfastness, and enables us to go on in the face of difficult circumstances.

Daily Devotion

2010-11-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

Exodus 17: 11-13

12” As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Shortly after the people of Israel had passed through the Red Sea, the Amalekites came and attached the Israelites. Because of the strength of the Amalekits’ army, the Israelites did not have the power to win. God demonstrated His power by having Moses raise his staff to part the Red Sea, and Moses was to trust God as he lifted his staff in battle.

As long as Moses held up his staff the Israelites were winning, but when he lowered it, the Amalekites were winning. Because Moses was physically too tired to keep his hands up on his own; Aaron and Hur held his hands up! Because of this, Israel won the battle.

There are times in our lives when we need our arms lifted in battle. Maybe by having others pray for us, or encourage us. I know being a missionary on the front lines in Sudan, Africa; you can feel greatly outnumbered and prone to grow weary! That is why I’m encouraged by those who are blessed by the ministry, send letters or cards confirming that we’re on the right path.

Many times pastors, leaders and missionaries may seem to be strong, but they grow tired or weary and need their arms lifted in battle, by being reassured or blessed in a certain way. May we be that support for someone who needs their arms lifted!

Daily Devotion

2010-11-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Exodus 16:4

3. Then the Lord said to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

The answer from God through Moses is that enough bread will rain down from heaven each day as to fill the people. Each day the people had to gather enough food to fill them for that day. It is important to note that God provided for each day, except for the Sabbath, they were to gather enough bread for two days, obviously so that they need not work on the Sabbath. The Lord wanted to test them as to whether they will trust Him, and whether they would serve Him.

God wanted the people to trust that He would provide each day their needs. He wanted the people to 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' If people miss their weekly appointment with God because they have something else going, then they are missing the opportunity to remain free, squandering the time that God has given to mankind to help them to enter His Kingdom. The Sabbath is a wonderful gift He has given to us.

As in the Lord’s Prayer, let us ask for our “daily bread.”

Daily Devotion

2010-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 4:12

12 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God’s Word tells us we are to build our lives upon the unwavering standard of His Word. His Word is truth and holds the answer to every problem we have ever confronted and every problem we may face in the future. If we search for answers and prayerfully reflect on the truth of God’s Word, if we consider His Word as absolute and unchanging and apply it directly into our life, then we find the solutions to our problems have been available all along in His Word!

Our Heavenly Father is a skilled surgeon who can make our heart new and prepared to yield to His Spirit. The solution to our most complex problems is always found in His presence; and He has given His Word to show us how to draw near. Let's allow our heart to be cut by the truth and to be exposed and purified by the Living Word.

Daily Devotion

2010-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Romans 8:31

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?

Yet, God is for us! In original intention, in redemption, in intercession and in Love, God is for us! While in our hopeless and helpless state, Christ came and gave His life willingly on our behalf. (Romans 5:8) God extended His mercy towards us. He did not overlook or excuse our sin. He provided for it in full through Christ Jesus. He does not force His mercy and grace upon us. We can resist it and refuse it. But for those in Christ Jesus, "there is no condemnation!"

Daily Devotion

2010-11-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Luke 5: 5

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

Simon Peter had been a fisherman his whole life and now Jesus is asking Simon to let down his nets for a catch after they had toiled all night and caught nothing. Simon probably thought he knew better than the Lord, but at His request he would do as Jesus asked.
I’m sure at times we all feel we know better than the Lord when He asks us to take a step of faith. This is when our faith is really tested. Are we willing to say, “Yes, Lord” not my will, but yours.

Daily Devotion

2010-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Psalms 18: 1-3

1 I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

The Psalmist is saying he will not trust in his own strength or power, but his trust is in the one he loved. He knew the Lord would be his rock and fortress and would deliver him in time of trouble! David looks to the Lord to be his rock, buckler, salvation and high tower.
This was a natural thing for David to do and he expressed his love by exercising his trust in the Lord. Are we willing to say, "Lord, we put ALL our trust in you today!"

Are we willing to put our trust into action like David did? Can we praise the Lord in the presence of our enemies?

Interview with Wes Bentley!

2010-11-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Chris Stark with TCT from Saginaw, MI recently interviewed Wes Bentley. If you would like to see the interview with Wes he said it would be on television tomorrow evening (Thursday, November 11^th) at 10:30 p.m. and the following day at 10:30 am. If you have Direct TV it will be on Channel 37. You can also view the interview on the Internet here, click on "TCT Channel 1".

Blessings in Jesus’ name!

FRM

Catch-up and Update on a girl named Flavia

2010-11-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Catch-up:
Flavia is a 16 year old Ugandan girl whom our missionary, Suzanne Scott, has gotten to know over the past few months. She converted from Islam to Christianity in January of this year. Her entire family is still Muslim and they recently found out that she's a Christian. She lives with over 40 relatives. We first heard that she was in trouble and that they were planning to send her away and at least beat her. She was harassed and beaten for several days. We had been praying for the return of her grandmother to aid her. This is the most recent update we received from Uganda.

Update:
Flavia is doing better now. It was 5 of her Aunts who were causing her to be beaten and caned. Thankfully, she was never beaten too severely and never needed hospitalization. Her Uncle, who is also Muslim, has stepped in and told her Aunts to stop beating Flavia. He recently left for the village for 2 weeks, but said that if her Aunts laid a finger on Flavia they would be in big trouble. Also, Flavia's grandmother has made it home. She wasn't supposed to return until December, but I firmly believe it is an answer to your prayers that she's back. She told Flavia that it's her decision to believe in what she wants to. Praise God, things are getting better. I don't know if everything is sorted out, yet, but if you can remember her in prayer, she can always use it.

Thank you so much!
God Bless,
FRM

Prayer for Wes and Vicky!

2010-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Please keep Wes and Vicky in prayer as they leave the country this week! First they will be flying out to Russia and visiting with Lydia. Then they will be going down to Africa for another few weeks to continue their ministry there.

Please pray that their travels are safe, pray that their words are the Holy Spirit’s, pray that their bodies and resources are wholly surrendered to God for His good and perfect will, and pray that the Lord will refresh them through the divine appointments they have while they are away.

Be blessed in Jesus’ mighty name!

Updates on Urgent prayer requests!

2010-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

• From Twinkle Zavala:

Praise report!

This morning, The security guards that guard our compound, pulled aside construction workers that were coming to work at a nearby house and interrogated them. One of them said he knew the guy who broke into our house and that he knew where the lap top was and he returned the lap top back to Dave. Praise the Lord! the lap top was still in good condition.

The police detained one of 2 suspects,( they are still looking for one of the guys). the police searched the suspects' homes but weren't able to find any of the other stuff that was stolen. Again, if you wish to donate to help cover some of the costs of the stolen items at the Zavala’s please click here.

Prayer Requests:

Last night, we were still hearing noises on our roof, (since there is no 911 hot line here) Dave climbed up into the Attic around midnight to check if someone was still hiding there and a piece of the ceiling board broke ( 2by 4s he was stepping on gave way) and Dave fell onto the stairs below. He sustained some cuts, bruises & joint pains . Please pray that God would heal him & would give him the strength and peace to teach on Sunday morning.

Please pray that if the Lord wills, the other stolen items would be found.

Thanks for your prayers.

- Dave and Twinkle Zavala

• From Eric (about Lucy):

Thanks to all who have prayed for Lucy. We sent her to a better hospital several hours away, and they found out that she has Malaria. She's improving a lot and will be discharged tomorrow. Thanks again, God bless u all!

Thank you again for your diligence to pray. Please continue to labor with us.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities , against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12

- Erica Fye

Housing Needed!

2010-10-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful prayer warriors!

Our very own IT Manager, Drew, is now engaged to be married! Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Drew is requesting, or rather inquiring about, an affordable room to rent in the Murrieta/Temecula area. He has been on a very tight budget for almost a year in preparation for this season and has been saving every penny he can in order to pay off his debt from school and enter marriage debt-free! He is looking for inexpensive housing in the Murrieta or Temecula area so that he can continue to pay off his debt, and would like to hear from anyone who has, or may know of someone who has, a room for rent, a converted garage for rent, a tent-space on the side-yard for rent, or even crawl-space under their house.

We don't want him resorting to living in the back of his car, but he just might do it if he can't find another place to live here in town, so please keep him in prayer, and if you have rent-able space, or know of someone with rent-able space, feel free to email him at drew@frmusa.org with any details you may have, or with any questions about specifics! Or call our office to speak with him at 951-677-4474, and ask for Drew!

Thank you brothers and sisters in Jesus!

-FRM Staff

Chaplain Class 8 Photo Blog!

2010-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Urgent Prayer Request!: Gifti

2010-09-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Faithful Prayer Warriors,

Please lift Gifti before the throne of grace. She is carrying all of the teaching for the women’s ministry while Vicky is away, and she is sick with both malaria and typhoid. Ask our Great Physician to strengthen and heal her body.

Thank you!

Nairobi Updates from Natasha!

2010-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

We have been back to our “normal”, if you can use this word on a mission field, routineJ. We have four Women’s Bible studies a week; we also enjoy fellowship and tea. Jamie stated to teach the book of Exodus…so now we are studying Genesis, Exodus, Romans and Philippians…Please pray that the ladies will grow in their relationship with Jesus and also, they would be open to ask questions, to share their struggles so we can pray for them.

We started another semester in our Bible College. We have probably 25 students and it’s great to see them cleaning the church during a dayJ I also was very encouraged by a guy who came from Mombasa, from the church where we had a conference, and the Lord provided for him to be in the Bible College!!! Pretty amazing how God works!!!

In this update, I want you to show a few pictures of the new guest house…We moved at the end of July but we had two teams after that, so sorry for the delay…We are living very close to the Nairobi National Park, so close, that you can see animals from your windowJ. We have our own compound inside another compound. It’s a house with four bedrooms, a BIG living room and five bathrooms. For those who was here, we fixed the pump and now I don't have to take care of airlocks... The Lord also blessed us with a bigger kitchen!!! We also have a little back yard…Please pray for our neighbors, that we would build relationships with them and also have an opportunity to share the love of Christ!!!

May the Lord bless you,

Agape,

Natasha

Rabuna Fi Nairobi-Women of the Bible

2010-09-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

This week has been a great week for the Rabuna Fi ministry here in Nairobi. I have been so blessed to be able to serve and teach the ladies the book of Exodus. As I was teaching the beginning chapters of Exodus we saw how God used women to bring about the plan of Israel’s redemption. As a group we talked about how the women (midwives, Joachebed, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Miriam) all played some kind of role in the beginning of Mose’s life. The roles they played and the way God used them allowed for Moses to live and grow up into a man that God would then use to deliver Israel from slavery.

As we talked about how it is not the vessel, but the power of God that allows for us to be used mightily I encouraged them to look in the Bible for other women God used. This season of Rabuna Fi we had a church that donated necklaces, bibles, women’s devotionals, and bible bookmarks to us. So we are encouraging the women to learn verses and study the bible and give points for those who memorize their verses or answer an assignment from the Bible. That week offer them a chance to earn point if they could find a woman in the Bible that was used by God and tell me how they were used, and how their story encourages them or what they learned from that woman of God.

I did not know how many women of the study would actually complete the assignment or if they would even be interested in it. I told them that all the Rabuna Fi Women’s teachers would be available to sit and read to them a story or help them study if they wanted it. Some women came up to me for help in finding a particular woman of the Bible, or just to help them read the Bible. When last week arrived I did not know what to expect, or how many would be involved but I was surprised to see that a third of the class answered it. Not only had they found a woman, but many of them came to me and shared personal struggles they were having and how that woman of the Bible encouraged them. It was great to see these women open up and have the opportunity to not only get to know them, but see how God is speaking to them.

The huge blessing to me was that there was one woman who came to me and told me the woman of the Bible that related to her, and then this week gave me another one. When I was talking to her and hearing her insight into what God had shown her while she studied that woman I was so impressed. Then when I told her I appreciated her answer, but I was only giving point the first week and she already earned them she paused for a second. I could she was hoping for points, but then she asked me if she could talk with me each week about a different woman of the Bible. She asked if we could discuss each week a way God ministered to her through the story of a woman of the Bible!!!! How amazing is our God!! A simple one-time assignment touched her so much that she wanted to continue to study the Word if I would just take the time to talk with her about what she learned and also study with her! I was so blown away, at this response and it encouraged me so much since, here God uses these women still to touch us and help us learn more about His great love and character. God used these women of the past to touch the women of the Rabuna Fi ministry. And He is using this one assignment to start a relationship and discipleship opportunity for my sister and I here!

Please continue to pray for me as I study Exodus and teach these ladies. Pray that God would just speak through all of us leaders and use us as vessels for His love. Already He is blessing me so much through the relationships I am forming with each lady here.

Thank you for your prayers!

In Him, Jamie McKinley

Lydia and "Potatoes for Grandmothers"

2010-09-22T16:31:00.001-07:00

Far Reaching Ministries published two newsletters in the past that talked about Lydia. You can download our May 2007 FRM Newsletter, and you can also download the February 2008 FRM Newsletter to read more about Lydia.

Also, right now Far Reaching Ministries is doing a fundraiser called "Potatoes for Grandmothers". When the former Soviet Union collapsed so did the life savings of many people - their money became worthless. This has made it extremely hard for the elderly to get through the harsh Russian winters with enough to eat. Many believers are struggling to pay the heating bills with the small pensions they are receiving from the government leaving little or nothing for food. FRM wants to make sure that 100 families make it through the winter with enough food on the table. Three hundred dollars is needed for each of these families, therefore, the total amount needed will be $30,000. We would ask for you to consider a gift of $300 to help one family. This will provide the staple foods like potatoes, beans, rice, flour and sugar and while it may seem small to us, it will bring great joy and comfort to weary souls. We will be distributing the gifts to the elderly at the Calvary Chapel in Vladimir and a Baptist church in Rybinsk.

Please contact our office if you would like to support Lydia or one of the many other poor Russian families and help them make it through the winter ahead! Call 951-677-4474 or click HERE to donate to "Potatoes for Grandmothers".

Thank you, and may God richly bless your day!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

2010-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Please pray for our team in the Nuba Mountains right now. James Olal, FRM’s Project Director for Sudan, called to report the first group of new candidates for class eight are boarding for their flight to Nimule. Absalom, the FRM chaplain running our operations in the Nuba Mountains has been discipling a group of about 25 men from the Darfur region over the last year. These men are so excited to be trained in the Word of God. Their home is 100% Muslim and they are ready to carry the light of the gospel back no matter what the cost. We believe God has great things in store for this next group of chaplains, please keep them in prayer!

James also informed is that the tensions in the Nuba Mountains are continuing to rise. We have personally experienced the anti-Christian sentiment. The Muslim government of Northern Sudan encroached upon our land to build an Islamic school. Absalom has been fighting daily to keep them from taking more of our land to build a Muslim clinic. President Omar Al-Bashir appointed as governor of the region the Darfurian leader of the Jinjaweed rebels. This man is a KNOWN criminal and has a warrant out for his arrest by the International Criminal Court. The oppression our Christians brothers and sisters are facing in this area of Sudan is extreme. Please intercede for them and ask God to deliver them. Elections are set for November 2010. Pray that all marginalized areas will be fairly represented, that no fixing of the vote will occur, that there will be no violence, and PLEASE ask for God to give them freedom.

I have been praying for this region of Sudan for over 10 years, please join me in asking God to open the way for me to go there to serve. Today two women came to James and asked, “Please, we know Vicky is training women in the South, can you please take us to train us as leaders? We want to help our women here and we need this training in the Bible.” My heart is aching to help these women. Please pray with me!

Agape,

Vicky

FRM YouTube Channel!

2010-09-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

REMINDER!!!

Far Reaching Ministries has a BRAND NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

Now you can:
- View clips of some of Wes' sermons and teachings
- View our main media videos such as the Chaplain Video and the Rabuna Fi Video
- Share the video's with others by embedding them on your website or sending the links to friends and family

Please check it out!
or
Copy/Paste the following into your browser:
http://www.youtube.com/frmusamedia

Also, if the Lord puts it on your heart, please consider a one-time donation or becoming a faithful supporter of Far Reaching Ministries. Help us reach the whole continent of Africa with the message of Jesus Christ with your Support!

Sage and Courage: PHOTO GALLERY - Love Covers

2010-09-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Far Reaching Ministries

Update from Richard at Canaan Farm, Masindi, Uganda

Update from the Coggins!

Update from Jamie McKinley *Pray*

Monica is home! ~ by Vicky Bentley

Revival & Prayer ~ by Vicky Bentley

Praising God for a new baby girl....

Looking for volunteers....

Prison Ministry ~ by Vicky Bentley

Please pray for Monica ~ By Vicky Bentley

Romans 14:23

Prayer that Overcomes by Vicky Bentley

Our Croc by Vicky Bentley

Call to Arms ~ By Vicky Bentley

Sabrina Praying

Check this out....

Rejoice! Jesus will come!

New Website - New Look!

Harvest of Souls at Canaan Farm!

* * * N E W W E B S I T E ! * * *

Come visit us and get some Christmas gifts for friends and family

...You never know what you will see in Africa...

Sticky Fingers

Seeing the Creator in the Creation

Come Away With Me My Beloved

Update: from Natasha!

Photo Slideshow: Bud Stonebaker

Update! from Natasha

New: Follow by Email!

2011 FRM Chaplain DVD!

Chaplain Graduation

South Sudan - Arrival & days leading up to class 8 Chaplain Graduation

Safari day 3

Safari day 2

The Tent Is Up!

Masai Mara Safari Day 1

Postcards from Africa

Whispers of His Wonder

Whispers of His Wonder Posts

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...

Sudan News: Read All About It!

Urgent Prayer Request for Far Reaching Ministries!!!

Updates from Natasha, Sudan!

Ministering to the youth in Nimule

Outbreak of War in Sudan

Potatoes for Grandmothers!

Russians in Kenya

Update: from Extreme Missions Training Student, Christina!

Construction Team Needed!

Meet and Greet 2011!

A Divine Elective

Angel Primary School

Weekly Devotional

Devotion

EMT Update

African Grasshopper

Our Newest FRM Family Members!

Devotion for the week of Feb 07, 2011

Sudan Succession

Help for Eowyn's Family

Building a foundation

Taking advantage of every opportunity

Devotion for 24 January 2011

Outreach to Somali Refugee Ladies in Nairobi

Joshua 1 And The Heavenly Image

She Looks To The Sky

Technology is fun!

Bible Study open to women of Kibera, Nairobi

Back-to-School VBS

Raising up Men of God

FIC Youth Christmas Party at Calvary Chapel Nairobi

meeting with a group of Somali ladies

Updates from Jamie McKinley

Update from Natasha, Nairobi

What Sheri is thankful for;

What Cayley is thankful for:

What Kelly is thankful for:

What Shannon is thankful for:

Cars in Kenya

Back in Africa

Update from Jamie McKinley Pray