Free Gospel Missions May 2006 Newsletter

Free Gospel Missions

P.O. BOX 477 Export, PA 15632
Phone or fax: (412) 373-0307
E-mail: fgmd@juno.com
May 2006

OF SPECIAL INTEREST!!

Amazing events in Sierra Leone

Revival continues in Guinea

Outstanding Philippine Youth Camps

Rising Muslim persecution

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS EVERYWHERE:

We greet you in Jesus Christ our Lord! These have been two eventful months in our missions work, and there is only room to share a portion of it here.

u In the PHILIPPINES it is summer and that means Vacation Bible Schools and youth camps. Faith Bible Institute graduation convention had a record attendance of about 500 that overflowed the tent. Victories were won and lives changed as the Holy Spirit made His presence felt.

In place of the usual one youth camp, this year it was necessary to hold three regional camps because of the increased area and the large number of people now involved with our Philippine mission. Praise God for the increase!

Because of generous supporters, we now have another new church under construction in the Philippines, and funds to purchase land for yet another. Thanks folks!

Faith Bible Institute reopens June 2 with an increased enrollment. The Petits are busy every day and are thankful for faithful and dedicated pastors that work with them to continually expand the outreach of that mission.

u Exciting reports have come in from SIERRA LEONE West Africa. In just 3 months the bicycle project that put pioneer evangelists into remote villages, reported 44 villages had been evangelized, and congregations started in some! Further, well into the interior in the Kono district plans are in place for opening Faith Bible School next year. Plans are for a three-step program for certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Already, 9 buildings are under roof, including a chapel with a capacity of about 500. This is located on 8 acres of donated land, and has been funded primarily from Korea! Funds are still needed for doors, windows, and to pour floors. About $50,000)

Currently, two regional, short-term Bible Schools are in operation and a third is in the planning stage. Further, work is ongoing to repair damage sustained during the rebel war to the Bible School in the Magburaka area. Finally, our Field Supervisor, Isaac John has received a scholarship to a one month advanced leadership training program in Hawaii. It covers all costs including travel, meals, lodging and tuition!

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

u In India reports continue to come in of increasing numbers of conversions and attendance at services. Needed repairs are in progress to the mission house, made possible by some of you. However, we are receiving reports of increasing Muslim persecution in countries with sizable Muslim populations. This is especially true in Pakistan, where churches have been burned and people forced to flee for their lives.

We have been contacted by qualified ministers in Pakistan and Nigeria who appreciate our doctrinal basis and standards, and seek to fellowship with us, as they minister to Muslims. We have informed them that we cannot furnish any sizable funding for their ministry. Their response was, “we desire your fellowship and prayer support.” Please remember them in your prayers. To insure their security, it is best not to disclose their names and locations.

u Our new mission in Guinea enjoys an ongoing spirit of revival, with healings and miracles. There is a critical need for funds to build a multi-purpose building for services, training school etc. Any funds toward this project would be greatly appreciated. Serious poverty prevents local funding of this project.

It is with a very thankful heart that I can report the rapid advance of the work of God in most of our mission areas. So many of you have been faithful long time supporters, and some have gone beyond the normal in generous giving that has made it possible to provide pastors with motorcycles, new church buildings, other churches are repaired or improved, youth camps funded, etc. & etc. To God be the glory!

The needs are ongoing in every field. We depend every month on the contributions of individuals and churches to be able to sustain the work. There are always other projects that need funding, other pastors who need motorcycles, new congregations needing a place of worship and a multitude of other needs. We look back at the things that have been accomplished, and take new courage for the challenges before us.

u Very important are those who pray faithfully for this work. Missionaries and nationals alike earnestly request your prayer backing. Also we ask that you pray for additional workers who feel the call to go and serve God overseas. Additional workers are much needed in the Philippines. By every standard the Petits are overworked because of so much to be done and a shortage of help. Just months away is their time for furlough, and while there are nationals capable of filling the gap, it would be very helpful if we had a missionary couple to head up the work during their absence.

We so much appreciate our national leadership in Sierra Leone. For over a decade they have provided leadership, first in the war years, and now in the period of recovery. In spite of a multitude of obstacles, they have moved the mission forward with new congregations, churches, sizable retreats, construction projects, educational efforts, etc; until it is now experiencing its greatest growth and a bright future.

There is no question in my mind that the devil planned to destroy our mission with the war, (as happened to others), but not only did he fail, but the work expanded even more during the war years! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Thankfully yours,

C. H. Heath, Director of Missions

Home