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Greetings
in Jesus our Lord !
 There
is so much troubling news currently, that I am pleased to be able
to share some good news with you. Yes, there are definitely
needs, but first the good news.
SIERRA
LEONE:
Excellent
progress is being made in several aspects of the ministry in
this poverty stricken nation. Multiple churches are being
enlarged to accommodate growing congregations. New churches are
under construction as well.
A
recent exciting report was received. It contained plans for a
new evangelism effort into the most needy areas of this
undeveloped country. I was amazed at the detailed plan that
included details of how the this could be accomplished. Included
was a “traveling Bible School” that could go to
outlying areas to train pastors and evangelists. I can see many
advantages in this plan because of the unique situation in the
country.
Already
we have several flourishing day schools and more are being
developed. These are critical because of the lack of a public
school system. We are thankful for a friend of this ministry who
is helping by including school supplies in relief shipments. The
need of education is critical to breaking the widespread cycle of
poverty that engulfs this nation.
A
more effective national office is being developed with
departments to oversee the various ministries, such as youth,
evangelism, education, literature, etc. We are blessed to have
dedicated national leaders who continue to develop and expand
their abilities to move this mission forward.
Financial
needs include ongoing monthly support and $9000.00 to pay for an
essential used vehicle.
PHILIPPINES:
 The
diligent efforts of the Petits have resulted in a rapidly
expanding mission. Faith Bible Institute has 51 students
enrolled. The addition to the men’s dorm was completed
and is now in use. It is an attractive as well as functional
building.
Next
year it will likely be necessary to enlarge the girl’s
dorm. The opening revival proved to be exactly that, with
nearly every student filled with the Holy Spirit!. Even in
student led chapel services the Holy Spirit moved in an
outstanding way.
Our
largest permanent church building was just dedicated July 6th
and was filled for the occasion. How excited the people were to
leave the cramped house where they had worshipped and move into
the impressive new church. Another permanent church is under
construction, and several temporary churches have been built or
are in progress. Things are moving so fast it is difficult to
keep track as new outreaches and congregations are constantly
being started. Just few years ago we had
works in just two provinces, and now that has expanded four-fold
and growing. Most of the graduates of Faith Bible Institute are
in some kind of ministry, and a surprising number go into new
areas and start new congregations! Praise the Lord!
Over
their summer, (mid March to early June), it is Youth Camp time.
Instead of the usual one or two, it was necessary to have four
regional youth camps with a total enrollment of 490, with many
unregistered youth coming in for the evening services.! Some of
the students at FBI are products of the youth camps.
 The
Petits are doing well physically, but are working long hours
every day to oversee all the aspects of this mission. It involves
considerable travel, and sometimes it is necessary for them to go
different ways to cover all of the services etc. where a
missionary presence is expected. For instance, Luann recently
ministered at the weekly jail service, because women have begun
attending.
Along
with growth comes the need for additional finances. Food
prices as well as fuel and other costs are rising considerably.
An example is food for the Bible School, both the larger student
body and the rise in prices mandate the spending of additional
funds.
In
addition to the ongoing expenses of such items as repairs,
utilities, travel, are other major expenses. These include
buildings, conventions, etc. Currently there is a very major need
for a new vehicle for the Petits. Their current van was purchased
used, and has served them for about 4 years of hard usage. The
need to travel very primitive roads with heavy loads results in a
shorter vehicle life.
Further,
a larger vehicle is needed to take workers and instruments to
outside services etc. A 15 passenger Ford van would be ideal. It
would provide adequate space and is build rugged enough to handle
rough. Unfortunately, no used ones are available, new price is
about $35,000. One contributor has already given $1000 toward
this need. Can someone help?
INDIA:
India
seems to be more open to the gospel in recent months. An
increasing number of individuals are receiving Christ as savior
and being baptized in water to proclaim their faith in Jesus.
This country is a very needy nation, with the second largest
population in the world. Needed here is monthly support and
prayer.
NIGERIA:
In
Nigeria, with the largest Muslim population in the world,
Brother Albert is well qualified to take the gospel to them.
Rather frequently he is called to speak to other gatherings on
this subject.
The
need here is about $4000 to complete their multi-purpose
building. Needed is about $4200.00 Your gift in any amount will
be gratefully received.
Friends,
you are our lifeline. Without your prayers and giving, this
mission could not continue to function. Our yearly financial
report showed receipts last year were over $222,000.00. Thus it
takes about $600 a day to continue this endeavor. I am pleased to
report we were able to keep office expense to about $600, mostly
for postage. (That is 1/5 of 1% of income.) Sincere thanks goes
to those who help put out these news letters.
We
are well aware of the increasing costs for basic necessities
such as food, fuel, and utilities. We do not ask you to give what
your family needs for necessities. But we do encourage to give
what you can to keep the Word of God going into all the world, as
Jesus commanded! May the Lord bless you richly , for you have
been a blessing to people in foreign lands you will likely never
see!
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