An Update From Andrea Byrne
Mexico
Nov. 5, 2008
A while back I’d been teaching Pamela (Paco’s 14-year old daughter) to play trumpet. During our lessons she would often ask questions about God and Christianity. So upon my return to Aguas, I felt the time was right to begin a Bible Study with her. Our first Bible Study was about the exchange that Jesus made for us (taking our sin and giving us His perfection). At that study she prayed to receive Christ. At the next study her 10-year old sister Paulina joined us as we talked about how God wants a friendship with us rather than following religious rituals. “That’s really wonderful... I’d never thought about that” they commented. It’s exciting to see their hunger for God— they look forward to my visits on Wednesday evenings, knowing that they will learn something new from the Bible.
Plans & Opposition
Have you ever had a group of ladies stand outside of your church preventing people from going in? Well, this is exactly what happened to our team at our most recent Kid’s Club in Pocitos. As our team has begun more and more Bible Studies and as more children are transformed through Kid’s Club, people in this community are starting to notice. And some people don’t like it. Though the Kid’s Club attendance that week dropped from 60+ to around 30, we were at least glad for the increased concentration from the few kids who were there. And we admired the faith of those who came despite warnings and threats. Please pray for the believers in this community so that they would stand strong and grow amidst opposition. Pray also that those around them would see the change in their lives and the hope they have in Christ so that more would turn to Him.
- Andrea Byrne
Prayer Request From The Girons'
Mexico
Oct. 26, 2008
Help us pray during the Annual Day of the Dead Celebration in Aguascalientes. This year’s Death Festival will take place from October 17 to November 2, 2008. There will be many street parties, music concerts, theatrical shows and other productions, concerts dances, plays, and a whole host of other events! All these festivities have death as the theme. The most pronounced events usually happen the last few days of the festival. These include an offering to the Cristo Roto (a 140 foot tall statue called, “The Broken Christ”, because of a missing leg and arm), a skeleton dance and parade, death altar contests, the lighting up of the famous “Dead Man” mountain near Aguascalientes, and death bread contests. Live altars featuring depictions of death is on the menu for this year’s festival as well. Please keep in mind that a spirit of death is something we deal with every day and this festival just augments the situation!
How to pray: The Aguascalientes Team will be walking and praying periodically through the areas of main exposure during the events. They would appreciate having you come along side them in prayer throughout the week. The following are some ways you can pray for them:
*Effective prayer walks
*Divine appointments with the people in the city
*Boldness in speaking the truth in love
*For the light of Christ to shine through the darkness
- The Girons
The Container is On African Ground!
An Update From Mae Kellum In Africa
August 14, 2008
Hi to everyone,
We have some good news! David and Willard went to Bujumbura with the doctor and when they went to SODETRA (the shipping company) they found that the container is on the ground and should be loaded on the truck in two or three days! Then they said 6 days to Burundi. We are thinking maybe the container should be here around the 26th, but we hope we are pleasantly surprised.
I think Dr. Elisee has gotten permission to bring the container to Kibimba. One problem is that the customs office has to be there when the door of the container is opened. Because this is hospital stuff the medical department may also want to be here. Dr. Elisee is working on trying to get all of this together, but nothing can really be done until the truck gets into Burundi. Then he will present the packing list to customs. Yesterday in town both the customs and medical offices requested a list of the contents. They told them they would have to photo copy it and they did. Dr. Elisee says he is not worried - he knows a lot of people.
We ask you to pray for a safe trip for the container, and that the customs and medical inspections will not take a long time.
Yesterday was an interesting day here at Kibimba. The Ambassador from Belgium stayed here last night. He has finished his assignment in Burundi and wanted to walk across part of the country. Yesterday he walked from Mwaro to Kibimba, a distance of 30 kilometers but not very hilly, today he walked on to Mutoya, a Catholic mission about 40 kilometer and he had some big hills to climb. He had 3 security guards with him and they stayed here in this house. David and I moved over to Marc’s house for the night. The doctor took him to see the hospital last night and he was impressed with the work they were doing there. We had dinner with them after the hospital visit.
God Bless you all,
Mae Kellum
Giron Newsletter
The Giron’s 6th Month of Ministry in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Aug. 13, 2008
Train a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Beloved brothers and sisters:
The following is in what God permitted us to get involved and to carry out during the month of July. We continue obedient to the tasks that day by day He is commissioning us and witnessing a lot of His divine power to change lives.
I.POCITOS- Our family together with the rest of our team of missionaries of EFM in Aguascalientes and a group of brothers and sisters from the Friends Church in Las Vegas, NV give honor and glory to God for being able to have the 2ª. VBS in the community of Los Pocitos. 120 children, from among the ages 4-13 years were instructed with the word of God and they learned of how it was that three Biblical personages had a change of course in their life. After introducing them to Zacchaeus, Mephibosheth, and Saul an invitation was made for them to decide to change their course towards knowing Christ as their personal Savior. The activity finished with a ceremony of closure where there were prizes, songs, and a message to the parents that were able to be present. Our desire is to have a follow up with all these children every other week through “Club Aventura”, our bible study activity for kids. We are very thankful for every brother and sister from the Friends Church in Las Vegas that drove 32 hours to be here in Aguascalientes and helped us during the 4 days event.
II. BEGINNING OF CELLS OPENING- Our God showed us even more of his love and compassion for the community of Los Pocitos upon permitting that a bible study cell started already ¡Glory to Him!. This meeting is each Thursday and we have started with the study of the book of Mathew, there is an assistance of 7 people. And we are very touched upon knowing that there is another family of this same community interested in beginning another cell in their home.
III. MINISTERING IN THE PRISION- Edwin continues sharing words of exhortation with the prisoners of one of the local jails. Each Friday God permits this group of people to listen to the Message that gives liberty and hope. 8 people have made their decision to follow Christ and to get to know Him. Edwin, is still waiting for the opportunity to have more time to follow up with the new converted and to give them the discipleship that they need to learn how to live in Christ.
IV. RED CROSS- In this month we had the joy to hosts a group meeting from the Red Cross they met an afternoon in our house to study together. It was very exciting to see how after speaking of medical themes, the Holy Spirit guided the group to talk about spiritual subjects giving Edwin the opportunity to share about our faith and the relationship people need to have with our Creator. This group, of 5 people, are now willing to met continuously to have this type of conversation that got to their interest.
V. CONTACTS- We continue praying and working with the contacts mentioned in our previous updates, to whom we are sharing of our faith and the Word of God so that they realize that God wants to have an individual relationship with each one of them and waiting for them to accept the precious gift of the salvation through Jesus Christ. These people are: Oscar and Fernanda, Jesus and Rosario, Roberto and Claudia, Marco and Ofelia, and Josefina.
VI. DISCIPLESHIP- It is very beautiful and valuable to see how people grow in faith through the study of The Truth. We give thanks, honor, and glory to God for Angelica and Tere that by their constancy to take the classes they are learning to walk and to love our Lord.
VII. CELEBRATION SERVICE- Our team together with the new believers we meet to praise God each second Sunday of the month, and it is a blessing to hosts this meeting at our home where we worship, we praise, we pray and we meditate in the Holy Word together. We are always inviting new people to rejoice with us and to listen to the Message. We are having an assistance of 18-20 people.
VIII. NEW CONTACTS. We have new contacts to which we know God has sent us to introduce to them the Son that will set them free.
a. Olga and Armando, they have a small grocery store in Pocitos
b. Eva and Rodolfo, very poor family in Pocitos
c. Erika and their two children, in Pocitos, husband is in jail
d. María de Jesus, her young daughter with three small children recently lost her husband and they are very in need economically to maintain the little children.
e. Alma, husband involved in drugs and without a job, she is about to give birth to her second child.
f. Juana, had an accident where she injured her skull and left her with a headache.
g. Beatriz, mother of two adolescents girls that desires that her two daughters have a better behavior.
PRAY FOCUS.
I. Forms to approach to the parents of each one of the children that attended VBS
II. For adequate leaders to take charge of the cells in Pocitos
III. More time and ways to provide discipleship to those that Edwin visits in the prison
IV. Guidance and persuasion from the Holy Spirit when we do the meetings with Edwin’s group mates from the Red Cross at our house
V. Conviction from the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people, our contacts, with who we are sharing, so that soon they can understand and to accept the Message of Salvation
VI. Growth in the word of God in the heart of those that are taking the discipleship classes. And That they learn how to deny themselves and to follow Jesus Christ with a sincere heart
VII. Rebuke the obstacles that the enemy puts to stop the invited guests to come to the celebration services. That they can feel the need to know more of the Truth and have desire to experience the presence of God during the meetings.
Our Lord and Savior be the One who rewards your great way to contribute, with your hands or/and knees, to this ministry of reconciliation that has been entrusted us. Thank you!
Grace, love and peace from God,
Edwin, Maria, Favi & Edwin Isaac Giron
Mission: Aguascalientes, Mexico
Church Planting
"Our Amazing Journey Continues"
News From The Howell's In Ireland
August 1, 2008
As I was jogging yesterday, using that term very loosly, I ended up at the waterfront (Wicklow Town is on the east coast of Ireland on the Irish Sea.) No matter how many times you see it, it is still an amazing sight.The power of the waves crashing along the coast line. A roar that rivals the commuter train that runs alongside it. I stopped and just watched and listened, amazed at the sight and vastness of God’s power displayed.
In so many ways, this describes our first month in Ireland. From the first day getting off the airplane and almost not being allowed in the country. To the first week in Wicklow town and approved for our year Visa, enrolled in school for the kids, finding a house to rent, and finding a vehicle to purchase. To the last two weeks, beginning to make relationships. Every step of the way, we have seen God move in amazing and powerful ways.
Yesterday, we went with friends from Oregon to a place called Glendalough. It is the site of a historic Monastic settlement. As we were on the tour, every chance they got, Moriah and Jonathan were talking to the tour guide. At the end of the tour, we asked if they could take a picture with her. So when the rest of the group left, we took the picture. Afterwards, we stood and talked with her for a bit and we told her where we live. She got excited and said she was moving here in a few weeks. She asked for our number to contact us when she moves. Please pray for this young lady and whatever God has in store for this relationship.God’s power displayed.
Our neighborhood is one that represents Old Ireland in many ways.There are many kids on our street who come out and play together. As they are playing, the parents are usually out talking to one another. We have had opportunities to get to know our neighbors very well in this process. One has already shared that when we have a meeting, she would like to come and watch. She doesn’t want to participate, but she wants to observe. We have spent quite a bit of time getting to know another family and they have been very open to sharing their life journey with us. We have no agenda, but to share the love of Jesus with all. God’s power displayed.
There are no words to express our thanks and love for all of you whohave faithfully prayed and supported us to get here. We can all celebrate, God is moving. Continue to pray for us as we connect with people and begin finding ways to reach out into our community. Pray that God’s power would be displayed in opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with people who are searching. Col. 4:2-4
The Howell's
ANSWERED PRAYERS!
THREE NEW AREA VICE-PRESIDENTS!
July 26, 2008
We have been praying for women willing to be Area Vice-Presidents in four areas. This past weekend God provided answers to our prayers in three of those areas!
Ladies, please meet our three new Area Vice President's:
Texas Area Vice-President:
Amy Pena
We are very excited about Amy joining us, as we have not had a representative from Texas for a number of years. Welcome, Amy!
South Central Area Vice-President:
Janice Fulbright
Yeah for Janice! She is heading up the South Central Area, which includes churches in Pratt, Haviland, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Macksville. We know there are lots of future Friends Women at Barclay College in Haviland and Janice will help spread the word about FWF.
North East Area Vice-President:
Shelda Cay Kearns
Yippee-ki-yay for Shelda Cay! She is taking over from Cathy Brandt as the North East Area Vice-President. Shelda Cay has grown in up in the Friends Church and brings lots of knowledge and know-how with her.
You can find contact info for all of our officers HERE.
Still needed -an Area Vice President for the Western Area. This includes churches in Bethel, Booker, Colorado, Fowler, Gate, Liberal, Lone Star, Plains, Springfield, Villas, and Walsh. If you're interested or would like more info, contact FWF Vice President Dalene Hutson at (316) 721-5364.
MINISTRY CONFERENCE
LUNCHEON UPDATE
July 25, 2008
We had a great time and a wonderful turn out for the FWF Ministry Conference Luncheon! Click HERE for more details and photos of the event.
A NOTE FROM
YOUTH COORDINATOR,
SYLVIA HARVEY
July 20, 2008
Connie and Gary Young have provided us with a wonderful way to keep the Children's and Youth project fresh in our minds. This is a make-it-yourself bank for your children's ministry to use however you can fit it in. It will be a great reminder for our children to raise money for our projects. It can be used by groups or individuals, young and old alike.
Click here for the Youth page which contains the downloadable bank!
CONTAINER UPDATE
Please pray!
July 15, 2008
We just received word a few days ago that our container for the Kibimba Hospital has been held up in Saudi Arabia. The port it is headed to, Dar Es Salaam, is too congested to receive new containers at this time.
Please pray for the traffic to clear up in Dar Es Salaam and our container to arrive in a timely manner. The Kellum's, Ferguson's and Dick Long are all headed to Kibimba to help unpack the crate and set up the medical supplies. It is important that the crate is available at the same time they are!
Pray that God will find a place for the ship in the port at Dar Es Salaam.