From the Desk of:
Dr. Pat Creed
Caribbean Director
It is exciting to hear of the many good things that are taking place throughout the islands – churches being started, many folks coming to Christ, and a tremendous group of nationals are being trained in the Bible schools. BIMI has a wonderful group of missionaries in the West Indies, and God is blessing in a great way! We really need to enjoy all that He is doing!
Please pray for Howard and Joyce Chappell. They have been trying to get into Aruba, but it seems that the door is closed at this time, so they are praying for another place to go in the islands. The Chappells did a tremendous job in St. Kitts. They left a wonderful work in the hands of a national, and we need to pray that God will give them complete peace about the next place that He has planned for them.
We have finished the presentation on Jamaica, and it is available for anyone who would like a copy (see page 8 for details). The thrust of the DVD is to encourage folks who have been called to missions to consider this part of the world. We are now planning a presentation on Trinidad and after that one on the entire Caribbean. Please pray that God will provide the needs of these projects and use them to challenge people for the West Indies.
We have had some tremendous missions conferences and missions booster Sundays in recent days. I had the privilege of starting three brand new faith promise programs. It is very exciting to get into a church where the pastor is missions-hearted and desires to lead his people in that direction.
June and I spent July 14-24 in Trinidad where I preached two missions conferences. The first was at Trinity Baptist Church where John Gossett served for two terms. The church is now being pastored by a national. The second was at Amazing Grace Baptist Church where the Gossetts are presently serving. God blessed both conferences in a wonderful way with many people responding to the need of worldwide evangelism and with tremendous increases in faith promise commitments.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the field conference. This is going to be a very comfortable and enjoyable place for our meeting. I hope that everyone will attend. This will be a great time of fellowship, relaxation, and tremendous preaching.
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by Gary Sprunger, Caribbean Assistant Director
As I hear the news of troop deployment and returns, I am reminded of the need for new troops for missions. This year we thrilled to have a number of new missionary candidates for the Caribbean. As they shared their calling to missions, we reminisced back to 1973 when Joy and I went through the process of being accepted by BIMI. Although it was 33 years ago that we joined the rank of BIMI missionaries, it seems just like yesterday in many ways. The Lord has been so good to us. The candidate school was packed with new missionaries. Although there backgrounds were different, their common call was to win lost souls and help in planting churches around the world. We encourage you to pray for these that are now on deputation raising the necessary support. Those presently on deputation.are: Erik and Holly Johnson (Dominican Republic), Christine & Jim Payne (Dominican Republic), Allen and Tami Gruber (Dominican Republic), and Rob and Christy Westlake (Jamaica). The Westlakes will soon be leaving for Jamaica.
After Candidate school, Joy and I returned back to the home office for Camp BIMI. The first week we had over 40 potential missionaries from the United States and Canada. Several missionary children have also been participating in the sessions. During the second week of camp we had over 20 young people. The testimonies of these young people have touched our lives. Time was set aside to share the mission needs of the Caribbean each week, and we were given time at each meal to personally share our burden of the Caribbean with them. We are praying that some of these choice servants will be called into the harvest field of the islands.
At this time I am writing from preparing this article from island of Barbados. This beautiful island is the home of about 275,000 people. Joy and I are enjoying our stay as we fill in for Robert and Rhoda Smith. This fine couple came to Barbados after serving the Lord in Nigeria for about 10 years. The Lord directed them to start a new church in the area of St. Philips. After filling up their living room, they moved to a small school where around 65 folks come faithfully. The church is praying for land where they will be able to build a larger facility. There is a great need for additional room. Presently, the school is packed and more space is needed. It is a joy for us to be involved with this wonderful ministry.
Allen and Tami Guber
(Dominican Republic)
Eric and Holly Johnson
(Dominican Republic)
Jim and Christine Payne
(Dominican Republic)
Rob and Christy Westlake
(Jamaica) Return to Top
As I hear the news of troop deployment and returns, I am reminded of the need for new troops for missions. This year we thrilled to have a number of new missionary candidates for the Caribbean. As they shared their calling to missions, we reminisced back to 1973 when Joy and I went through the process of being accepted by BIMI. Although it was 33 years ago that we joined the rank of BIMI missionaries, it seems just like yesterday in many ways. The Lord has been so good to us. The candidate school was packed with new missionaries. Although there backgrounds were different, their common call was to win lost souls and help in planting churches around the world. We encourage you to pray for these that are now on deputation raising the necessary support. Those presently on deputation.are: Erik and Holly Johnson (Dominican Republic), Christine & Jim Payne (Dominican Republic), Allen and Tami Gruber (Dominican Republic), and Rob and Christy Westlake (Jamaica). The Westlakes will soon be leaving for Jamaica.
After Candidate school, Joy and I returned back to the home office for Camp BIMI. The first week we had over 40 potential missionaries from the United States and Canada. Several missionary children have also been participating in the sessions. During the second week of camp we had over 20 young people. The testimonies of these young people have touched our lives. Time was set aside to share the mission needs of the Caribbean each week, and we were given time at each meal to personally share our burden of the Caribbean with them. We are praying that some of these choice servants will be called into the harvest field of the islands.
At this time I am writing from preparing this article from island of Barbados. This beautiful island is the home of about 275,000 people. Joy and I are enjoying our stay as we fill in for Robert and Rhoda Smith. This fine couple came to Barbados after serving the Lord in Nigeria for about 10 years. The Lord directed them to start a new church in the area of St. Philips. After filling up their living room, they moved to a small school where around 65 folks come faithfully. The church is praying for land where they will be able to build a larger facility. There is a great need for additional room. Presently, the school is packed and more space is needed. It is a joy for us to be involved with this wonderful ministry.
Allen and Tami Guber
(Dominican Republic)
Eric and Holly Johnson
(Dominican Republic)
Jim and Christine Payne
(Dominican Republic)
Rob and Christy Westlake
(Jamaica) Return to Top
by Mrs. June Creed
Dear Noteworthy Friends,
This month, Pat and I, along with our family, have been busy with weddings. Our granddaughter Charity Rempel married Jamie Painter, and our grandson Patrick III married Tiffany Austin. Both weddings were very beautiful, and we enjoyed being with them. They are starting a new life and a new family. What a blessing, what an adventure!
We think about the missionaries on deputation and how exciting it is as they anticipate starting a new life on the field. How exciting being in a different country, a different culture, a different language, and different food, etc. It is like just being married and everything is so exciting for a long time and then one day the reality of the day-to-day sets in -- dirty laundry, meals to prepare, cleanup, keeping spiritually and physically strong, keeping up your appearance, and keeping your marriage exciting and happy. You begin to think, "What is a nice girl like me doing in a place like this!" Then the Lord whispers, "You are here because it is My will, I’ve left a foundation for you to build on, you don’t have to wonder the Bible has the answer, I’m here with you, just talk to Me and trust Me."
Pat and I have just celebrated our forty-ninth wedding anniversary. It still takes commitment and work every day, but it is an adventure and a blessing to be married and serving the Lord. Enjoy your life everyday in the Lord!
Love and Prayers,
June
I Thess. 5:18
Chow Mien Cookies
2 pkgs. (12 oz.) butterscotch morsels
2 (5 ½ oz) cans chow mien noodles
1 cup salted peanuts
Melt morsels in double boiler. Stir in chow mien noodles and peanuts. Drop by spoon on wax paper. Let set. (You can substitute with chocolate morsels if desired. If you don’t have a double boiler use Pyrex bowl over boiling water in saucepan.)
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Joy and Joshua Wesson are the proud parents of Kathyn Abigail. She was born on April 22 weighing in at 6 pounds 10 oz. During her pregnancy, Joy experienced some heart problems. A procedure to correct the problem was preformed, and Joy continues to recuperate. Pray for them as they await the doctors permission to return to the Dominican Republic.
Jim and Christine Payne, missionary candidates on deputation for the Dominican Republic, added a little girl to their lovely family on April 19th. They have named her, Ashley Grace. Pray for the Paynes as they prayerfully seek support to serve the Lord in the Dominican Republic.
Jim and Kelly Shelton have started Iglesia Bautista de Aguada. This new church is located between Aguada, Moca, and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Recently Jim reported 5 new visitors in one service. Pray for the Sheltons as they minister in this needy area of Puerto Rico.
The Jeff Garrison family reports this wonderful news. "Thanks to the generosity of many different churches and individuals we were able to put the down payment on our very own property! We have been able to purchase 840 square meters of property with an option to buy another 1250 square meters. Property is very hard to come by and it is relatively expensive.
Robert and Rhoda Smith in Barbados share this wonderful news, "Our church has finally moved out of our house. Whew! Praise the Lord! We are now meeting at a small, local, private school not far from us here. Our people worked so hard to make the schoolroom ready for the church. It was very dusty and needed a real paint job. The church folks did a great job. They are just a privilege to serve."
Steve and Nohemy Sidler have been asking prayer for exoneration of import taxes on a school bus that is waiting to be shipped to the Dominican Republic. Steve reports, "In our church, only one man has a motorcycle and two men have cars. Our church van just ‘gave up the ghost,’ so we hve had to rent a taxi every Sunday. This bus also runs on diesel fuel which is much cheaper to buy here in the Dominican Republic." Good new, the government has given exoneration for the 1987 International school bus. Soon it will serving in the DR.
Michael and Anna Doering in the Dominican Republic share how that Christ Philips and a group of young people assisted in visitation for a special campaign. Two ladies accepted the Lord during this time of visitation. At the baptismal service seven followed the Lord’s command to be baptized in spite of torrential rains and lots of mud to walk through. The final night of the evangelistic campaign twelve persons made professions of faith.
Swante and Linda Lindquist on furlough share this: "The possibility of a French-speaking Bible Institute on the island of Guadeloupe is growing like fire in my heart. This island is in such tremendous need of the pure Gospel by men who mean business for God. The plans for the new Bible Institute are starting to come together."
Jerry and Liz Harmon in Puerto Rico state: "While the church is growing slowly, we are seeing some new people beginning to be discipled and being more faithful to God. Ester an her two children began coming because of our teens. They were passing out flyers in the ballpark across the street from the church. Someone accepted one and then threw it on the ground. Ester, who had been praying about reconciling with God, picked it up. She thought that the church had to be nearby. She quickly realized it was across the street. She started coming to our church on Sunday mornings. Now she is attending faithfully. Her mother-in-law has started coming with her. Last week her husband came also. Pray for Ester, she needs to grow in the Lord."
Curt and Barbara Waite working at Caribbean Radio Lighthouse report "God has answered our prayers in the person of Hilda Saldivar, a young woman from Community Baptist Church. She is fluent in Spanish (having grown up in Texas and Mexico) and has volunteered to help with the Spanish broadcast ministry for a year after Wixi Duran leaves to get married. "...she is a really sharp gal and learning quickly,...she has a heart to serve, and that is what counts."
Don and Bridgitt Dryden in the northern area of Haiti are rejoicing that 113 men finished finals for this trimester. A number of souls have been saved. A special Easter campaign was organized where the Bible Institute fellows preached.
Ken and Nancy Guth serving in Trinidad that they have been working at Amazing Grace Baptist Church. We continue to help Bro. Gossett with Teacher’s Training class and organizing a discipleship visitation ministry. We rejoice that over ten people have trusted Christ in the past two months. I have been requested to assist D’Abadie Bible Baptist Church. I will be assisting with Sunday evening services and RI (Religious Instruction Classes) at local public schools. Ken also shares that "I began a Thursday evening "How To Study the Bible" class for national pastor, Keith Lovelace. He has a desire for his church people to know the Word of God better. There are 15 - 17 people that regularly attend, one of which is my neighbor, the Immigration Chief of Trinidad ad Tobago."
Jerry and Gail Reece share this report, "There were six professions of faith in the Lord during the month, and other important decisions made (in the Dominican Republic). With political campaigns and meetings going on, it was hard to get many lost people out. The political parties were giving away free beer in the rallies and some rice and beans in the "barrios" to win votes. Attendance on the part of members was solid in all the churches."
Russ and Bobbie Turner in Cayman Brac regularly carries tracts to various parts of the world. Bro. Turner has had a great extended ministry from the Cayman Islands. Recently he shared this, "The Word of God can still start a riot! As I mentioned in our last prayer letter, we had just finished a Gospel Distribution in Paris, France. The area of Paris was a suburb called DeClichy. This is exactly where, just a few days later, the destructive rioting took place and spread over the country. I am sure the devil was trying to get the minds of people off the Gospel they had received. In that very heavy Muslim population, I could fell the presence of evil on the street where I was forbidden by one official from giving out the Word of God, but that didn’t stop me. Would to God a revival had been started instead."
Robert and Rhoda Smith in Barbados share this unusual story. "Early in December 2005 a young lady of 20 years of age visited our church. Her mother and others of her family attend our church regularly. I made an appointment to visit her the following Saturday. She called me that Saturday morning to say she had to cancel the appointment. That week this girl left home to catch a bus to go to the hairdresser. She never returned home. Six weeks later, the police found her murdered remains in an overgrown field. In spite of the tragedy, the family remained close to the Lord. The family asked me to perform the funeral. Over 500 people were in attendance as I gave the message and at least 5 trusted Christ during the service. Another 10 were lead to the Lord at the grave side service. Another lady who was present at the funeral called me a few days later. She, too, accepted Christ as her Savior."
Luke and Hannah Townsley serving in the Dominican Republic share this, "In our church, Easter has always been a low day since there are so many who go on vacation that week. We wanted to encourage our people to start a Christian tradition and remember Christ at Easter. This year, instead of having two services on Sunday, we consolidated the two service into one and had a dinner in between the two parts. We had a great day with only two of our regular families absent! The service lasted from about 10 am til 2:30 pm. In all, there were about 50 present including a few visitors making it one of our best attended services this year. Also, there was a good spirit of fellowship, and we felt the Lord was working in hearts. We were thrilled with the response and hope it will go a long way toward establishing a Christian Easter tradition in our people." Return to Top
Jim and Christine Payne, missionary candidates on deputation for the Dominican Republic, added a little girl to their lovely family on April 19th. They have named her, Ashley Grace. Pray for the Paynes as they prayerfully seek support to serve the Lord in the Dominican Republic.
Jim and Kelly Shelton have started Iglesia Bautista de Aguada. This new church is located between Aguada, Moca, and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Recently Jim reported 5 new visitors in one service. Pray for the Sheltons as they minister in this needy area of Puerto Rico.
The Jeff Garrison family reports this wonderful news. "Thanks to the generosity of many different churches and individuals we were able to put the down payment on our very own property! We have been able to purchase 840 square meters of property with an option to buy another 1250 square meters. Property is very hard to come by and it is relatively expensive.
Robert and Rhoda Smith in Barbados share this wonderful news, "Our church has finally moved out of our house. Whew! Praise the Lord! We are now meeting at a small, local, private school not far from us here. Our people worked so hard to make the schoolroom ready for the church. It was very dusty and needed a real paint job. The church folks did a great job. They are just a privilege to serve."
Steve and Nohemy Sidler have been asking prayer for exoneration of import taxes on a school bus that is waiting to be shipped to the Dominican Republic. Steve reports, "In our church, only one man has a motorcycle and two men have cars. Our church van just ‘gave up the ghost,’ so we hve had to rent a taxi every Sunday. This bus also runs on diesel fuel which is much cheaper to buy here in the Dominican Republic." Good new, the government has given exoneration for the 1987 International school bus. Soon it will serving in the DR.
Michael and Anna Doering in the Dominican Republic share how that Christ Philips and a group of young people assisted in visitation for a special campaign. Two ladies accepted the Lord during this time of visitation. At the baptismal service seven followed the Lord’s command to be baptized in spite of torrential rains and lots of mud to walk through. The final night of the evangelistic campaign twelve persons made professions of faith.
Swante and Linda Lindquist on furlough share this: "The possibility of a French-speaking Bible Institute on the island of Guadeloupe is growing like fire in my heart. This island is in such tremendous need of the pure Gospel by men who mean business for God. The plans for the new Bible Institute are starting to come together."
Jerry and Liz Harmon in Puerto Rico state: "While the church is growing slowly, we are seeing some new people beginning to be discipled and being more faithful to God. Ester an her two children began coming because of our teens. They were passing out flyers in the ballpark across the street from the church. Someone accepted one and then threw it on the ground. Ester, who had been praying about reconciling with God, picked it up. She thought that the church had to be nearby. She quickly realized it was across the street. She started coming to our church on Sunday mornings. Now she is attending faithfully. Her mother-in-law has started coming with her. Last week her husband came also. Pray for Ester, she needs to grow in the Lord."
Curt and Barbara Waite working at Caribbean Radio Lighthouse report "God has answered our prayers in the person of Hilda Saldivar, a young woman from Community Baptist Church. She is fluent in Spanish (having grown up in Texas and Mexico) and has volunteered to help with the Spanish broadcast ministry for a year after Wixi Duran leaves to get married. "...she is a really sharp gal and learning quickly,...she has a heart to serve, and that is what counts."
Don and Bridgitt Dryden in the northern area of Haiti are rejoicing that 113 men finished finals for this trimester. A number of souls have been saved. A special Easter campaign was organized where the Bible Institute fellows preached.
Ken and Nancy Guth serving in Trinidad that they have been working at Amazing Grace Baptist Church. We continue to help Bro. Gossett with Teacher’s Training class and organizing a discipleship visitation ministry. We rejoice that over ten people have trusted Christ in the past two months. I have been requested to assist D’Abadie Bible Baptist Church. I will be assisting with Sunday evening services and RI (Religious Instruction Classes) at local public schools. Ken also shares that "I began a Thursday evening "How To Study the Bible" class for national pastor, Keith Lovelace. He has a desire for his church people to know the Word of God better. There are 15 - 17 people that regularly attend, one of which is my neighbor, the Immigration Chief of Trinidad ad Tobago."
Jerry and Gail Reece share this report, "There were six professions of faith in the Lord during the month, and other important decisions made (in the Dominican Republic). With political campaigns and meetings going on, it was hard to get many lost people out. The political parties were giving away free beer in the rallies and some rice and beans in the "barrios" to win votes. Attendance on the part of members was solid in all the churches."
Russ and Bobbie Turner in Cayman Brac regularly carries tracts to various parts of the world. Bro. Turner has had a great extended ministry from the Cayman Islands. Recently he shared this, "The Word of God can still start a riot! As I mentioned in our last prayer letter, we had just finished a Gospel Distribution in Paris, France. The area of Paris was a suburb called DeClichy. This is exactly where, just a few days later, the destructive rioting took place and spread over the country. I am sure the devil was trying to get the minds of people off the Gospel they had received. In that very heavy Muslim population, I could fell the presence of evil on the street where I was forbidden by one official from giving out the Word of God, but that didn’t stop me. Would to God a revival had been started instead."
Robert and Rhoda Smith in Barbados share this unusual story. "Early in December 2005 a young lady of 20 years of age visited our church. Her mother and others of her family attend our church regularly. I made an appointment to visit her the following Saturday. She called me that Saturday morning to say she had to cancel the appointment. That week this girl left home to catch a bus to go to the hairdresser. She never returned home. Six weeks later, the police found her murdered remains in an overgrown field. In spite of the tragedy, the family remained close to the Lord. The family asked me to perform the funeral. Over 500 people were in attendance as I gave the message and at least 5 trusted Christ during the service. Another 10 were lead to the Lord at the grave side service. Another lady who was present at the funeral called me a few days later. She, too, accepted Christ as her Savior."
Luke and Hannah Townsley serving in the Dominican Republic share this, "In our church, Easter has always been a low day since there are so many who go on vacation that week. We wanted to encourage our people to start a Christian tradition and remember Christ at Easter. This year, instead of having two services on Sunday, we consolidated the two service into one and had a dinner in between the two parts. We had a great day with only two of our regular families absent! The service lasted from about 10 am til 2:30 pm. In all, there were about 50 present including a few visitors making it one of our best attended services this year. Also, there was a good spirit of fellowship, and we felt the Lord was working in hearts. We were thrilled with the response and hope it will go a long way toward establishing a Christian Easter tradition in our people." Return to Top
Missionaries of the Day
Thursday, September 9, 2010
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jonathan & Heidi Huff - TOGO
Robert & Gail Huffman - FRANCE
Don & Helen Hughes - USA - NEW YORK
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jonathan & Heidi Huff - TOGO
Robert & Gail Huffman - FRANCE
Don & Helen Hughes - USA - NEW YORK
Dr. Pat & June CreedAssistant Caribbean Director
Gary and Joy SprungerRead more about the Sprungers.
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
