From the Desk of:
Dr. Pat Creed
Caribbean Director:


June and I have had a wonderful time this spring. We have been in missions’ conferences in a number of churches for the very first time, and we met and got to know these pastors who are staying faithful to the Lord in a time when the battle is not an easy one. When I see these men and women of God staying faithful in the place God has put them and their willingness to battle the devil, it makes me appreciate even more the faithfulness of each of our missionaries throughout the islands. Each of you has permitted God to plant you in a country among a people and have sacrificed greatly to stick to what God has called you to do. You are certainly to be commended, and I know that God is going to reward you in a great way for your sacrifice!

As I write this article, we are preparing for another candidate school, and from the material I have already received, it looks as if we are going to have a tremendous group of new missionary candidates. I am excited to see them "hit the deputation trail" in preparation to get where God has called them. We have a family going to Jamaica. (As you know from our prayer letters, we have been praying especially that God would send teams of missionaries who could work together in this difficult place.) There is also a couple seeking approval for the Dominican Republic and another couple desiring to work with the Caribbean Radio Lighthouse.

We are looking forward to seeing you folks in the field conference in Trinidad in August and the field conference in the Dominican Republic in September.

I would like to encourage our missionaries throughout the islands to teach your people the responsibility of having a world-wide vision. This is done in a number of ways. First of all, each missionary should be personally involved in faith promise missions’ giving; and then teach your people that no matter what their financial condition may be, they have a responsibility to support missionaries in order to get the gospel to the world. This opens the door for God to speak to the hearts of people and call them to fulfill the responsibility of getting the gospel to their Jerusalem and then to the world.

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On the Move Again!
By Gary Sprunger — Assistant Caribbean Director

Recently someone said to me, "Brother Sprunger, you are a hard man to catch." I realize that sometimes our schedules do put us in out of the way places, and we are hard to catch. This year is almost half over, and I have been reminiscing about where Joy and I have been. It seems our passports have been stamped full. In January, we enjoyed the fellowship of being at the West Indies Baptist Fellowship in St. Croix. I can’t remember a better conference in the West Indies. The national preachers brought challenging messages, and Dr. David Gibbs III delivered timely messages in the evening sessions. It was impressive to see nearly 1000 in attendance most evenings. Since the conference, Joy and I joined a number of work teams in Puerto Rico. Each week, our hearts have been blessed as we have seen progress being made in many areas of the ministry. As souls are saved, our hearts rejoice. When returning to Puerto Rico on one trip, we had to take a "bump" in Atlanta. We knew that the CLAIM team was leaving on the same airline about two hours later. So, we decided to conjunct our trip with them. While waiting, we had the opportunity of leading a fine young black man to the Lord. Joy and I commented how wonderful that delay was for us. We saw how the Lord provided a soul and some vouchers just for the willingness to wait a little while.

In between mission teams, Joy and I were able to be in several mission conferences in Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina. One trip found us driving through most of the night to make it to our next conference, but we praise the Lord for the decisions that have been made and the time to refocus some churches in missions. During the last week of April, I flew to the Cayman Islands to be with Swante and Linda Linquist at Calvary Baptist Church. While there, I also enjoyed the company of Chet and Jeanette Tibbets. The destruction that I saw on Grand Cayman was hardly believable. Joy and I had gone through Hurricane Ivan in Lower Alabama, but our damage seemed light compared to what I saw in the Cayman Islands. It is reported that 70% of that island was under water in the hurricane. I praise the Lord that Calvary Baptist Church had their electricity restored the week before I arrived. The air conditioning felt so inviting in that hot and humid climate. Many shared personal stories of bravery and courage that could be aired on the Weather Channel. Although Calvary Baptist Church had collectively suffered great loses in and since the hurricane, the church renewed their faith promise for this coming year. My heart was challenged as I saw the membership again seeking to reach lost souls with the Gospel. Pray for the Linquists and Calvary Baptist Church. Grand Cayman is still in shock from the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

Upon leaving the Cayman Islands, I headed for Jamaica. Missionary appointee Rob Westlake arrived shortly after my arrival, and we spent most of the week becoming better orientated in Jamaica. Of course the food and fellowship was great. Our attention was given to evaluating areas that needed a fundamental Baptist church. Fran and Richy Young were very helpful in providing safe transportation and introducing us to a number of folks. The highlight of the trip was having the opportunity to participate in their "Mother’s Day" service. The church was packed out, and special honor was given to mothers. The Lord blessed the preaching of the Word, and our hearts were thankful for the mothers that have been faithful in teaching their children the Word of God.

With our "Good-byes" said, we again boarded another flight heading in another direction. Hard to catch, but maybe not right now. Upon landing in Puerto Rico, I quickly turned on my cell phone. I saw the reception bars and knew that I was back to being reachable. If we can be of help to you, you can try calling us on our cell phone at (864) 266-4518 or E-Mail Gary Sprunger. We trust that we will not remain too "hard to catch."

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by Mrs. June Creed

Dear Noteworthy Friends,

Things are busy here; never think that when you get older, life will slow down – it doesn’t. We’ve been blessed with great meetings and have met some of the nicest people from all over the USA.

It was graduation day for many in our family. We had one grandson graduate from high school and one from college, as well as two nephews and a niece — one from law school and two from college. Many friends have also graduated. These have completed a very important avenue in their life.

Completion is a wonderful thing. Our son-in-law, Reggie Rempel, has just about completed a new church building and is already pouring the foundation for a gymnasium with plans to build a new dorm. When we complete one thing there is always something new to complete. I am trying to complete a cook book for our family as daughters and granddaughters are always calling and asking, "How do you make that dish?" The cookbook will always have a new page to add, as I love to cook and am still learning.

As long as we live, the Lord will have a task for us to complete — it is a wonderful thing to be used of God. There is an old song ... "To be used of God to sing, to speak, to pray, to be used of God to show someone the way." May the Lord use you in a wonderful way and complete His will in your life!

Love and prayers,
June
I Thess. 5:18

CHICKEN A LA KING

½ can (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms (drained)
½ cup diced green pepper
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup of all purpose flour
1 t.phpoon salt
1 t.phpoon pepper
2 cups of milk or light cream
1 1/4 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth
2 cups of cubed cooked chicken or canned chicken
1 jar of pimento (chopped)
Toast cups and/or Toast points

In large skillet, cook mushrooms and green pepper in butter for five minutes (stirring constantly). Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat until mixture is bubbling (stirring constantly). Remove from heat. Stir in milk, broth, and a little water if needed. Heat to a boil (stirring constantly). Boil one minute. Stir in chicken and pimento, heat thoroughly. Serve hot in toast cups or over toast points.

Toast cups: Heat oven 350 degrees, trim crust of any fresh bread, spread with soft margarine or butter. Press buttered side down into muffin cups. Bake for twelve minutes or until lightly toasted. This is a great little recipe!

(I had to make lunch for four people recently and had only a can of chicken, no pimento, so I used green peas and served it with a garden salad. I did not trim the crust this time and it looked like tulip cups. They seemed to enjoy it very much.)

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By Jeff Garrison

I am missionary Jeff Garrison, and my family and I work together with Alexis Givans and his family at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Dominican Republic. The church is located on the east side of the capital city of Santo Domingo in a barrio called Invivienda. The church now averages 130 people, and we are quickly out growing our rented facilities. We recently built a roof over the patio area behind the church in order to increase our capacity, but still lack classroom space. It amazing to see how the church is growing, numerically as well as spiritually. Though a lack of space has hindered the work, we are doing what we can with what we have. We work with the lower middle and poor class, but through a great deal of sacrifice by our people and churches in the United States, we have been able to purchase property near our current location. We are currently trying to raise funds to construct a new church building. We are designing an auditorium to seat 250 with an educational building adjacent. At the present time we have four Sunday School classes for our children and a Bible Institute, and we support four missionaries. The Lord has truly blessed this work.

Emmanuel is a true missionary church in every sense. Alexis, the church’s founder, was born in Jamaica but moved to Costa Rica when he was a child. He attended Emmanuel Baptist Church of San Jose, Costa Rica, which was started by BIMI missionary Bill Murdock. There he was saved, baptized, called by God, trained, and sent out to start churches. Alexis was on deputation in Mexico City, visiting BIMI missionary Brian Burkholder, when I met him. I had taken a group of teenagers on a short term mission trip to help Brian’s ministry. The Lord began to knit our hearts together at that time, and Alexis invited me to visit him in the Dominican Republic. Two years later, the church I was pastoring was able to help Alexis start Emmanuel Baptist Church. Later that year, I was able to take another group of teens on a short term mission trip, this time to the Dominican Republic. It was during this trip that the Lord began to burden my heart about serving in missions in the Dominican Republic.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:7 "for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." I am sure that Mr. and Mrs. Murdock didn’t know that a little Sunday School boy would grow up to plant churches in the Dominican Republic. I am also certain that my sending church, Connersville Baptist Temple, never dreamed that I would be laboring on their part in the Dominican. But they were faithful and invested much time and resources, and now God is producing the harvest. We are striving to teach this same principal of sowing and reaping to our people. As I said, we currently support four missionaries and have recently increased our faith promise commitment. We have plans to start more churches here in the Dominican Republic. The Lord has burdened my heart for the city of Jarabacoa. Jarabacoa is in a mountainous area about 1 ½ hours north of the capital. Over 90 thousand people live there with no Baptist churches within 30 miles. Emmanuel will have a part in this ministry as well. Emmanuel is a perfect example of a New Testament church. It is reproducing itself in the lives of each member. Souls are being saved, baptized, trained, and sent out to repeat the process. As you read and consider this article, I pray that you g.php the significance of sowing and reaping. I am referring to the costs which are at stake, precious souls. I know it takes a lot of money to support missionaries and start churches. I don’t take your investment lightly. As a missionary, I realize it is easy to be discouraged. However, I believe the promises of God are true. Galatians 6:9 admonishes us not to be weary in well doing because we will reap if we don’t faint. With that in mind — keep pressing on. (Jeff Garrison and his family are now in Jarabacoa starting a new church. Alexis Givens and family are faithfully serving the Lord at Emmanuel Baptist Church on the northeast side of Santo Domingo. Please pray for these two faithful families as they labor in the harvest field of the Dominican Republic.)


Alexis Givans, Steve Sidler and Gary Sprunger at the new property


Jeff Garrison and family


Alexis Givans in front of Emmanuel Baptist Church

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BIRTHS:

Josh and Joy Wesson are praising the Lord for Ashlyn Joy born on December 29th of 2004. Although she came three weeks early, she weighed 7 pounds and was 19 ½ inches tall.

Michael and Anna Doering became the proud parents of Michael Andrew on January 10th. Jim and Kelly Shelton praise the Lord for a little boy born on February 1. His name is A.J., short for Austin James.

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Trinidad:

Ken Guth reports that a 20 foot container containing materials for the Baptist Seminary of the West Indies has been packed and shipped to Trinidad. Ken and Nancy are on furlough this year, and they have had opportunities to share their burden for Trinidad in schools and churches.

Mike and Phylis Hader report that they had Family Bible Camp during Carnival week. Forty eight "campers" from beginners to teens packed the facility. Eight young men trusted Christ as Saviour. Pray for the spiritual growth of these young people.

John and Brenda Gossett are presently home on furlough. John recently shared that the Lord has given them a clear burden to start a new church in Sabana Grande. This area is a very needy area for the Gospel. Pray for them during this time of refreshment and reporting.

John and Laura Nemo are laboring at Amazing Grace Bapitst Church. Recently, two joining properties were made available for sale in the area where they would like to relocate the church. The church has been growing, and it needs this property for expansion. The Nemos request prayer for them and the church.

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Jamaica:

Richy Young shares that February 20 was Bethel Baptist Church’s 25th anniversary and building dedication. This church started under an almond tree, but now it has a fine national pastor, Pastor Winston Barnett, and a lovely building. Richy reports that the afternoon dedication service had over 600 in attendance.

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Dominican Republic:

Steve and Nohemy Sidler are on furlough visiting many of their supporting churches. Brother Sidler shares that the Bible Institute male students are faithfully carrying out the responsibilities of the church. Bro. Wellington, one of the young men, has been filling in for Bro. Sidler. What a blessing it is to see young men stepping into leadership and serving the Lord so faithfully.

Jeff and Traci Garrison have moved to the mountainous part of the island to start a new work in Jarabacoa. Jeff shares that on each visit to this city, folks asked that he would return and start a church. Jeff and Traci are excited about the open door.

Michael and Anna Doering share this: "We have set a date to make our move to Santo Domingo. Lord willing, we will be leaving on June 1st. It is overwhelming to think of all that we need to do between now and then." Pray for the Doerings as they make this move.

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Barbados, West Indies:

Robert and Rhoda Smith write that the church is growing. Roberts says, "Our living room and dining room are full to the max, the guest bedroom is full with children, and we just keep on praying that the Lord will open up to us land and a building ." Pray for the Smiths and this need in Barbados.

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Port-a-paix, Haiti:

Don and Bridgett Dryden are rejoicing that one of their Bible School graduates named, "Saint Peter," has been able to start two new churches this past year in Dispijol and Morne Palmiste. The Drydens are praising the Lord that the Haitian government has granted a piece of property for a new work in the village of Port-a-l’Ecu.

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Spanish Literature Ministries:

Bro. Jerry Reece reports that during his campaign in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, 67 decisions for Christ were made. Three men were called to the ministry.

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Antigua:

(Caribbean Radio Lighthouse) Curt Waite writes, "The English broadcasts (our principal ministry) have brought in a lot of encouraging response recently. We praise the Lord that He is using the radio ministry to reach needy hearts throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

(Caribbean Radio Lighthouse) Jerry and Linda Baker report: "Praise the Lord for some good responses to our Spanish ministry lately and for some good financial gifts from our local listeners. It is always encouraging to see the recipients of a good thing respond by giving, so that others might be able to have, as well."

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Puerto Rico:

Jerry and Liz Harmon are praising the Lord for the four that were baptized recently. Liz continues to teach the Bible in a rehab clinic for women. Since there is a turnover monthly, she has had an opportunity to impact many lives with the Gospel.

(Mayaguez) Joan Whiteheart gives this up-date. "We are averaging about 40 children a week in AWANA. Recently four children were baptized. We have more people going out soul winning each week. Week before last, 18 people made professions of faith in their homes and in the hospital."

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Grand Cayman:

Swante and Linda Linquiste praise the Lord that electricity has been restored to the church. For over six months Calvary Baptist operated with a portable generator. Praise the Lord for lights and air-conditioning. Attendance has also been growing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

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by Alan Robinson, Missionary Services

We have a new house currently under construction next to Martha Kunberger’s cottage. It will be occupied by Paul and Wilma Marsh, missionaries from Guatemala. The Marsh’s have been missionaries with BIMI since 1965. Several volunteers have come to help in the construction. See picture below.

Joan Moody recently took a 6 week leave to care for some pressing personal needs down home in Albany, Georgia. While Joan was away, Hazel Mitchell from Ontario, Canada, volunteered her services. Everyone enjoyed Hazel’s spirit, and she filled in very admirably. Joan has now returned, and we are glad to have her back.

In September, Ann Anderson will be leaving to begin a ministry with IBJM. Ann plans to serve in Tel Aviv, Israel with Project Nehemiah. This is a ministry of preparing and giving gift baskets to newly arrived immigrants. Later, she feels the Lord might have her serve in Jerusalem.

Dean and Shirley Watters will be leaving June 15 for Aviano, Italy, to fill in for the Matt Olsen family. During their three month stay, they will minister to the Air Force families stationed at Aviano Air Base.

Kevin Wnuk is finally out of the wheel chair and walking with the aid of only one crutch. He still has some pain if he over exerts himself so he has been trying not to overdo it. He definitely sees cats a little differently now.

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©2005 Ethan Mongin

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Monday, March 15, 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.

KEITH & MARLA HERNDON -  MOLDOVA
ANTHONY R & DAWN HESS -  UKRAINE
KEVIN & MARY BETH HICKOK -  BRAZIL