Indigenous Ministries

Indigenous Ministries

Beyond the Map

Egypt Child Sponsorships – September 2018 Update

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Because of our Egypt Child Sponsors, our time in Egypt in September was a great success! On September 15, 76 pairs of feet bounded into the upstairs meeting room at a conference center in Upper Nile, Egypt. Chatter, laughter, and clamor filled the air as the children rearranged the chairs to sit next to their friends.

I was filled with joy as I walked the room and personally met each child. Learning their names, shaking their hands, and seeing their smiling faces was such a privilege. This time with the kids, and the ability to help them day to day, is made possible by you, our wonderful sponsors, who have prayed and donated to bless your sponsored child! We shared a time in the Word, sang, made a craft, and passed out backpacks to each child.

This time together was bit surreal for me. When we launched this program in 2015 with 6 sponsors and a whole lot of faith, although I knew the program would be a blessing to the widows and their children, I don’t think I fully understood how it would transform lives. After meeting with the kids, we met with our national team and Pastor Emad shared a few stories with us. I’d like to share one of them with you now.

‘Some months we give the children hygiene products in addition to the food bags. And one time I was going to visit one of our boys, Emad Samah, we’d been preparing toiletries to take to him – and as I was going, I saw him in the street and asked where he was going. He said he only had 3 Egyptian pounds left (about $0.20) and he was going to buy some soap. I told him not to go but to come back to the house with me because God has sent him a big bag of all these things, shampoo, shower gel, kitchen soap, and some other items for cleaning. And the boy said to me, “This is something sweet from God and brings joy to my heart.”’ – Brother Emad

Thank you – you’ve made this possible for Emad, and for your sponsored child as well!

Would you pray with us? We currently have 76 children enrolled in this program, but only 55 of them are sponsored. If you can think of others who care, like yourself, and hope to make a difference in these precious kids lives, please pass along this email to them. We need your help in providing hope for more children of widows in Upper Nile. If you’re willing to change a life with only $39 a month, give me a call at 719-302-3028 or click the button on the right “Sponsor a Child.”

Love is Our Standard

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The freedom to vote this month brought to mind the many incredible opportunities we have in America, especially with the backdrop of the LACK of these freedoms in places Indigenous Ministries has a presence. From freedom to worship, to express religious opinions (even if on Facebook), to carrying a gun or a Bible, America is still the greatest nation on the earth. Even with her many flaws, the truth is that refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants by the millions still look to our shores as the best sight they could ever lay eyes on.

Understandably, many feel confusion on the subject of refugees and asylum seekers and many Christians struggle to respond with a Christ-like balance to what some describe as an “invasion.” What should our response be? Regardless of opinions, Scripture points us to Jesus’ radical life.

The pharisee asking the question in the box, left, asked for the one greatest commandment. He felt safe in the answer he already knew. But he didn’t expect Jesus to insert personal responsibility into his answer. But Jesus didn’t even use pain as the standard, as the Law indicated, but he used love. He spoke of a very practical yet selfless love.

Our love for God defines how we treat ourselves and our neighbors. The way we would want our families to be treated if they were thrust into refugee or asylum seeker status should be part of what defines our own values and actions. When we put ourselves in that other person’s shoes (or in a small wooden boat full of desperate refugees floating away from violence in Libya), God increases our love and faith to take even the smallest actions to enact that love to others.

We aren’t called to love the whole world, God claimed that job in John 3:16, but we are called to love those in our path – be that literally next door, in town or across the seas. Good news: His box is big enough to deal with our inadequacies, prejudices and past failures.

According to Jesus, love is our standard. A love that doesn’t deny ourselves or our neighbors, a love that takes actions springing from our values and convictions.

This love is the change-agent that crosses all boundaries and barriers. It’s not guilt-based, but grace-based and let’s face it, loving God, ourselves and other people can be downright hard, and messy. Maybe that’s because it works.

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“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

Egypt Pastors’ Conference

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This last month was amazing in our annual Pastor’s Conference as we gathered the pastors together for encouragement, times around the Word, and refreshment in relationships with the Lord and each other. Our lecturers included two of our dear pastors from the US, our pastor from Iraq, our lead for I.M. Egypt and myself. It was an incredible time and I believe that the Lord met with us in a fresh way. Men shared how much of an impact this time had in their lives and how they were refreshed in a great way.

The theme was “God Looked for a Man.” It was precious as the teaching team poured out not only the teaching of Scriptures about God’s call, God’s heart and God’s equipping us to serve Him, but also their personal heartfelt experiences of feeling weak and yet experiencing God’s faithful strength. Too often we are weary and try our best to do what God wants in our service to Him, and yet sometimes we lose a close walk with the Lord with our busyness of serving. It was a time to reset the compass of our relationship with Christ.

So many of the pastors came to the conference discouraged, dealing with pressures of ministry along with the pressures from Islamic and Catholic religions trying to shut down the evangelical ministries. At the end of the conference, we heard how refreshed they were through the teaching time, getting some rest, good food and time with their fellow servants.  Four young men who are looking to be part of ministry were there on our  invitation;  they are so looking forward to how the Lord will use them in the days ahead.

As always, without you, dear ministry friends, this couldn’t have happened. God used you together to bring this about. These men need our continuing prayers…also especially keep in prayer two church plants that are deepening and growing their congregations in walking with the Lord. 

 

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Middle East Child Sponsorship Programs

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Egypt – On Sept 15, 76 pairs of feet bounded into a meeting room at a conference center in Upper Nile. Chatter, laughter, and clamor filled the air as children rearranged the chairs to sit next to their friends. I was filled with joy as I walked the room and personally met each child. Learning their name, shaking their hand, and seeing their smiling faces was such a privilege. We shared a time in the Word, with John, Dee, & myself able to encourage the kids, sang, made a craft, and passed out backpacks to each child. This time with the kids, and the ability to regularly help them, is made possible by our wonderful sponsors whose compassion in action is a daily bless to these precious kids! There are 21 children waiting for sponsors; would you be willing to stand in the gap and change a life? Send me an email at Sponsorships@IndigenousMinistries.org!

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Egypt Child Sponsorship Program Update
Kids in program 76
Kids sponsored 55

Backpack Central

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School started this month in Iraq and our team has been furiously assembling hundreds of backpacks and buying school uniforms for the kids in our Refugee Child Sponsorship Program. A very special thank you to all who donated so these kids can go to school! Since we have kids coming into the program all year, this fund is always open for more donations.

Actually we can’t think of a better example of how our team will use the van which is currently one of our fundraising projects.  Would you pray for our team there as they meet with kids and their families this month? Next month our US team will join them ministering in the refugee camps handing out food packets and more Refugee Trauma Kits. Visit our website to see pictures & videos of this distribution as we add updates.

To sponsor a child in Iraq or Egypt for $39/month, please visit our website or call our office.

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Iraq Child Sponsorship Program Update

Refugee kids in program 300

Kids sponsored 205

2019 India Ministry Trips: Register Now

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February 2019: INDIA

Join us on the beautiful Grace Bible College campus for IM’s annual Winter Teaching Module and Beautiful Int’l Women’s Conference. Meet the faculty, staff and students and see the new GBC Library! Walk among the shelves of the brand new library…pray over this vital campus as these young people study and prepare to serve the Lord. You’ll watch the seniors graduate at the 2018 graduation ceremony.

Ever wished to go on safari or stay in a safari tent? Done! You’ll see a lot of wildlife at the Pench Tiger Preserve and leave with a box checked off your bucket list. 

Pastor Craig Miller teaching at the 2017 GBC Winter Module

Pastors: Register now to teach at the GBC Winter Teaching Module above or one of the conferences below and invest yourself in national students and pastors for a lifetime!

Phil Bairrington teaching at the 2017 Winter Module

Ladies, bring a group from your church and engage with Dee with a Beautiful Int’l Women’s Conference. 

2019 Trips – visit our website for more information:

February 2019:  India

September 2019:  Egypt

November 2019:  India

Contact our office for dates and details. Most trips cost $3850 and last 12-14 days. Accommodations are clean and comfortable and you won’t need to eat spicy food! We have over 20 years of experience bringing teams overseas with us. All travel arrangements are made through our office.

 

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PRACTICAL WAYS YOU CAN REACH NATIONALS WITH THE GOSPEL

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It begins with a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. Generally someone comes to Christ overseas like we do here…someone cares enough to share that they can have eternal life. There is a natural care for their family and neighbors to be saved also.

Next comes training and education. Training for a lifetime of ministry should include:
* a foundation of biblical training for 2-4 years in a qualified school
* well-trained and godly faculty who have genuine concern for the students
* excellent curriculum and spiritual content
* practical ministry on the field so students practice what they learn in the classroom

Grace Bible College in Central India is currently training 55 students per year. There are one year certificate and two year Bible diploma tracks, and the more popular three year BTH which thoroughly equips a young person for full time ministry.

We encourage you to engage in providing scholarships to young Bible college scholars.

1.  SPONSOR GBC STUDENTS IN TRAINING FOR MINISTRY:

Sponsor a GBC student for $100/month: 25 GBC students need to be sponsored at $100/month each, or $50/month for half a sponsorship. Visit our website or use the form on page 4. It’s not just your financial support, however, that we find valuable. As important as that is, your prayers for your GBC student hold a very important role in his or her development and future impact for the Kingdom.

2.  SUPPORT A NATIONAL PASTOR  WHO IS ALREADY MINISTERING:

John & Dee with an IM national pastor and his family in the Middle East who are in the Global Church Planting Initiative and have planted two churches

Through our Global Church Planting Initiative, we bring support for a period of time, accountability and ongoing training for national pastors. Trained, effective and passionate about reaching

their OWN people for Christ, these pastors are committed to their own people for a lifetime. The cost to support a national pastor on average is 1/10th that of a Western missionary. Typical support is $500/month. Take on a portion at $100 or $50/month.

Go to IndigenousMinistries.org and select “Support a Pastor” on the righthand side.

IM Egypt Holds 2nd Annual Children’s Bible Conference

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Last month, the children in our Egypt Child Sponsorship Program were together for their 2nd annual two day IM Children’s Bible Conference. Our Egyptian ministry team shared this was a time of great encouragement and blessing to the children and staff. Many children shared that they personally felt encouraged and learned more about the Lord through this special time. It was also a time for the children to enjoy being kids again. Away from daily cares, the kids swam, made crafts, played games, told jokes and attended Bible sessions.

Throughout the conference, the overall theme was the Gospel message. Many of the children come from a nominal Christian background and don’t know the Lord well. The staff also shared messages on the subjects of obedience to the Lord and parents, the value of our identity in Christ, and how precious we are in God’s eyes. Our team put on a play for the kids focused on the life of Samuel and serving the Lord. The mothers of the children came and enjoyed a time of fellowship and prayer together. At the end of the conference, the families each received their monthly food bag.

This whole conference was made possible because of our generous and loving sponsors’ giving and prayers. Thank you! Our team in Egypt sends their many thanks to you for making this big investment into the lives of the children and their families. No one else is helping in this way in this part of Egypt except for each of our sponsors, which makes this partnership all the more important. I pray that the Lord adds His many blessings to you as you make such a difference in the life of your sponsored child in rural Egypt.

 

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Church Planting in Egypt & the Future of Indigenous Ministries

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As the heat continues to climb in central Egypt, a small fellowship of believers is gathering and seeking the Lord for their godliness and walk with Christ.

Our team leader shared that there has been such a response in the fellowship that Raja, one of our women on the IM Egypt team, led 20 women in worship, repentance and intercessory prayer recently.

In April, I was privileged to be with our Pastor at the launch of this precious church fellowship where 100 were in attendance that day. Weeks have gone by and it continues to grow. As I shared last month, Egyptian officials have given their permission for the church building to be built in the fall. The sense of anticipation of this fellowship is obvious as they look to the future. We’re excited too!

As I look at IM’s impact, I find that the model that we work through is both Biblical AND effective. It is how the early church grew so quickly bringing many to a saving knowledge of Christ. If you would permit me, I’d like to expand on this thought:

The philosophy of Indigenous Ministries is that the national can do a better job of reaching his or her own people for Christ than a U.S. ministry worker.

First, it is less expensive, (about 10% of a U.S. Christian worker). The time that it takes for an American to become acclimated to another culture takes years if not decades to accomplish. Language study takes 2-3 years. Support raising requires 2-3 years.

In our “instant” society, the average commitment of Christian workers is from 2 weeks to 18 months. However, what is the commitment of a national pastor? We have watched our national pastors work through revolutions and horrific threats of ISIS and Hindu fanaticism with trust in the Lord, and they minister with everything they have to build that into the hearts of the believers.

What is our role to the national church leader? To help where we can, to encourage and lift them up in the middle of their battles and challenges. To share with them and our national churches that we care and love them. Their constant knowledge that we are standing with them, especially in prayer, brings a special courage.

Would you pray with me on a specific area? As I look to the future of IM, I have asked the Lord to expand our borders. I have shared my burden with the IM Board, and I am so thankful for understanding men who know the concern that I have, and they have it deeply in their hearts as well.

There are opportunities that continue to come to shape before us. I am asking the Lord for the people He has for the future of this ministry. How thankful I am for those already working in our Colorado Springs office and of course globally. But I would ask that you pray with me that the Lord will add to our staff, both nationally and internationally as well. There is a world that needs a continued touch for Christ in so many areas.

We are working to bring an Egyptian national to Indigenous Ministries; he will be working in the IM office and traveling with me to our places of ministry. We need to raise his salary in the days ahead, and I ask that you pray with me for Reda and his wife. He has, for a number of years, been a right hand man to me in ministry overseas, and his place in the office will be in translation and continued development of the ministry in the Middle East. He has a servant’s heart and has shown himself faithful in ministry.

He has just completed a time of ministry to Iraqi, Syrian, and Afghan refugees in Turkey. He saw several come to Christ and follow the Lord through baptism. Would you begin to pray for Reda and Samira as they wait on the Lord for their next steps with Indigenous Ministries? Also pray with me as I work to encourage people to assist in giving to their support. I am also praying that the Lord will bring several U.S. based servants that we call “IM Ambassadors” who will help share the work that the Lord is allowing us to do with people across the U.S. If you feel the Lord leading you in this direction, do give our office a call.

“Man does not know his time,” was the title of a message given by one of our pastors in Egypt I sat and listened to in April. I was deeply touched by his message; and in light of global headlines of suicides, shootings and wars, we’re reminded that we truly do not have an understanding of how life will end for us. Perhaps you’re troubled with so much daily negative news.

As troubled as some of these days are, we can turn from tragedy and find joy assisting others to hear about the forgiveness, peace and hope they can have in Christ. We can keep our eyes on Him and lean in on His mighty arms.

At the end of it all, my prayer is that many will turn their hearts to the Lord as the result of our partnership together in this ministry God has given us. I want you to know how grateful I am for you; we are making a difference in the lives of so many. For the Glory of the Lord and His coming Kingdom!

SUPPORT A NATIONAL PASTOR

Help plant a national church by supporting a national pastor and his family monthly. Our national pastors are trained, effective and passionate about reaching their OWN people for Christ! The cost to support a national pastor on average is 1/10th that of a Western missionary.

Go to IndigenousMinistries.org and select “Support a Pastor” on the righthand side.

JOIN IM’s Egypt Prayer Walk in September

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JOIN IM’s Egypt Prayer Walk in September

  • Visit ancient sites in Egypt and engage in vital and effective prayer for Egypt and the Middle East
  • Engage in prayer during our women’s and pastors’ conferences
  • You’ll visit points of current ministry with our national teams
  • A highlight will be meeting the children in our sponsorship program
  • Travel arrangements made through our office; bring your praying shoes
  • Cost: $3850; call our office for dates and more information