Friends and Family,
Praise the Lord! Friday Feb 27th we were able to close on our Broadway building. In just 4 months God made a way for our church to raise 55k for a down payment. Considering the times we are in and many other obstacles this is a true miracle!
Josh and I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this possible! Our church body is so excited the last two Sundays we had 140 in attendance! God has made it even more clear to us that we need to see Him move in His power and to restore Vision to a dying generation. Thank you for believing with us!
God bless,
Joy Hester
Vision Ministries
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Newsletter from Doug & Joan Webber - Convoy of Hope Europe
I wanted to get this video to you immediately! http://vimeo.com/3351172 Click on this link and it will take you to our report on Albania labled I will go. We spent seven days in Fushe Cruje Albania with Masters Commission teams from Holland and Spain. We believe this is the beginning of a transformation for this building of 17 families and 52 children from this area. The children will capture your hearts! It is our goal to have all 52 children in school very soon. Their building has been cleaned and grounds renewed. Twenty five truckloads of garbage were hauled away and a new bathroom for the building was installed. We killed a lot of rats, so it was a challenging, but rewarding time. The children sang songs about Jesus and felt his love in a powerful way. Each family in the building received groceries before we left! Choosing compassion over comfort is allowing Convoy of Hope Europe to make a significant difference in the lives of those living in Grumbullimi.
Doug, Joan, Whitney and Madisen Webber
Doug, Joan, Whitney and Madisen Webber
Jesus in Ethiopia - Bob & Rhonda Thomas
Week after week amazing things are happening across Ethiopia. Here are some highlights of what, we have been blessed by God, to witness.
The Church at the end of the Road
The map of Ethiopia shows that the road stops at Sawla, in the south west corner of Ethiopia. We held a three day revival at the church at the end of the road. This church is four years old. It was started by a church planter in partnership with the Ethiopian Assemblies of God and our Assemblies of God World missionaries. The building that they meet in was built by the people of the church with the financial help of believers in the United States.
The revival meetings were packed. Inside the building was ‘standing room only’ which is much more crowded than it would be in the west. Outside the church were hundreds of others huddled around windows and doors to hear the Word. Pastors and church members from the 14 church plants and preaching points that this church has started in the four years it has existed came to the meetings. One new church was 90 kilometers farther in the 4 wheel drive vehicle and then a 6 hour walk past the end of the road! So the Gospel continues long after the road ends!
God works long after the Revival meetings.
We held a Revival at the church in Hosanna, (great name for city). It was a great time of teaching, preaching and ministry. During the meetings I preached a series of messages about stepping out in faith like Peter when he got out of the boat and walked on water. I challenged the church to share their faith, to pray for the sick and to look for opportunities to “get out of the boat”. One month after the revival we stopped by to visit the pastor on our way to another city. Since the Revival meetings over 100 people had been saved at the church. Many who were in the church had repented from hidden sin and those who opposed the Pastor were now working hard for the Lord.
It is God - not religion that is Changing Ethiopia!
The Church at the end of the Road
The map of Ethiopia shows that the road stops at Sawla, in the south west corner of Ethiopia. We held a three day revival at the church at the end of the road. This church is four years old. It was started by a church planter in partnership with the Ethiopian Assemblies of God and our Assemblies of God World missionaries. The building that they meet in was built by the people of the church with the financial help of believers in the United States.
The revival meetings were packed. Inside the building was ‘standing room only’ which is much more crowded than it would be in the west. Outside the church were hundreds of others huddled around windows and doors to hear the Word. Pastors and church members from the 14 church plants and preaching points that this church has started in the four years it has existed came to the meetings. One new church was 90 kilometers farther in the 4 wheel drive vehicle and then a 6 hour walk past the end of the road! So the Gospel continues long after the road ends!
God works long after the Revival meetings.
We held a Revival at the church in Hosanna, (great name for city). It was a great time of teaching, preaching and ministry. During the meetings I preached a series of messages about stepping out in faith like Peter when he got out of the boat and walked on water. I challenged the church to share their faith, to pray for the sick and to look for opportunities to “get out of the boat”. One month after the revival we stopped by to visit the pastor on our way to another city. Since the Revival meetings over 100 people had been saved at the church. Many who were in the church had repented from hidden sin and those who opposed the Pastor were now working hard for the Lord.
It is God - not religion that is Changing Ethiopia!
Jarvis Journey - Missionaries to Tanzania
“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O Lord” Psalm 18:28-29, 49.
In Africa, you learn what real darkness is; when the lights go out here there is complete darkness. Thankfully, we have a small emergency light that stays plugged in and charged for just such occasions. As soon as the power goes off, this little beacon of light comes on; although it is small it gives forth a great deal of light and we are able to see our way around the front of the house. We can gather candles and lanterns and get all the light we need to continue whatever we were doing until the power comes back on.
Also, in Africa, there is great spiritual darkness; but there are TAG(Tanzania Assemblies of God) churches that provide little beacons of light to show the way for those who are floundering in the darkness. We are privileged to be interim principals and teachers at our Mwanza Bible College; preparing men and women to be salt and light to the dark places in our region. We are helping to charge their spiritual batteries so that they can be light in the dark places the Lord will send them.
We are advancing against the troops of the “Prince of Darkness” and scaling the walls of fear, unbelief, superstition, witchcraft and evil that he has built to keep the “Light of the World-Jesus Christ” out and those inside forever lost in the darkness.
This week Tim has been working with the local TAG leadership in the difficult process of disciplining a pastor who is walking in darkness and is arrogantly and rebelliously determined to take the church with him. They will be relieving him of his duties and installing a pastor who will love and teach the congregation the truth of the Gospel. This is one of those tasks that we sometimes have to be involved in but that we would rather not have to do.
Also this week, we have had the painful job of reviewing with our Business Manager at the Bible College the list of students who have not paid their school fees and deciding what to do with each one. There will be one or two that we must send home since they have not paid any of their school fees at all; it’s not fair to all those who struggle and make sacrifices to be here if we allow those who do not pay to stay. We have given them half a term to make some type of payment on their bill and cannot, in good conscience, allow them to stay. This also is one of those tasks that we would rather not have to do.
However, on the bright side of things, we have visited with some of our pastors who are faithfully and sacrificially teaching and preaching the Gospel and building churches and congregations that will be light in their dark communities. We have visited churches that have been built, established and are growing in spite of great opposition. We are teaching students who spend hours in the chapel praying and seeking God for direction for their lives; it is a normal occurrence to hear students in the chapel every afternoon praying. The sound of their prayers are heard regularly around the campus.
We count it a privilege to be in the nation of Tanzania; God keeps our spiritual lamps burning and lights our way when we encounter the darkness. He gives us strength to advance against the troops of Satan and scale walls. We thank each of you for your faithful prayers and support; you are part of all we do here in Tanzania. You are part of our army; and because of you we continue to do the work that God has called us to do here.
Thanks to those of you who are specifically praying for the needs of the Mwanza Bible College; some of you have also provided funds to help meet some of these needs. The students and faculty faithfully pray for the churches and individuals in America who God has used to meet the needs of their Bible College. They are grateful for and humbled by the generosity and love from people who are willing to help them even though you don’t know them.
Please remember to check our website: www.timandjoycejarvis.com for regular updates and pictures that we post of our pastors, churches, congregations and Bible College.
May God richly bless each of you for your faithful love and support.
Workers Together for the Harvest,
Tim & Joyce Jarvis, Missionaries to Tanzania
In Africa, you learn what real darkness is; when the lights go out here there is complete darkness. Thankfully, we have a small emergency light that stays plugged in and charged for just such occasions. As soon as the power goes off, this little beacon of light comes on; although it is small it gives forth a great deal of light and we are able to see our way around the front of the house. We can gather candles and lanterns and get all the light we need to continue whatever we were doing until the power comes back on.
Also, in Africa, there is great spiritual darkness; but there are TAG(Tanzania Assemblies of God) churches that provide little beacons of light to show the way for those who are floundering in the darkness. We are privileged to be interim principals and teachers at our Mwanza Bible College; preparing men and women to be salt and light to the dark places in our region. We are helping to charge their spiritual batteries so that they can be light in the dark places the Lord will send them.
We are advancing against the troops of the “Prince of Darkness” and scaling the walls of fear, unbelief, superstition, witchcraft and evil that he has built to keep the “Light of the World-Jesus Christ” out and those inside forever lost in the darkness.
This week Tim has been working with the local TAG leadership in the difficult process of disciplining a pastor who is walking in darkness and is arrogantly and rebelliously determined to take the church with him. They will be relieving him of his duties and installing a pastor who will love and teach the congregation the truth of the Gospel. This is one of those tasks that we sometimes have to be involved in but that we would rather not have to do.
Also this week, we have had the painful job of reviewing with our Business Manager at the Bible College the list of students who have not paid their school fees and deciding what to do with each one. There will be one or two that we must send home since they have not paid any of their school fees at all; it’s not fair to all those who struggle and make sacrifices to be here if we allow those who do not pay to stay. We have given them half a term to make some type of payment on their bill and cannot, in good conscience, allow them to stay. This also is one of those tasks that we would rather not have to do.
However, on the bright side of things, we have visited with some of our pastors who are faithfully and sacrificially teaching and preaching the Gospel and building churches and congregations that will be light in their dark communities. We have visited churches that have been built, established and are growing in spite of great opposition. We are teaching students who spend hours in the chapel praying and seeking God for direction for their lives; it is a normal occurrence to hear students in the chapel every afternoon praying. The sound of their prayers are heard regularly around the campus.
We count it a privilege to be in the nation of Tanzania; God keeps our spiritual lamps burning and lights our way when we encounter the darkness. He gives us strength to advance against the troops of Satan and scale walls. We thank each of you for your faithful prayers and support; you are part of all we do here in Tanzania. You are part of our army; and because of you we continue to do the work that God has called us to do here.
Thanks to those of you who are specifically praying for the needs of the Mwanza Bible College; some of you have also provided funds to help meet some of these needs. The students and faculty faithfully pray for the churches and individuals in America who God has used to meet the needs of their Bible College. They are grateful for and humbled by the generosity and love from people who are willing to help them even though you don’t know them.
Please remember to check our website: www.timandjoycejarvis.com for regular updates and pictures that we post of our pastors, churches, congregations and Bible College.
May God richly bless each of you for your faithful love and support.
Workers Together for the Harvest,
Tim & Joyce Jarvis, Missionaries to Tanzania
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Glutting Prayer Letter - Chi Alpha Missionaries
Testimonies/Prayer Requests:
1. Soonho the Korean student living with us continues to do well with his studies and living at our home. And I even get to win sometimes at Ping Pong ☺
Please continue to pray for him: 1. That he’ll either grow in Christ or be born again as we minister to him. 2. Please pray that he’ll pass his driving test next week to receive a U.S. license. 3. Please pray for this weekend as he travels to Detroit by bus Friday afternoon and drives back to Grand Rapids with his “fiancée” who is taking college classes in Detroit.
2. Phil has been working very hard at his studies at GVSU and has been doing well. He has also been involved with a campus ministry on campus. This weekend and next week he is going to be a part of a spring-break outreach.
Please pray for safety and protection for Phil and the others involved in the trip. Pray for their travels as he rides with 3 other guys down to Panama City, FL leaving Friday afternoon and arriving about 24 hours later. He’ll be meeting with several hundred other collegians from CCC. They’ll be trained in evangelism and do witnessing for a week in the city and on the beach. Please pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit for salvation of souls and for changed lives!
3. Bryan Ames is a campus pastor at University of Missouri. He is just starting out to raise support as he is transitioning from a secular career to a full time missionary. Please pray for Bryan as he will be meeting with 15 people, most being pastors in the Saint Louis area on Wednesday March 4th, 2009. Pray for favor, open doors and generous support from this group as they are in the same area as Bryan’s university ministry.
4. Matthew, our 18 yr old, has a web design class. He has been working on a website for our ministry. His project is due this coming Thursday. He has been doing a great job and it is almost finished. Please pray for him as he puts the final elements together for the website. Please pray for me that I’ll be able to do a good job with communicating final adjustments so the website will finish up really well.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support! The Lord bless you!
Gregg & Erin Glutting
1. Soonho the Korean student living with us continues to do well with his studies and living at our home. And I even get to win sometimes at Ping Pong ☺
Please continue to pray for him: 1. That he’ll either grow in Christ or be born again as we minister to him. 2. Please pray that he’ll pass his driving test next week to receive a U.S. license. 3. Please pray for this weekend as he travels to Detroit by bus Friday afternoon and drives back to Grand Rapids with his “fiancée” who is taking college classes in Detroit.
2. Phil has been working very hard at his studies at GVSU and has been doing well. He has also been involved with a campus ministry on campus. This weekend and next week he is going to be a part of a spring-break outreach.
Please pray for safety and protection for Phil and the others involved in the trip. Pray for their travels as he rides with 3 other guys down to Panama City, FL leaving Friday afternoon and arriving about 24 hours later. He’ll be meeting with several hundred other collegians from CCC. They’ll be trained in evangelism and do witnessing for a week in the city and on the beach. Please pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit for salvation of souls and for changed lives!
3. Bryan Ames is a campus pastor at University of Missouri. He is just starting out to raise support as he is transitioning from a secular career to a full time missionary. Please pray for Bryan as he will be meeting with 15 people, most being pastors in the Saint Louis area on Wednesday March 4th, 2009. Pray for favor, open doors and generous support from this group as they are in the same area as Bryan’s university ministry.
4. Matthew, our 18 yr old, has a web design class. He has been working on a website for our ministry. His project is due this coming Thursday. He has been doing a great job and it is almost finished. Please pray for him as he puts the final elements together for the website. Please pray for me that I’ll be able to do a good job with communicating final adjustments so the website will finish up really well.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support! The Lord bless you!
Gregg & Erin Glutting
Friday, February 27, 2009
Food Giveaway Testimonies
On behalf of my family I would like to thank you for the generous donation of food. It really helped out. I cooked the beans and shared them with my neighbor, she was also very thankful. She has been unemployed for years. I am a spiritual dad, I go to A.A. But I don’t go to church, maybe someday I will. I was impressed with your helpers, everyone had a smile on their face and offered words of hope. If there is any type of way I can help out the church let me know. I will donate my time since I am often unemployed. Your church and the people that helped are a true example that people do care for other people
Thank you very much
Tom S.
What a wonderful and caring act of kindness, that you are doing for the community and surrounding area.
May God bless all of you.
Aileen
I just wanted to thank you for the box of food today.
I wrote about it on my website. Thank you for the No Strings Attached gift
http://www.anothervaluablelesson.com/
My husband closed his business in July and things have been tight. The Lord has always provided and it was refreshing to see your mission in action!
God's Blessings, Candy
My family and myself would just like to say thank you so very much for the food basket that we had received by the church on this past Saturday, needless to say we were very surprised. Bless you all!
Thank You, Sandy & Family
Thank you very much
Tom S.
What a wonderful and caring act of kindness, that you are doing for the community and surrounding area.
May God bless all of you.
Aileen
I just wanted to thank you for the box of food today.
I wrote about it on my website. Thank you for the No Strings Attached gift
http://www.anothervaluablelesson.com/
My husband closed his business in July and things have been tight. The Lord has always provided and it was refreshing to see your mission in action!
God's Blessings, Candy
My family and myself would just like to say thank you so very much for the food basket that we had received by the church on this past Saturday, needless to say we were very surprised. Bless you all!
Thank You, Sandy & Family
Need Prayer
The following is a prayer request from some friends in a sensitive area:
Dear Friends,
We write to you asking you to hold our family up in prayer. Our family life and work are going very well. Other problems we are facing at the same time makes us think that we are being attacked by the Devil due to the progress in our work.
Please pray for us as:
1. Three weeks ago (husband's) last living Grandparent, his Grandmother, passed away during a time that he could not fly home for the funeral. At first he seemed fine, but grief and possibly depression have begun to set in. Please pray he will come out of this soon.
2. Within 10 days of the loss of his Grandmother, the pipes froze and burst at our home in (sensitive area). The company we hired to rent the home blames the electric company and the electric company blames the management company. The damage will cost between $4,000 and $7,000. Please pray that we can get this resolved without having to file a lawsuit. The insurance company requires proof of gas and electric bills paid. We cannot get this from anyone presently. A friend in Michigan is helping with clearing this up, but we have hit a wall on proceeding.
3. Also, please pray about the daily stress related to the nature of our work here. Due to the security issues here, some doors have closed that we had hoped would remain open.
We know that God has the victory in all these things and we greatly appreciate you partnering with us in prayer.
Dear Friends,
We write to you asking you to hold our family up in prayer. Our family life and work are going very well. Other problems we are facing at the same time makes us think that we are being attacked by the Devil due to the progress in our work.
Please pray for us as:
1. Three weeks ago (husband's) last living Grandparent, his Grandmother, passed away during a time that he could not fly home for the funeral. At first he seemed fine, but grief and possibly depression have begun to set in. Please pray he will come out of this soon.
2. Within 10 days of the loss of his Grandmother, the pipes froze and burst at our home in (sensitive area). The company we hired to rent the home blames the electric company and the electric company blames the management company. The damage will cost between $4,000 and $7,000. Please pray that we can get this resolved without having to file a lawsuit. The insurance company requires proof of gas and electric bills paid. We cannot get this from anyone presently. A friend in Michigan is helping with clearing this up, but we have hit a wall on proceeding.
3. Also, please pray about the daily stress related to the nature of our work here. Due to the security issues here, some doors have closed that we had hoped would remain open.
We know that God has the victory in all these things and we greatly appreciate you partnering with us in prayer.
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