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May 2008 |
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I've been reading the life story of Annie (Dyck) Buhler this week. She served with MBMS International in Colombia and Panama for almost 40 years. Her gifts were in education and discipleship. Annie's adventure in mission led her to the jungle on the border of Colombia and Panama where she supported our church planting efforts in that challenging region. Her good friend Herta Voth (who also served with MBMSI for many years in that region) remembers her as a gifted servant who lived generously and with humility. Annie finished the race well. Although Herta is officially retired, she continues to run a good race.
This past week I was debriefing one of our mission teams and listening
to their stories of learning a new language and culture. They have
been tested on many levels and confessed their need of ongoing
restoration. Living on mission in a cross-cultural setting is as
challenging as it is rewarding. We can get tired, "weary of doing
good" (Gal 6:9) and sometimes lose sight of the goal.
One of the gifts God has given to our "retired" missionaries is the
vision to encourage younger leaders. I recently visited an alumnus of
our discipleship training programs who is now serving with his family
in Burundi. He remarked on the encouraging letters and gifts he had
received from Herta Voth. Her words of encouragement came through a
life lived on mission and kept this young missionary focused on the
goal of serving for God's glory.
At the close of his life Moses encouraged Joshua with these words, "The
Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave
you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deut.
31:8) These life giving words were an encouragement to the writer of
Hebrews (Heb. 13:5) and to many in our day. Let's look for ways to
pass on these words of encouragement to younger leaders who are
pursuing a mission call. It could be what they need to keep running
the race!
Ministry Highlights
- Mr N in Japan met MBMSI missionaries Laurence (& Leona) Hiebert
when he began attending English classes at their church plant in Toyota
City last fall. He began meeting weekly with Laurence, attending
church and was recently baptized! He is eagerly sharing his story with
family, friends and colleagues.
- The Life Center church plant and the Abundant Life Home orphanage in
Chonburi, Thailand were thrilled to welcome a new boy to their family
on April 26th. His "brothers" welcomed him with open arms, making sure
he was comfortable and explaining that he would love to learn about
Jesus with them!
Items for Prayer
- Pray for MBMSI's TREK team, currently finishing their last month of
service in Panama. They have been living and working in a remote
village, building latrines and teaching English, using every
opportunity to testify to the transforming work of Christ.
- Ken and Marilyn Fast have served at Pan American Christian School in
Brazil for 29 years, and are heavily involved in discipleship through
teaching and athletic programs. Pray for them as they recover from
tendonitis (Marilyn) and knee surgery (Ken).
Until all have heard,
Randy Friesen
 Click here to download the May Vision for Mission in PDF format 257.06 Kb
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