28 Aug Video: Mattru Hospital 2013

The United Brethren in Christ has operated the Mattru Hospital in Sierra Leone for more than 50 years. Currently, steps are being taken to renew the hospital’s focus and operations under the leadership of the Sierra Leone National Conference and with the participation of multiple partners, including Global Ministries.

26 Aug Missionaries in Transition

Frank Y, Associate Director of Global Ministries

A number of Global Ministries staff are in transition. Here’s a snapshot of these missionaries on the move:

Miriam, our worker in India, returned to the States in early August for her four-month home ministry assignment. She’ll be connecting with family and supporters during these months. Her three sons and their families live in the States.

Jenaya Bonner completed her home ministry assignment and returned to Macau for continued service last week. This is her second term. She worked with the English Language Program during her first term, in addition to various ministries involving Living Stone church. This time, in addition to her duties with the ELP, she will work to find ways to create bridges between the Living Stone UB church and its community. Jenaya is from Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne, Ind.

A Global Ministries staff member will leave to serve in a closed country later this week. This will be the first term for this person. For security reasons we can’t give you additional information about this person’s identity or area of service.

The Kline family (David, Melissa, Mia, Brandt, and Aiden) just packed their bags and will be returning to the States later this week. They are in the process of saying good-byes to their friends and coworkers in Macau. Melissa went to Macau in 2001 as a single missionary. She and David were married in March 2003 and have served together in Macau since April 2004.

Bryan and Emily Gerlach have completed their cross-cultural and language training and will leave for Thailand in mid-September. They are currently waiting for their visas to be approved.

We regretfully announce that Jessica Hollopeter will conclude her service with Global Ministries and OMS (One Mission Society) as of the end of August 2013. The reason: financial support difficulties and a lack of regular supporters.

For the past three years, Jessica has beautifully expressed her journalism and administrative gifts in both organizations, and will truly be missed. Pray that God will be her strength and provision as she seeks his guidance for next steps. If you are interested in sending Jessica a note of encouragement, or assisting with her financial deficit, please contact Global Ministries at gm@ub.org.

21 Aug Video: Bryan and Emily Gerlach Prepare for Thailand

Bryan and Emily Gerlach are working with Global Ministries and the Hong Kong National Conference to launch an expansion of our work in Thailand. Although our church planting efforts originated in the northern mountains, we are shifting our focus to the city of Chiang Rai. Many young people who migrate from the mountains find themselves being lured into the drug and prostitution industries. Bryan and Emily will be part of a multi-national team providing housing, discipleship training, education, and job skills training to vulnerable young people.

13 Aug Prayer for Roger Reeck

Marilyn Reeck, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Honduras

Over the years the Lord has been gracious and wonderful to us, and we praise Him for His blessings. But now, we need your help–to pray for Roger and his pain level.

In April, Roger had an operation on his left ankle with the hope of relieving some of the pain he feels, but several months later, the pain still lingers. It appears that the pain is nerve related. He has been taking Lyrica for two months and has received steroid shots in the ankle area. So far, nothing has helped and the strong pain persists–especially as rainy weather approaches.

Awhile back, Roger committed to go to Mozambique to lead a seminar on translating the book of Psalms and also to check the translation of Psalms for the Sena language group. We are just days away from him leaving and have become concerned about the persistent pain, especially because I will not travel with him.

We invite you to commit to pray for Roger each day while he is in Mozambique–for a total of three weeks. Please pray with us for the following:

1. That Roger will be released from this strong, debilitating pain.
2. For the long trip. Roger’s leg usually swells and becomes painful during a flight.
3. That Roger will have the ability to concentrate in order to lead the workshop and to guide the Sena group through the revision of the translation.

Here is Roger’s travel schedule:

Aug. 17: Travel from La Ceiba to Houston.
Aug. 18: Travel from Houston to Washington DC.
Aug. 19: Travel from Washington to Johannesburg thru Ehiopia.
Aug. 20: Request the visa to Mozambique.
Aug. 22: Travel from Johannesburg to Mozambique.
Aug. 19-23: Psalms workshop.
Aug. 26 – Sept. 6: consult check the translation for the Sena language group.
Sept. 8: Travel back to Johannesburg.
Sept. 9: Travel back to Houston and Honduras.