Earlier this year, in May, Nate and Jenni provided an update stating that they were led by the Lord to exit direct ministry in East Africa. They have now fully left and have settled in Louisville. Today, Nate and Jenni want to thank each of you who have prayed faithfully for and given faithfully to them over the years. Their ministry has only been possible because of God’s sustaining grace and your generosity of time and resources.
Their sending organization, the International Mission Board, receives the majority of its funding through voluntary gifts from churches and individuals in one big annual offering. They call this the Lottie Moon offering in honour of a missionary by that name who worked in China from 1873–1912, and who did much to mobilize giving to international missions. For fifteen years, their house, vehicle, salary, children’s education, medical care, and so much more have been provided through generous giving to the Lottie Moon offering. Nate and Jenni thought that it would be a fitting end to their time in East Africa to thank you and encourage you to continue to give generously in this way.
Jarred and Jamie just hit the four-year mark of serving here at New Journey Church in Fosston, MN. Praise the Lord for sustaining them! After living in the church parsonage for their first four years here, they were finally able to purchase their own home last month. Several new families have recently begun attending the church. They have been drawn by NJC’s commitment to God's Word—knowing it, loving it, and being shaped by it.
While they have gained a couple of families in the last several months, they have also lost a lot of other families for a variety of reasons: disagreements over church membership/baptism, Reformed theology, and other personal disagreements. While some left well in good faith, many more have not. The church, especially Jarred, has been the recipient of a lot of gossip and even slander in their small community, which has threatened some disunity and bitterness among a few long-term members who remain. This has culminated in a very difficult members' meeting back in July. While the meeting served to bring much-needed clarity, there is still a lot of grieving and hurting over those who left and how they left.
The deacons are thankful for the generous giving of Immanuel to the Mercy Fund and are well-equipped to care for the practical needs of the body. They are eager to equip the body to care for the poor, needy, and vulnerable in our midst and in the community at large. If you or your GCG would like assistance in thinking through ways you could minister to these groups, they would love to hear from you.
Location:
Mozambique
Population:
50,000
Ev. Christian:
< 1%
Main Language:
Makwe
Spiritual Beliefs:
79.9% Islam
Bible in Heart Language:
No
The Makwe are located in the province of Cabo Delgado. The majority claim Islam as their formal religion, but when facing problems, they often go to the traditional healers. Christianity is looked down upon.