Steve and Valarie Keating are part of a young church plant in Cork, Ireland, where they teach, disciple, and support the Irish leadership. In early January, Steve was able to attend the Irish Preachers Conference with six men from their local church. This event is always encouraging, and it provides a great opportunity to both edify others and be renewed personally. This conference allows Steve to have very important conversations with Irish leaders to encourage them to press on in the hard work of gospel proclamation.
Preaching and teaching are the main work that they are involved with the church in Ireland. Valarie regularly teaches women and children. Steve preaches often and leads the church in a Friday night Bible study. These are the simple means by which they hope to see God make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders.
The Ndzi family moved away from Louisville two years ago when God called Jones to pastor Grace Reformed Baptist Church (GRBC) in Mebane, NC. Since their arrival, Jones has experienced the continual joy of serving with other elders unified in mind and spirit. Recently, they clearly defined roles among the staff pastors. It was very well received and appreciated by both the eldership and church family. They praise the Lord for that. God has also seen fit to raise up some very promising young brothers with aspirations for full time ministry in their pastoral apprenticeship program.
The church and the elders are continuing to walk through a difficult marriage counseling situation that has been going on for over a year now. They long to see the Lord grant repentance and restoration to this marriage. The elders are in great need of wisdom to love the couple well, according to the gospel, and to shepherd the rest of the church through this trial.
Refuge believes that God has given his Great Commission to local churches. Recognizing that refugees often flee tragic and dangerous circumstances in their home countries, Refuge International exists to help local churches love these dear people who now live among us and to point them to the only One who can bring true and eternal healing: Jesus Christ. Visit refugeintl.org to learn more.
Location:
Mozambique
Population:
195,000
Ev. Christian:
< 2%
Main Language:
Yao
Spiritual Beliefs:
94.6% Islam
Bible in Heart Language:
Yes
The Yao have lived in northern Mozambique for hundreds of years. After World War I, the nation was heavily influenced by Islam. The Yao of Mozambique are being engaged with the gospel, yet still remain largely unreached.