In 1972 Junior and I left the U.S. for a "tour of duty" in Rota, Spain, with the U.S. Navy. We had no idea that the Lord had a divine appointment for us that would change our lives from serving the military for our country to serving the military for our Savior.

On September 11, 1975, I (Chris) trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and God truly made me a new creature. God used the ministry of Bethel Baptist Church of Rota, Spain, and a BIMI military missionary to help me grow spiritually and to lead me to full time service for the Lord. In December of 1979, after 11 years in the U.S. Navy, we departed Rota, Spain, for Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Bible School.

In 1981 we were accepted with BIMI as missionaries to the Military. After a year of deputation we arrived back in Rota, Spain, in May 1983 to replace missionaries Ron & Barbara Parrott at Bethel Baptist Church.

The next 25 years were wonderful years—exciting and fruitful! To work with the U. S. Military is such a privilege and to do so in the place I was saved was a great blessing. Souls being saved, lives being changed, marriages being restored, families being helped, and careers being salvaged are all a part of the ministry, but to be allowed to minister on the "front lines" with our country's best is such a thrill. Our ministry at Rota was used to train men and women to continue on for Christ—regardless of the circumstances.

In 2008 the Lord led us to move from Rota, Spain, (working with the Navy & Air Force) to Iwakuni, Japan (working with the Marines). It has required (and continues to require) some major adjustments—language, food, and driving to name just a few. Since our ministry is to the U.S. Military, the spiritual side of things are much the same. Of course, the operational tempo of MCAS Iwakuni is quite different from that of NAS Rota, Spain. To say that working with Marines is different than working with other branches of the military would be an understatement. However, we love the ministry here with our troops and their families.

The challenges here are great as we prepare for an influx of troops and their families during the next 2-4 years. We have issues with space: seating space, class space, parking space. We have issues with qualified workers: soul-winners, S/S teachers, youth workers. But we will also have great opportunities! Opportunities to win the lost, disciple the converts, encourage the saints, minister to the families of deployed troops, and provide a local church that will make a difference in countless lives.

It is a great work in which we are involved—it is the Lord's work and nothing compares to it. We count it a great privilege to be allowed to have a little part in His work.

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I was born on January 21, 1959, in Paterson, New Jersey. Both my father and older brother served in the Navy. In 1977 at age 18 and after graduating high school, I decided to follow in my father's and brother's footsteps by joining the Navy. I went to Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida, and then reported to my first ship, the USS Sylvania (AFS-2). I met Lou Anne in 1979 through her brother who was also serving on the USS Sylvania.

My next duty station was NAS Brunswick, Maine. While stationed there, Lou Anne and I were married. We were both lost at that time, living like lost people live and doing what lost people do. We had planned to get out of the Navy at the end of that tour but God had other plans for Lou Anne and me. I was offered Rota, Spain, for my next duty station if we would stay for another tour of duty. All I heard about Rota was that it was cheap to live there and a great place to party. I thought it would be a lot of fun, but I also knew I would have to talk Lou Anne into going because she had her heart set on my getting out of the Navy. I talked her into it and off across the ocean we went. Little did we know that the tour in Rota, Spain, would totally change the course of our lives.

The things I heard about Rota were true. I fit right in with the other sailors in Rota. I was an average sailor, working hard while on duty and partying even harder while off duty. In my division there was a sailor named JT Hall. JT was different from the rest of the sailors in our division. He seemed to be a very good and moral person. I never heard JT cuss; he did not go out drinking with us, and he just seemed like a very good and moral person. I saw something in JT that was good and real, and whatever he had in his life I needed it in mine.

On Friday morning May 4, 1984, I approached JT and asked him what he had. What was the difference in his life from mine? He invited me to talk with him about it during lunch that day. I went to his office during lunch and JT Hall took his Bible and shared with me Jesus Christ and how to be born again. The Holy Spirit convicted my heart and I realized from the Bible that if I were to die, I would truly and without a doubt go to Hell. JT asked if I would go to church with him that Sunday. I said I would. Lou Anne and I showed up at Bethel Baptist Church in time for the morning service. Pastor Chris Parker preached the morning service and then gave the invitation. I almost ran down to the altar because for the past 2 days all I could think of was the reality of my dying and going to Hell. I was gloriously born again that day.

Lou Anne trusted Christ that following Tuesday. That was in May of 1984, and I have never gotten over that day. Bethel Baptist church was a military mission's church and Pastor Chris Parker, a great man of God and my first pastor, was a missionary with BIMI. I will never forget JT Hall who led me to the Lord and I will never forget Pastor Chris Parker for preaching the Word of God week after week so that we could grow as young Christians.
Eleven years later while stationed at Naval Station Patuxent River, Maryland, which would be my last duty station before retiring from the Navy, God put us in another great church, Patuxent Baptist church. We were under the preaching of another great man of God, Pastor Rick Conner. God called me to preach in 1996 while working at a Christian youth camp. I served as the assistant pastor of Patuxent Baptist church for 5 years and attended Independent Baptist Bible College in Clinton, Maryland, for my Bible training.

In my senior year of college God called me to be a missionary to the military. The mission board to go with was an easy choice, considering I was saved and discipled in a BIMI military mission's church. In May 2006, we planted a store front church 1.3 miles from the Mayport Naval station where there are thousands of military folks and their families now serving. We have seen many come to Christ and many lives changed since we have been here. God has blessed our church and our attendance, and we are now trying to purchase a building to house our church and to open a Christian Serviceman's center. There is an aircraft carrier scheduled to be home ported in Mayport within the next 3 years. With the aircraft carrier coming, there will be a major increase of military folks and their families as well as support personnel. This will be a great opportunity for our family and church to reach many more military folks and their families for Christ.

We have run out of room in our present storefront church and we need to prepare for the thousands that will come when the aircraft carrier arrives. I spent over 20 years in the Navy and retired in 1999 as a Chief Petty Officer. Lou Anne and I understand the military and its struggles. Our heart's desire and calling of God is to reach our military and their families with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then train them to serve the Lord. Please continue to pray for our family and Freedom Independent Baptist church as we serve God in the Mayport, Florida, area. If you know of anyone moving to Jacksonville, Florida, please direct them to our church. If you are visiting in the area or even just passing through, we would love to have you stop in for a service at Freedom Independent Baptist Church. Our information can be found on our website: www.freedomibc.com.

In Christ,
Brother Chris War

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Dr. Jim Kennard, Director, Military Missions. The Kennards rejoice in the many blessings the Lord gave them this past year. They are asking special prayer to expand the military ministry into new areas as well as for the military ministry worldwide.

Dr. Jeff Alverson, Assistant Director. The Alversons are rejoicing in the good meetings and overseas trips in 2010 to Germany, Belgium, Italy and Japan. Many funds were raised for Faith Promise Missions last year. Special Prayer Request: Brother Alverson is scheduled for knee-replacement surgery on Monday, January 24. Please pray for a successful surgery and recovery.

The Rick Bonds Family, USA—Texas. The Bonds are rejoicing in what the Lord accomplished in Del Rio through their small church, nestled among the cacti. A new pastor has taken over the ministry here. They are asking for God's direction in their lives as to where their next ministry should be. Rick and Jackie will need to raise additional support.

The Kevin Byers Family, Gemany. Kevin and Stacy are expecting their 6th child in June. They are planting a new church in Illesheim, Germany, and he says that one way to grow a church is through the nursery. They are asking for special prayer because this will be the 6th C-section for Stacy.

The Doug Cook Family, Germany. Ansbach Baptist Church continues to grow as many of our "Freedom Fighters" return home from the war zones. For the past months they have had visitors each week and rejoice in many blessings from God. Some have been saved and baptized and they have had three new families join the church. They are asking prayer for many of the church families who are now home with their loved ones and will be going through reintegration programs. Pray as these families readjust after being gone for a year.

The Danny Corprew Family, Japan. Brother Corprew rejoices in the privilege to journey by car, train, and air to fill in at independent Baptist churches in Misawa, Yokosuka, and also a week in Okinawa. In Yokosuka, there was one saved as well as good altar calls and a sweet spirit in all of the churches. Continue to pray for the salvation and safety of the troops and their families.

The Gary Craft Family, Germany. The Crafts just celebrated three years of ministry since the organization of Heritage Baptist Church. They recently started a new series in the adult Sunday School class on Biblical Child Training. They are trusting that the Lord will use this to help parents please the Lord in child rearing.

The Ernie Fritz Family, USA. God continues to use Ernie and Cynthia to represent military missions in churches in driving distance of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ernie is an honorary military missionary and is doing a great job presenting the military ministry in many churches.

The Alan Hamilton Family, Italy. Alan and Elizabeth serve through the Calvary Baptist Church of Siganella, where he pastors. They are asking special prayer for Elizabeth's visa, which is most difficult to get in Italy.

The Pete Heath Family, USA. Pete and Jean serve as the Education Coordinators and oversee the studies of the correspondence school which gives the GI's the opportunity to take Bible courses while they are still on active duty.

The John Hornbeck Family, Germany. John and LeeEtta have faithfully served the Lord through Rhein River Baptist Church in Mannheim, Germany. John works diligently to minister at the Military Correctional Center there in Mannheim. Many inmates have trusted Christ through this ministry.

The Heneise Family, USA—California. The Heneises rejoice in two West Coast Baptist College students who are interning at the church for the purpose of building a GOOD TEEN MINISTRY. There has already been an increase in the attendance of the teens in church services. They ask prayer for the renovation of the new facility.

The Bob Ingram Family, USA—Georgia. God continues to use The Ingrams at Fort Benning, Georgia to preach the Gospel to the many recruits stationed there. Hundreds have been saved through their ministry.

The Steve Kissling Family, Germany. The growth of the teen group as well as the growth of the general Sunday School at Grace Baptist Church in Graffenwohr have the Kisslings rejoicing. They ask prayer for all the soldiers and their families wherever their duty station may be.

The Mark Lancaster Family, Germany. They are in the beginning stages of starting a new church in Weisbaden, Germany, and are seeking God's guidance in finding a meeting place for the new work. Several families have already indicated an interest.

Tom Lancaster Family, Germany. Rhine River Baptist Church had a good mid-year missions conference with Dr. Ray Thompson, as one man was saved and the Faith Promise increased. Praise the Lord for two Romanian families in our church who have been called to take the Gospel to their homeland. One family is already serving in Romania and the other family is now on deputation. Pray for these two families. They also had a wonderful Christmas Retreat for European missionaries with some 300 in attendance.

The Stan Lane Family, USA—Florida. The Lanes praise the Lord for three baptized recently and for three new boys attending children's church. Stan and Charlene are asking prayer for these needs in the ministry: a pianist, a permanent song director, a van driver and more workers (especially for more soul winners).

The Jason Ludeking Family, Construction. Jason and Michiko will be in Iwakuni, Japan, working with Chris Parker in expanding their building. Hundreds of Marines will soon be coming into their area and they desperately need more space.

The McClure Family, USA—Virginia. The McClures are praising the Lord for good meetings and for the Lord's protection while traveling many miles. Praise: The McClures led a young lady in the Marines to the Lord. Please pray for John Taylor, a friend's son in the Navy, who has recently been stationed in the Chesapeake, Virginia, area. Pray that they will be able to minister to him and his friends.

The Monteith Family, Japan. The work in Okinawa continues to go well. They had a great missions conference with Brother John Neal as the Lord used it to increase the faith of their church families and their missions giving as well. Praise the Lord for several folks who were saved and baptized. They are asking prayer for the Lord's power and wisdom in the ministry so more souls will be saved and follow the Lord. SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Brother Monteith's mother who has been ill for awhile; pray for her healing and strength.

The Ed Navato Family, Japan. The Navatos praise the Lord for their Faith Promise Missions Conference in November with Missionary Sammy Popwell. With a slight increase in their commitments, they were able to support more missionaries. They especially praise the Lord for 50 public professions and 29 baptisms for the 2010 year. The church theme for the 2011 year is "I Love My Church—Each one win one."

The Steve Nutt Family, USA. The Nutts have been busy filling in and preaching in various churches in Japan and a church in Hawaii. They praise the Lord for the privilege of speaking to the annual retreat for the California Independent Baptist Pastors' Fellowship. They had a wonderful time there.

The Leo Osborne Family, Guam. The Osbornes are rebuilding after rotation. The numbers have been small, but the Lord continues to sustain them.

The Matt Olsen Family, Italy. The Olsens continue to serve the Lord in the Calvary Baptist Church, Aviano, Italy, where Matt is the missionary pastor. Their son Nathan was married in June of 2010 and their daughter Rebecca is engaged to be married this coming June. She graduates from Pensacola Christian College in May.

The Chris Parker Family, Japan. Chris and Junior are doing a great job working with the Marines in Iwakuni, Japan. Chris says that working with Marines is very different from working with the other branches of the military, but they are excited about the challenges before them.

The Ron Parrott Family, USA. Ronnie and Barbara have finished their commitment in Japan, having turned the church over to a missionary pastor. After some needed surgery, he will be available for another fill-in.

The Joe Passaro Family, Germany. Joe and Laura have shared a story of Veteran Russell Lovmo who served in the 1980's and has lived in Bamberg for many years. His mother prayed for him to get right with the Lord and get back in church. The Lord has answered that prayer; Russell has been attending Harvest Baptist Church for two months. Pray for his family's salvation and for his mother who is not well.

The Harold Pierce Family, Germany. The Pierce Family has finished their 12th year in Military Missions. They are presently in the planning stages of their upcoming furlough.

The Rusty Pilalas Family, Germany. Rusty and Karen have done a wonderful job in Heidelberg, Germany, where he pastors the Lighthouse Baptist Church. God is using them in this military community.

The Jesse Pilalas Family, Japan (Deputation). Jesse and Lyn are plugging along with their deputation. They are planning a trip to Germany, hoping to raise some support from the military churches there. They hope to be in Misewa, Japan, by next year.

The Sammy Popwell Family, Japan. The Popwells had a good meeting with Dr. John Neal. October was a good month. They had eight souls saved and baptized; four of those were led to the Lord personally by Pastor Popwell.

The Mark Sage Family, Japan. The Sages rejoice for five that were baptized the last few weeks; three of which he led to Christ personally. In October, Yokosuka Baptist Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary; the Sages celebrated their 5th year in Japan and 8 years on the mission field.

The Larry Simensen Family, Germany. The Simensens had the opportunity to fly to Dublin, Ireland, for the first time back in the fall. He had the privilege of preaching several times for the missionaries serving there. Larry and Phyllis have faithfully served the Lord in Mannheim, Germany, for many years.

The Brett Skillen Family, Germany (Furlough). Patricia is doing well and looking forward to having a third child. Traveling to Florida, Texas, Ohio, Kansas, and Missouri, they have had good meetings. They have also had opportunity to witness to relatives. Brett, Patricia and children are trusting the Lord to be in Germany by the end of the year.

The Chuck Sligh Family, Germany. The Slighs are greatly rejoicing over their first grand-baby born on October 31. They are thanking the Lord for a wonderful church people and great sons and their families. Chuck and Susan are on furlough until May of this year. Their church in Graffenwohr, Germany, continues to grow.

The Roy Smith Family, Germany (Furlough). Roy and Ellen are reporting to their supporting churches and trying to raise more support. They are asking prayer for their next ministry.

The Chuck Truitt Family, Italy. Chuck and Linda are excited about their new relocation building. They feel that many more military will be reached in this place. They have faithfully served the Lord as military missionaries for more than 25 years.

The Van Dynes, Relief Missionaries. The Van Dynes praise the Lord for the privilege of ministering 4 months overseas in military churches. Also, recently, they were able to fellowship with Christians they had the privilege to lead to Christ and pastor over 50 years ago.

The Chris War Family, Florida. The ministry here in Florida brings joy and challenges. A lady's nephew, David, only 27 years of age, died of a heart aneurism, leaving behind a wife and four children. Brother War did his funeral and after presenting a clear plan of salvation, fourteen people accepted Christ as Savior. They will close on their new building in February.

The Dave Williamson Family, Construction. January brings a trip to Japan and Florida for the Williamsons to help two BIMI missionaries rennovate their buildings. God has used Dave and Mary to save missionaries hundreds of thousands of dollars, using their God-given abilities in construction.

The Ben Wharton Family, Europe (Furlough). Ben and Anita are on furlough raising the needed support to return to Europe. They are trusting the Lord to have them ready to go by the end of the year. Pray that God will direct them to the right place for their next ministry.

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Rhein River Baptist Church, Mannheim, Germany - Dr. Tom Lancaster, Pastor

They came by train, plane and car from Italy, Belgium, England, France, Estonia, Latvia, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania and the United States. Over 250 missionaries, including their families, honored us with their presence at our 2010 Missionary Christmas Retreat on December 3­-5, 2010. The missionaries began arriving shortly after noon on Friday in order to get settled in their hotel rooms and changed before the banquet on Friday night. The Retreat always begins with a beautiful banquet on Friday night for the adults and teenagers. While the adults and teens were enjoying their banquet, the children were being treated to their own graded parties and program in other parts of our church building. The church auditorium was turned into a beautiful banquet hall, resplendent with multiple trees trimmed and lighted, candles flickering and red poinsettias in abundance on the banquet tables and all over the auditorium. Our ladies prepared a delicious turkey dinner for the missionaries, served by our own people. After a program of music and humor, we were honored to have as our guest speaker for the weekend Dr. David Gibbs, Jr., whom God used in a marvelous way to challenge our hearts. One of the highlights of the banquet each year is the honoring of a missionary couple who have proved themselves faithful to the cause of Christ. This year's honorees were Brother and Mrs. Mike Thornsley, who serve the U.S. military in Stuttgart, Germany.

Saturday began with a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by two more services with Dr. Gibbs. The afternoon and evening were filled with sight­seeing, eating schnitzel and visiting a German Christmas Markt.

Many of the missionaries were able to stay the entire weekend and it was our privilege to have them in all our Sunday services. Lunch and dinner were served after the morning and evening services. We have been told by many missionaries that it is a special blessing for them to sit under preaching, especially in English. The children seem to especially enjoy having the fellowship with the other children. Dr. Gibbs spoke three times on Sunday with tremendous response.

This is the fourteenth year we have hosted this special Christmas event for our independent Baptist missionaries in Europe. Rhein River Baptist Church is primarily a military church. Having a military outlook, we believe that like the troops on the front line in WWII had R&R centers, our missionaries who are on the spiritual front line need an R&R center as well. Rhein River Baptist Church has dedicated itself to being an R&R center for the independent Baptist missionaries in Europe. The Retreat has grown to the point that we have to have help. We are so thankful for the people who volunteer to come from the States at their own expense to help us serve the missionaries. And we are thankful for the churches and individuals who have caught the vision of the importance of this ministry of encouragement and help us financially. To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

TESTIMONY OF A MISSIONARY FAMILY WHO ATTENDED THE MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS RETREAT

"As you know, this was the first year we've had the privilege to attend and it was a very special time indeed. We will not forget the love and generosity shown to us by everyone, in every way. The food, lodging, transportation, ministry, gift, and of course the sweet Christian fellowship were all truly wonderful beyond words. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for making it such a special weekend for us. My wife and our two daughters share in the sentiments. We were all blessed so wonderfully. I hope you grasp to some degree just how much of an encouragement you have been. I can only pray that God will bless you all many times over for the sacrifices you have made for so many. I would also appreciate it very much if you could please pass on to the others you mentioned who helped make it all possible, just what a blessed and encouraging time it was for us. We needed the refreshing time of fellowship and ministry even more than we realized. Words seem so little for all you have done but... THANK YOU!!! With much Christian love and appreciation," —Missionaries serving in England

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By Mark Lancaster

Julie, Emily and I came to Germany in April of 2007 to help my father start New Testament Baptist churches among our American military here in Europe. In 2008, we had the privilege of starting Harvest Baptist Church in Bamberg, Germany. Brother Joe Passaro and his wife, Laura, now minister to our military at the wonderful church.

Julie and I have been praying for a number of months about where the Lord would have us to go next to start a work. There are several places we are interested in such as Africa and Romania. The timing for these areas is still not right.

We have been interested for a couple of years in the city of Wiesbaden, Germany. Wiesbaden is a beautiful city, located on the Rhein River about 20 minutes from Frankfurt. It is a large industrial city as well as a busy tourist center. Wiesbaden is also the capital of the state of Hessen.

The US Army Garrison is home to several major tactical units, which include the 1st Armored Division, 5th Signal Command, 66th Military Intelligence Group, 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 485th Intelligence Squadron and 1st Air Support Operations Squadron. This Garrison supports approximately 14,400 soldiers, civilians, family members and retirees. There are 6 housing areas as well as 27 barracks facilities in this military community.

We are thankful that we already have families waiting for us to start this new work and continue to receive calls from others who are interested. We are praying that God will raise up a strong, soul-winning mission-minded church for His glory. I am excited about the opportunity to pastor this new work.

Please pray that God will supply the funds for the initial needs of this new church. We will need tracts, brochures, hymnals as well as rental on a meeting room. We know that God will supply. If you have any other questions about the new work, please email us at: MJELancaster1@gmail.com

May God Rest His Soul.

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Scot C & Katie Daku -  AMERICAN SAMOA
Paul J & Wendy Daku Jr -  FIJI ISLANDS
James & Dawn Daley -  INDONESIA