by Pat Creed
It is a very difficult feeling to handle when a hurtful situation is taking place and one can do nothing to help because of distance or separation or some other reason. This is what we often go through as directors when our missionaries are facing problems that we know are very hurtful for the individual and the family. At times like these, we know that prayer is the answer, but we want to be able to do more. We have had some of these times recently with our missionaries in the islands.
Benjamin, the teenage son of Jerry and Liz Harmon, was sent to the hospital, not knowing what was going on and fearful that it was something extremely serious. Cancer was finally ruled out, but he has been diagnosed with Crohn's and Behcets. They are treating Benjamin with steroids, but this has been a difficult time for him and his family.
Josh and Joy Wesson took their seven-year-old son Steven to the hospital in the Dominican Republic, where he was diagnosed with Leukemia. They immediately made plans to fly to the States, stopping in Miami to have him checked. The doctors there agreed with the doctor's diagnosis in the D.R. They then took him to Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he is being treated. Fortunately, it is a treatable type of Leukemia and the treatments seem to be working.
Russell and Bobbie Turner, missionaries for many years on Cayman Brac, recently went through a terrible hurricane which destroyed much of the island and many of their church buildings. It will take years to recover completely.
Jim and Christine Payne, on deputation headed for the Dominican Republic, have been going through a difficult time with their son Jimmy. He has been passing out and for months they were unable to get an answer as to what might be the cause. Finally, he was diagnosed with migraines in the stomach. There are still times when he passes out, but with medication it seems to be a little better.
This is just a little of what our missionaries face month after month as they serve in foreign countries. These are situations that would be difficult to go through in the States, but the difficulty is increased when away from family, church, and medical facilities. We have great missionaries throughout the West Indies. God has blessed in a wonderful way, but the work is done with a price to be paid. We certainly appreciate all of our missionaries and their desire to be where God wants them to be, doing what He has called them to do.
June and I have been able to enjoy time at home during the Christmas and New Year's holidays and in the missions conference at Independent Baptist, our home church. This conference is always a tremendous time. We love our home church and always enjoy being able to spend time with the wonderful people in Clinton.
May God give you a tremendous 2009 as you serve Him where you are.
Return to Top
It is a very difficult feeling to handle when a hurtful situation is taking place and one can do nothing to help because of distance or separation or some other reason. This is what we often go through as directors when our missionaries are facing problems that we know are very hurtful for the individual and the family. At times like these, we know that prayer is the answer, but we want to be able to do more. We have had some of these times recently with our missionaries in the islands. Benjamin, the teenage son of Jerry and Liz Harmon, was sent to the hospital, not knowing what was going on and fearful that it was something extremely serious. Cancer was finally ruled out, but he has been diagnosed with Crohn's and Behcets. They are treating Benjamin with steroids, but this has been a difficult time for him and his family.
Josh and Joy Wesson took their seven-year-old son Steven to the hospital in the Dominican Republic, where he was diagnosed with Leukemia. They immediately made plans to fly to the States, stopping in Miami to have him checked. The doctors there agreed with the doctor's diagnosis in the D.R. They then took him to Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he is being treated. Fortunately, it is a treatable type of Leukemia and the treatments seem to be working.
Russell and Bobbie Turner, missionaries for many years on Cayman Brac, recently went through a terrible hurricane which destroyed much of the island and many of their church buildings. It will take years to recover completely.
Jim and Christine Payne, on deputation headed for the Dominican Republic, have been going through a difficult time with their son Jimmy. He has been passing out and for months they were unable to get an answer as to what might be the cause. Finally, he was diagnosed with migraines in the stomach. There are still times when he passes out, but with medication it seems to be a little better.
This is just a little of what our missionaries face month after month as they serve in foreign countries. These are situations that would be difficult to go through in the States, but the difficulty is increased when away from family, church, and medical facilities. We have great missionaries throughout the West Indies. God has blessed in a wonderful way, but the work is done with a price to be paid. We certainly appreciate all of our missionaries and their desire to be where God wants them to be, doing what He has called them to do.
June and I have been able to enjoy time at home during the Christmas and New Year's holidays and in the missions conference at Independent Baptist, our home church. This conference is always a tremendous time. We love our home church and always enjoy being able to spend time with the wonderful people in Clinton.
May God give you a tremendous 2009 as you serve Him where you are.
Return to Top
New missionary approved for Trinidad
In December, we were blessed to hear the testimony of "Coco" who has joined BIMI with a desire to go to Trinidad. Last year while on the BIMI "SMART" trip, God confirmed that He wanted Coco in Trinidad. Her testimony touched our hearts. She shared how she came to know the Lord in Hong Kong and how the Lord directed her to Canada. Although she was a Buddhist, God's miraculous grace saved her and in His providence, He called her. Today, Coco is on deputation, looking forward to serving with our missionaries in Trinidad. Her heart desires to share the Gospel in the public schools where hundreds of children attend from Hindu families and Spiritist families. An open door exists for missionaries to teach "religious education" classes. Pray that Coco will soon have her needed support and will be on the field reaching boys and girls for Christ.
Return to Top
In December, we were blessed to hear the testimony of "Coco" who has joined BIMI with a desire to go to Trinidad. Last year while on the BIMI "SMART" trip, God confirmed that He wanted Coco in Trinidad. Her testimony touched our hearts. She shared how she came to know the Lord in Hong Kong and how the Lord directed her to Canada. Although she was a Buddhist, God's miraculous grace saved her and in His providence, He called her. Today, Coco is on deputation, looking forward to serving with our missionaries in Trinidad. Her heart desires to share the Gospel in the public schools where hundreds of children attend from Hindu families and Spiritist families. An open door exists for missionaries to teach "religious education" classes. Pray that Coco will soon have her needed support and will be on the field reaching boys and girls for Christ.Return to Top
by Mrs. June Creed
Dear Noteworthy Friends,
Happy 2009 to all of you! Recently, the Lord has been laying the same portion of a Bible verse on my heart over and over: James 4:2 "...yet ye have not, because ye ask not." We began our missions conference at our home church this past Sunday, and Dr. David Gibbs, Jr., the guest speaker, mentioned the same Scripture to start off the conference.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents sometimes kept my sister and me on weekends so our parents could travel with friends. My granddaddy would always sit in the living room, watching TV or listening to the radio. I would say to my grandmother, "I would like a chocolate milkshake," and she would say, "You have to ask your granddaddy." I would say to my granddaddy, "Go to Hershey's and get me a chocolate milkshake, please!" After asking him three or four times, he would go across the street and bring back the wonderful treat. My grandmother said, "See, you must ask!" This is perhaps a silly example to use, but through this experience, I learned to ask the Lord for things in my life. Pat and I pray for your specific needs, and we know the Lord will bless and answer accordingly. Pray for us!
We have been trying to be healthy and wise, eating right and exercising. We walk two and a half miles a day. To motivate me, Pat suggested that we pray together as we walk and thus use the time wisely in two ways. It worked!
Love and Prayers,
June
Return to Top
Dear Noteworthy Friends,
Happy 2009 to all of you! Recently, the Lord has been laying the same portion of a Bible verse on my heart over and over: James 4:2 "...yet ye have not, because ye ask not." We began our missions conference at our home church this past Sunday, and Dr. David Gibbs, Jr., the guest speaker, mentioned the same Scripture to start off the conference.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents sometimes kept my sister and me on weekends so our parents could travel with friends. My granddaddy would always sit in the living room, watching TV or listening to the radio. I would say to my grandmother, "I would like a chocolate milkshake," and she would say, "You have to ask your granddaddy." I would say to my granddaddy, "Go to Hershey's and get me a chocolate milkshake, please!" After asking him three or four times, he would go across the street and bring back the wonderful treat. My grandmother said, "See, you must ask!" This is perhaps a silly example to use, but through this experience, I learned to ask the Lord for things in my life. Pat and I pray for your specific needs, and we know the Lord will bless and answer accordingly. Pray for us!
We have been trying to be healthy and wise, eating right and exercising. We walk two and a half miles a day. To motivate me, Pat suggested that we pray together as we walk and thus use the time wisely in two ways. It worked!
Love and Prayers,
June
Return to Top
4 cups unsifted, all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1/2teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cup half & half
1 large egg
1/4 cup golden raisins or currants
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar. With blender or two knives, cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, beat together half and half and large egg. Measure out two tablespoons of the mixture and reserve. Add remaining mixture to dry ingredients along with raisins or currants. Mix lightly until mixture forms soft dough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead five or six times. Divide dough in half. With a lightly flowered rolling pin, roll one-half of the dough into a seven-inch round, cut into four pieces. Repeat with other half. Place scones one inch apart on a large, greased baking sheet. Pierce top with a fork and brush with remaining cream and egg mixture. Bake at 425 degrees for fifteen to eighteen minutes. Serve warm. (A good alternative for the cream and egg mixture would be to whip in heavy cream at the butter stage and serve with jam.) Enjoy!
Return to Top
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1/2teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cup half & half
1 large egg
1/4 cup golden raisins or currants
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar. With blender or two knives, cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, beat together half and half and large egg. Measure out two tablespoons of the mixture and reserve. Add remaining mixture to dry ingredients along with raisins or currants. Mix lightly until mixture forms soft dough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead five or six times. Divide dough in half. With a lightly flowered rolling pin, roll one-half of the dough into a seven-inch round, cut into four pieces. Repeat with other half. Place scones one inch apart on a large, greased baking sheet. Pierce top with a fork and brush with remaining cream and egg mixture. Bake at 425 degrees for fifteen to eighteen minutes. Serve warm. (A good alternative for the cream and egg mixture would be to whip in heavy cream at the butter stage and serve with jam.) Enjoy!
Return to Top
It was November 8, 2008. We had battened down the mission home because Hurricane Poloma was on the way! Many of our islanders went to the different shelters, but Russ and I stayed in the mission home. We, of course, could not sleep, so we sat up and talked to our Father. The coconuts were slamming against the shutters, sounding like bombs. We could hear debris flying all around, but the Lord kept our roof on. Water, however, was flooding the house.
As daylight came, the hurricane lasted until the morning hours, then let up somewhat. Our house was flooded with water. Everything was wet. We spent all day Saturday sweeping out water, but it left everything damp. My typewriter, etc., was ruined.
As we looked out, it didn't look like Cayman Brac. Our recreation area, shed, and basketball goal were all gone, and the remains were scattered all over the place. The power and telephone poles were uprooted and lying on the ground with wires all over. Of course, the electricity had been cut off the day before, so as to keep anyone from being hurt.
Russ and I and a few of our people managed to get to the church at 11:00 and have service. Our fellowship building, where many of you have stayed, had lost its top floor. Also, two more of our buildings had lost the top floor. In my language I described it as "beds, mattresses, clothes and all else scattered all over the Spot Bay."
I have a small gas stove for emergencies. We took the top off our cistern and dipped water for cooking and "sponge bathing"! We lost everything in our freezer, but Chad and Chase managed to get some fish out of the Caribbean during calm water. Maryrose, Chad and Chase were a big help cleaning around the mission homes. Mary brought a generator, so after several days of "primitive living" we were able to get our fridge and cistern pump going.
Russ III came from Costa Rica the next week. The children were so helpful in cleaning up so we could get in and out.
Now, I am writing this on December 10 and we are still without electricity and phone service, but progress is being made to correct this. It will be many months before Cayman Brac looks like Cayman Brac!
Let me be sure to emphasize this: The Lord makes no mistakes. He took care of us and there were no lives lost or injured.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and help. We love you!
Return to Top
As daylight came, the hurricane lasted until the morning hours, then let up somewhat. Our house was flooded with water. Everything was wet. We spent all day Saturday sweeping out water, but it left everything damp. My typewriter, etc., was ruined.As we looked out, it didn't look like Cayman Brac. Our recreation area, shed, and basketball goal were all gone, and the remains were scattered all over the place. The power and telephone poles were uprooted and lying on the ground with wires all over. Of course, the electricity had been cut off the day before, so as to keep anyone from being hurt.
Russ and I and a few of our people managed to get to the church at 11:00 and have service. Our fellowship building, where many of you have stayed, had lost its top floor. Also, two more of our buildings had lost the top floor. In my language I described it as "beds, mattresses, clothes and all else scattered all over the Spot Bay."
I have a small gas stove for emergencies. We took the top off our cistern and dipped water for cooking and "sponge bathing"! We lost everything in our freezer, but Chad and Chase managed to get some fish out of the Caribbean during calm water. Maryrose, Chad and Chase were a big help cleaning around the mission homes. Mary brought a generator, so after several days of "primitive living" we were able to get our fridge and cistern pump going.Russ III came from Costa Rica the next week. The children were so helpful in cleaning up so we could get in and out.
Now, I am writing this on December 10 and we are still without electricity and phone service, but progress is being made to correct this. It will be many months before Cayman Brac looks like Cayman Brac!
Let me be sure to emphasize this: The Lord makes no mistakes. He took care of us and there were no lives lost or injured.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and help. We love you!
Return to Top
Land of Oil, Opposition...Yet Opportunities
by John Gossett
Yes, the southernmost twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has a seemingly stable economy and many enemies of the true Gospel, yet it has abundant opportunities for evangelism and establishment of independent Baptist churches.
REVENUE-Trinidad as a whole does not rely heavily on tourism as a source of income. The government's revenue here is based on petroleum, petrochemicals (any chemical obtained from natural gas or petroleum), natural gas, and other industries.
RELIGIONS-Trinidad's English-speaking population of about 1.3 million people is made up primarily of Afro-Trinidadians and Indo-Trinidadians, which comprise about 80% of the population. The remainder are of European, Chinese, and Arab descent. False religions are prevalent and include Catholic/Anglican (35%), Hindu (25%), Muslim (about 8%), Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormon, Charismatic, Adventist, etc. (32%).
REGIONS-Dozens of towns and areas, many with populations numbering in the tens of thousands, are in need of independent, fundamental, separated, soul-winning Baptist churches.
Three-year-government-issued missionary permits are usually easily obtainable. Because of the fact that a missionary normally must leave Trinidad for one year after being in the country for three consecutive years, we need to pray for God to call missionary couples that are willing to work together to establish churches. Recently, I have been able to preach on Wednesdays to groups of Trinidadian soldiers and about 20 of them have been saved. Public schools are open to the preaching of the Gospel, and invitations are usually allowed. These and many other preaching opportunities await the missionary who is willing to give his life for the cause of Christ in Trinidad. In northwest Trinidad several hundred thousand people live in the areas of Port of Spain, Diego Martin, Santa Cruz, San Juan, Barataria, and others. All of these towns/areas need churches. Many Trinis will listen to the Gospel as it is presented. South/Central Trinidad has more East Indians living in it (thus more Hindus), and towns like Talparo, Chaguanas, Rio Claro, Mayaro, and Sangre Grande need churches. The missionaries presently serving here, as well as the solid Bible-believing national pastors on the Island, have good cooperating, working relationships for the most part. In southern Trinidad, towns such as Princess Town, Debe, Penal, Gasparillo, Cedros, and others need churches. Many more towns I did not name need true Bible-believing churches.
RESILIENCY-Missionaries who come, of course, need to be capable of continuing on during and after hardship. I personally thank God for His grace and blessings in allowing us to serve in Trinidad since 1998. In the last 12 or so years, about 12 missionary families have left Trinidad permanently. The carnival/mardi-gras-like attitude that encompasses most of the year leads many people to a complacent or self-satisfied attitude. The cost of food here rose 22% each year from 2003 to 2007, then rose 70% more in 2008. The cost of rent, utilities, and seemingly everything has risen very sharply, also. These are just a few of the difficulties one would face.
So a great door and effectual is opened here, and yet there are many adversaries - I Cor. 16:9. But again, opportunities to bring honor and glory to God await the person who is called of and by God to serve the Lord as a missionary in Trinidad.
Return to Top
by John Gossett
Yes, the southernmost twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has a seemingly stable economy and many enemies of the true Gospel, yet it has abundant opportunities for evangelism and establishment of independent Baptist churches.REVENUE-Trinidad as a whole does not rely heavily on tourism as a source of income. The government's revenue here is based on petroleum, petrochemicals (any chemical obtained from natural gas or petroleum), natural gas, and other industries.
RELIGIONS-Trinidad's English-speaking population of about 1.3 million people is made up primarily of Afro-Trinidadians and Indo-Trinidadians, which comprise about 80% of the population. The remainder are of European, Chinese, and Arab descent. False religions are prevalent and include Catholic/Anglican (35%), Hindu (25%), Muslim (about 8%), Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormon, Charismatic, Adventist, etc. (32%).
REGIONS-Dozens of towns and areas, many with populations numbering in the tens of thousands, are in need of independent, fundamental, separated, soul-winning Baptist churches.
Three-year-government-issued missionary permits are usually easily obtainable. Because of the fact that a missionary normally must leave Trinidad for one year after being in the country for three consecutive years, we need to pray for God to call missionary couples that are willing to work together to establish churches. Recently, I have been able to preach on Wednesdays to groups of Trinidadian soldiers and about 20 of them have been saved. Public schools are open to the preaching of the Gospel, and invitations are usually allowed. These and many other preaching opportunities await the missionary who is willing to give his life for the cause of Christ in Trinidad. In northwest Trinidad several hundred thousand people live in the areas of Port of Spain, Diego Martin, Santa Cruz, San Juan, Barataria, and others. All of these towns/areas need churches. Many Trinis will listen to the Gospel as it is presented. South/Central Trinidad has more East Indians living in it (thus more Hindus), and towns like Talparo, Chaguanas, Rio Claro, Mayaro, and Sangre Grande need churches. The missionaries presently serving here, as well as the solid Bible-believing national pastors on the Island, have good cooperating, working relationships for the most part. In southern Trinidad, towns such as Princess Town, Debe, Penal, Gasparillo, Cedros, and others need churches. Many more towns I did not name need true Bible-believing churches.
RESILIENCY-Missionaries who come, of course, need to be capable of continuing on during and after hardship. I personally thank God for His grace and blessings in allowing us to serve in Trinidad since 1998. In the last 12 or so years, about 12 missionary families have left Trinidad permanently. The carnival/mardi-gras-like attitude that encompasses most of the year leads many people to a complacent or self-satisfied attitude. The cost of food here rose 22% each year from 2003 to 2007, then rose 70% more in 2008. The cost of rent, utilities, and seemingly everything has risen very sharply, also. These are just a few of the difficulties one would face.
So a great door and effectual is opened here, and yet there are many adversaries - I Cor. 16:9. But again, opportunities to bring honor and glory to God await the person who is called of and by God to serve the Lord as a missionary in Trinidad.
Return to Top
As many of you know, our son Stephen was diagnosed with Leukemia Dec. 15, 2008. We are now in Louisiana, treating him at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. He has just finished his first month's treatment. He has responded well to the chemo thus far but has a lot of painful side effects at times. Though this has been a difficult time for our family, we have definitely seen the grace of God and the love of God's people in our lives. If you would like to have more information about Stephen, we are regularly posting updates on our website at www.wessons.net. Thank you so much for your prayers for us.Joshua and Joy Wesson and family - Dominican Republic
In May of 2008 we started Haitian Grace Baptist Church and the Lord has really blessed this new ministry. We have established a leadership team of faithful men, and I have been able to teach them our discipleship course in Spanish. The team has responded better than I could have imagined. This group of young men is now teaching others in the church in their own language (Creole). We have seen several Haitians receive Christ and recently had a baptism service in the Yanke River. 
Our Haitian people have left their homeland to escape the poverty there and try to find work in order to provide for their families. Traci and I have been able to help some of our people by purchasing medicine, food, and giving away donated clothes. We have also been able to help some with education expenses. One of our most faithful men in the church recently graduated from trade school with a degree of Maestro de Construcción (Master in Construction). We are very proud of Jeunot and the rest of the men of Grace Baptist Church.We are praying for a Creole-speaking missionary to take over this work and ask that you join us in prayer.
Jeff & Traci Garrison - Dominican Republic
Praise the Lord for His great power on our 9th anniversary service. This year God directed us to pray and fast for 6 days and watch HIM do the marvelous work of filling His church with unbelievers to hear the Gospel and for souls to be saved. Like Joshua, we saw God alone bring the victory! There were close to 200 in attendance and 20 adults were saved!
Stephen Brockell - Dominican Republic
Jimmy has had some good months. However, the last two months have been very trying for him. He has passed out close to ten times. We will be seeing the neurologist next week. The doctor has increased the dosage of his migraine medicine. Please pray that the doctor will be able to help him.
Jim Payne - Dominican Republic
At 6:30 in the morning, December 7, on the beach, Calvary Haitian Baptist Church baptised 23 new converts. About 70 people came out to see it. Fortunately, the wind was not blowing and though the water was cold, no one seemed to mind. How we rejoice in these that have accepted JESUS as their Saviour.
Shirleen Godfrey - Bahamas
We trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. We did. Things are starting to get back to normal here in Aguada, Puerto Rico. We have had a wonderful past couple of months with a Creation seminar and our first Missions conference. We far exceeded our goal that we were praying for. God has shown our church that He is in control and can do great things in and through us. We have also seen several more visitors. Praise the Lord! We also appreciate everyone who has been praying for our family since the death of my grandmother. I was able to preach the funeral, and God used it to touch the hearts of our family. Keep praying for the ministry here in Puerto Rico.
Jim, Kelly, Cassia, and AJ Shelton - Puerto Rico
We praise the Lord for the completion of our language training in Costa Rica. Holly was able to lead a woman to the Lord that she had been praying for all year. Erik was able to finish a 14 lesson discipleship program in Spanish with a new believer. We are now in the process of packing our container for a Feb 14 departure to the Dominican.
Erik, Holly, and Ashley Johnson- Dominican Republic
Our family returned to the Dominican Republic on January 1 to a big surprise: the Grace and Truth Baptist Church grew during our four month furlough. The attendance grew, and our members were faithful to carry out the work of the ministry. We are now settling back in to a routine. On Monday evening we had twelve come out for churchwide visitation and saw a lady who had been visiting for about five weeks. She talked about an emptiness in her heart that nothing seemed to be able to satisfy. That evening we talked about the Living Water, and she accepted Christ as her Savior.
Our second church plant, the Bread of Life Baptist Church, had their first midweek service since organizing in June 2007. They had over 70 adults and teenagers in attendance, which was the most in their short history. We are thanking God for what He is doing in our midst and are expecting our greatest year in ministry for 2009.
Michael Doering - Dominican Republic
One of our struggles here in Barbados has been to inspire our people to become committed soulwinners. We have started at least four different soulwinning approaches in these last five years. They start well usually, but after a few weeks or months the people drop off again. But this year already has been a blessing! We have some new young teens in our church who actually ask me to take them soulwinning. Andrew, a 14-year-old boy, said to me the other day, "Pastor, are you going on Saturday to do that...that... that thing?" I said, "You mean 'soulwinning'?" He said, "Yes." I asked if he wanted to go, and he gave an enthusiastic Yes! We have been having 8 of us out soulwinning in these recent weeks plus 2 or 3 of the adults will go out and witness on their own during the week. God is moving on our people's hearts!
Robert Smith - Barbados
Dr. and Mrs. Creed, along with assistant, Gary Sprunger, traveled to Antigua to visit BIMI missionaries, the Johnsons, Waites, and Bakers during the month of January. One of the main reasons for the trip was to meet with Curt Waite and Jerry Baker regarding the leadership transfer of the Caribbean Radio Lighthouse(CRL) from Curt to Jerry. Curt, in his position as Director of BIMI(Antigua), can now concentrate on representing the radio station in the US as needed and will continue as part of the CRL management, directing the Spanish ministry among other things in Antigua when he is there. Jerry will be assuming the managing responsibilities of the radio station, assisted by Ken Kirkland(BMW) and the local CRL staff. Nathan Owens and Renee Johnsonbaugh(soon to be Owens) will be joining the CRL team soon after deputation is complete. CRL is a BIMI AM/FM Missionary radio station operating from Antigua.
Caribbean Radio Lighthouse - Antigua
We are rejoicing at Maranatha Baptist Church in Ceiba, PR, as our mortgage was paid off in January. Five years ago our debt was $160,000 and with the generous help of others who gave almost $45,000, today our church is debt free, praise the Lord! Thank you to all who prayed and\or gave to help our church out.
Al Hamilton - Puerto Rico
20 saved during last quarter; 5 baptized; 87 currently enrolled in Grace Baptist Bible School. Blessing: Since Benji started a series on the family a year ago, it has created a desire in the ladies of the church to have a better understanding of their roles as wives/mothers. This has opened the door for Kerri to teach the ladies (during ladies meetings) more on the home. We have also noticed families sitting together in church (which is hardly done in this culture) and getting closer together. Praise the Lord!
Benji Dryden - Haiti
Mark your calendar!
Make your plans for the
Caribbean Field Conference
June 22-26, 2009
Embassy Suites Resort Hotel
Los Marinos, Juan Dolio,
Dominican Republic
Return to Top
By Gary Sprunger
Back in the 1960's the word Vietnam echoed the thoughts of war, misery, and uncertainty. Even today when one says Vietnam, folks are reminded of our military involvement in that area of the world where many Americans died. But, a new area called Vietnam has captured the attention of a few "good men" who desire to make an impact upon this part of the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. One year ago, Alexis Remigio, a Bible institute graduate from the Bible Institute at Iglesia Bautista Monte Calvario, entered the area called Vietnam to begin a new church. Little by little, folks in that area have responded to the Gospel message. Today, Iglesia Bautista Monte Calvario de Vietnam has around 70 on an average Sunday. On their first year anniversary, over 130 attended. Many came to know Christ as their Savior. In November, I flew down to the Dominican Republic to see personally what the Lord is doing there in Vietnam. Bro. Schaffer, with International Baptist Builders, Inc., and two others of their board joined me for an evaluation of the situation. On Sunday morning the clouds rolled in and the rain began. When we arrived at the property, we saw a tin arbor that was erected to keep the sun off and to provide a little protection from the elements. As the folding seats were set up, it seemed like every chair was wet from the leaks in the roof. The climate didn't discourage the folks from coming, for nearly 70 people arrived in time for the preaching. Several made decisions for Christ. My heart was touched to see only a few were able to buy a Bible. As we prayed and asked the Lord for direction, real peace came when there was commitment to see those people have not only Bibles in hand, but to have a simple structure where they can leave the chairs and meet without fighting the weather. Today, a group from North Carolina is assisting the local men prepare the foundation and first floor area. In a few weeks, International Baptist Builders, Inc., will be laying the block walls and pouring the roof. Soon there will be space to expand, additional seating, lighting, and a place that the folks can call their church.
Living in the Caribbean
While many in the States were trying to stay warm, Dr. Creed, June and I were basking in the heat of Antigua and Puerto Rico. We had the joy of visiting eight of our BIMI families. Our hearts were encouraged by the testimonies of these missionaries. We praise the Lord for the Caribbean Radio Lighthouse ministry. We had the joy of visiting the new Spanish church that was organized this past year in Antigua. We had the joy of staying in the new CRL ministry homes and meeting the staff of CRL. Before leaving Antigua, we were able to enjoy a meal with Jerry and Scharmael Johnson. They shared with us some of the blessings which they have had at the new church in Grey's Farm area.
Upon arriving in Puerto Rico, we spent our first night with Jerry and Liz Harmon. It was a blessing to see Benjamin, the Harmon's 16-year-old son, back to being a little more normal from his major attack of Crohn's disease. Sunday found us in three different BIMI ministries. It was a thrill to see how the Lord is using Joan Whiteheart, Steve and Ann Buchanan, Jim and Kelly Shelton and Wayne and Frances Witherell on the west end of Puerto Rico. Before leaving Mayaguez, Roldopho and Dollie Garcia met us for breakfast. Our hearts were much encouraged by the reports of souls being saved and folks surrendering to serve the Lord. Before leaving Puerto Rico, we made our trip across island to see Al and Elizabeth Hamilton in Ceiba. They topped our trip off with a wonderful homemade meal and a sweet time of fellowship. Whenever I come home from a trip like this, I feel blessed to be holding the rope with so many fine BIMI missionaries.
Many of us can remember the 1960's. Although we are living in 2009, the spiritual war continues for the souls of men. Many towns and villages still need a Gospel preaching church. Whether in Vietnam, Antigua, Puerto Rico or any other area of the Caribbean, we need more "good men and women" who will go out into the highways and hedges and compel the lost to come to Christ.
Return to Top
Back in the 1960's the word Vietnam echoed the thoughts of war, misery, and uncertainty. Even today when one says Vietnam, folks are reminded of our military involvement in that area of the world where many Americans died. But, a new area called Vietnam has captured the attention of a few "good men" who desire to make an impact upon this part of the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. One year ago, Alexis Remigio, a Bible institute graduate from the Bible Institute at Iglesia Bautista Monte Calvario, entered the area called Vietnam to begin a new church. Little by little, folks in that area have responded to the Gospel message. Today, Iglesia Bautista Monte Calvario de Vietnam has around 70 on an average Sunday. On their first year anniversary, over 130 attended. Many came to know Christ as their Savior. In November, I flew down to the Dominican Republic to see personally what the Lord is doing there in Vietnam. Bro. Schaffer, with International Baptist Builders, Inc., and two others of their board joined me for an evaluation of the situation. On Sunday morning the clouds rolled in and the rain began. When we arrived at the property, we saw a tin arbor that was erected to keep the sun off and to provide a little protection from the elements. As the folding seats were set up, it seemed like every chair was wet from the leaks in the roof. The climate didn't discourage the folks from coming, for nearly 70 people arrived in time for the preaching. Several made decisions for Christ. My heart was touched to see only a few were able to buy a Bible. As we prayed and asked the Lord for direction, real peace came when there was commitment to see those people have not only Bibles in hand, but to have a simple structure where they can leave the chairs and meet without fighting the weather. Today, a group from North Carolina is assisting the local men prepare the foundation and first floor area. In a few weeks, International Baptist Builders, Inc., will be laying the block walls and pouring the roof. Soon there will be space to expand, additional seating, lighting, and a place that the folks can call their church. Living in the Caribbean
While many in the States were trying to stay warm, Dr. Creed, June and I were basking in the heat of Antigua and Puerto Rico. We had the joy of visiting eight of our BIMI families. Our hearts were encouraged by the testimonies of these missionaries. We praise the Lord for the Caribbean Radio Lighthouse ministry. We had the joy of visiting the new Spanish church that was organized this past year in Antigua. We had the joy of staying in the new CRL ministry homes and meeting the staff of CRL. Before leaving Antigua, we were able to enjoy a meal with Jerry and Scharmael Johnson. They shared with us some of the blessings which they have had at the new church in Grey's Farm area.Upon arriving in Puerto Rico, we spent our first night with Jerry and Liz Harmon. It was a blessing to see Benjamin, the Harmon's 16-year-old son, back to being a little more normal from his major attack of Crohn's disease. Sunday found us in three different BIMI ministries. It was a thrill to see how the Lord is using Joan Whiteheart, Steve and Ann Buchanan, Jim and Kelly Shelton and Wayne and Frances Witherell on the west end of Puerto Rico. Before leaving Mayaguez, Roldopho and Dollie Garcia met us for breakfast. Our hearts were much encouraged by the reports of souls being saved and folks surrendering to serve the Lord. Before leaving Puerto Rico, we made our trip across island to see Al and Elizabeth Hamilton in Ceiba. They topped our trip off with a wonderful homemade meal and a sweet time of fellowship. Whenever I come home from a trip like this, I feel blessed to be holding the rope with so many fine BIMI missionaries. Many of us can remember the 1960's. Although we are living in 2009, the spiritual war continues for the souls of men. Many towns and villages still need a Gospel preaching church. Whether in Vietnam, Antigua, Puerto Rico or any other area of the Caribbean, we need more "good men and women" who will go out into the highways and hedges and compel the lost to come to Christ.
Return to Top
Missionaries of the Day
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
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
Islander Newsletter Archives
Vol. 8, #3
Dec. 2003
Vol. 9, #1
May 2004
Vol. 9, #2
Nov. 2004
Vol. 10, #1
June 2005
Vol. 10, #2
Dec. 2005
Vol. 11, #1
Aug. 2006
Dec. 2003
Vol. 9, #1
May 2004
Vol. 9, #2
Nov. 2004
Vol. 10, #1
June 2005
Vol. 10, #2
Dec. 2005
Vol. 11, #1
Aug. 2006
Vol. 12, #1
July 2007
Vol. 13, #1
Aug. 2008
Vol. 14, #1
Feb. 2009
Vol. 14, #2
May 2009
Vol. 14, #3
Sept. 2009
Vol. 15, #1
Feb. 2010
July 2007
Vol. 13, #1
Aug. 2008
Vol. 14, #1
Feb. 2009
Vol. 14, #2
May 2009
Vol. 14, #3
Sept. 2009
Vol. 15, #1
Feb. 2010
Vol. 15, #2
June 2010
Vol. 15, #3
Sept. 2010
Vol. 15, #4
Dec. 2010
Vol. 16, #1
April 2011
Vol. 16, #2
July 2011
June 2010
Vol. 15, #3
Sept. 2010
Vol. 15, #4
Dec. 2010
Vol. 16, #1
April 2011
Vol. 16, #2
July 2011
Dr. Pat & June CreedAssistant Caribbean Director
Gary and Joy SprungerRead more about the Sprungers.
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
