From the Desk of:
Dr. Pat Creed
Caribbean Director:

On March 3, 2004, at Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, June and I had the privilege of attending the funeral and celebration of life for Chlo Turner Vradenburgh. Chlo died Sunday, February 29th, at Duke University Medical Center from complications of a lung transplant that she received ten years ago.

She was married to Bob Vadenburgh; and together with their four children -- Cheyenne, Chad, Chase, and Chelsea, they spent eighteen years serving as missionaries in the Cayman Islands. After being accepted with BIMI in 1979, they left for Cayman Brac. In June of 1985, they started Calvary Baptist Church of Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Chlo had a transplant in September of 1994, and they went back to Calvary for three years before accepting the pastorate of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh. Bob and Chlo were married for twenty-five years.

At the funeral, wonderful messages were delivered by Rev. Russ Turner III, a brother serving in Costa Rica; Dr. Roy Seals; and Rev. David Love, brothers-in-law. The graveside message was given by Chlo’s father, Russ Turner, Jr., who serves along with his wife Bobbie in Cayman Brac.



Return to Top

By Gary Sprunger — Assistant Caribbean Director

Spring is here, and we are finally getting our feet on the ground. We feel like we have been on the "move", literally. Upon returning to Puerto Rico in January, we continued fixing up the new apartment above Iglesia Bautista Berea in Aguadilla. This would now be our temporary home away from home in the Caribbean.

Before the work teams would arrive, Gary flew to St. Thomas for the West Indies Baptist Fellowship conference. The theme of "Personal Sanctification" was a blessing. Many decisions were made, and hearts were changed during this week of preaching. It was a joy to spend a little time with those that we helped train and encourage in the ministry years ago. Their faithfulness to the Lord brought together several hundred representatives from independent Baptist churches throughout the Caribbean.

As the work teams arrived in Puerto Rico, our focus was upon helping Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Mayaguez. Five different work teams came as scheduled. Their labor of love resulted in much work being accomplished. Each week, the teams assisted in evangelism. Many tracts were distributed, and the church was encouraged by their presence. Each team went home encouraged and challenged for the cause of missions around the world. The Lord used this to refocus and rejuvenate many of the team members. We want to thank the churches that sent these teams. (Silverdale Baptist in Chattanooga, Tn, Grace Baptist in Chattanooga, Tn and Five Forks Baptist from Southern Virginia).

During a break between two of the work teams, Joy and I went to the Dominican Republic via the ferry. The overnight trip was an experience to remember. More than the "cruise", the time spent with our missionaries was a blessing. Our purpose for going was to draw up the future plans for the expansion of Missionary Steve Sidler’s church. While there, I was privileged to preach to the Bible Institute students. We also had time to visit a number of our BIMI missionaries in the are of Santo Domingo. It was a thrill to hear how God was using Luke and Hannah Townsley in the establishing of a new church on the north-west side of that great city. We visited Missionary Alexis Givens and family. He showed us the new land that they recently purchased. At present they are meeting in a rented facility which is packed out every Sunday. They even are meeting outside in the open air when the weather permits. Already a number of men are enrolled in his night Bible school. We also visited New Life Baptist churchand academy where Missionary Ronnie Autrey and Missionary Josh Wesson are laboring. What a thrill to see the opportunity that they have to impact this city for Christ. Their school was a bee-hive of activity and a center for training young people for Christ. As Joy and I left the Dominican Republic, we thanked the Lord that we are part of this great missionary outreach.

Shortly after this trip, we flew to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. There, Joy and Joan Whiteheart taught two modules at Bluewater Bible College. I had the joy of preaching to the student body and in a couple of churches on the island. Joy and I enjoyed helping at the Bible College. This was Joy’s first time back in St. Thomas in about 25 years. I would like for Joy to share her perspective.

"What a privilege to return to St. Thomas and teach for a week! The students were eager to learn and ready to help. As they return to their islands, they will carry new skills to represent our Saviour and Lord. What a thrill it was to return to Emmanuel Baptist Church where we were working 26 years ago. Before we were crowded in a hot basement level on the side of the hill. Today, by God’s grace they meet in a beautiful air-conditioned sanctuary where God’s Word is preached. What a blessing to be a witness to not only their faithfulness, but God’s faithfulness to them!"

The first of April, I joined Don Arnold in Jamaica to make mission video on this island. Richy and Fran Young were gracious to provide a place to stay and plenty of good Jamaican food for us. The Youngs chauffered us around helping us to see many areas of need and opportunity in Jamaica for new independent Baptist churches. We are praying that the Lord will call a number of new missionaries to this needy island.

A few days after returning from Jamaica, I found myself flying back to Puerto Rico again.. The last two weeks of April were filled with work teams from Grace Baptist Church in Chattanooga. We praise the Lord that before returning back to the States, a final pour of concrete was made and the forms removed at Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Mayaguez. More exciting than this was the growth that the church has been experiencing. Several souls were saved during these two weeks, and the work teams have been going visiting with various members of the church each week. We praise the Lord that Brother Ken Catoe organized these two weeks, and we had a great time serving together.



Return to Top

by Mrs. June Creed

Spring is here and the weather has been chilly recently, but today is bright and sunny. I have been working in my flower garden, which is something I dearly love. I like everything but pulling weeds which seem to pop up everywhere. I have a new campaign to get rid of weeds before they begin. I am using a product called preem which is supposed to kill the weeds without hurting the flowers. I don’t plant seeds anymore as I have found that the bugs in the soil eat them and I never see them come up. This disappoints me and I wait for them, and now I either sow plants that I buy or I get "starts" from friends. It has been said that when you plant something, it is important to water it for ten straight days so that it will live. There are times when plants I get look like they are in critical condition, but after proper food and water, they do survive.

As Christians, we must allow the Lord to plant us where He chooses. Missionaries are like the plants I talked about. They are transplanted as they leave the comfort of home, friends, and family and move to a place that is not always an easy adjustment. However, with the water of His Word as food, they are strengthened and able to produce fruit. When we are in the center of His will, we are happier than we have ever been.

The garden of life however, has unpleasant things like weeds that effect our growth and testimony. Daily, we must pray, read God’s Word, and ask Him to make our hearts soft and pliable to Him and those to whom we minister. We need to be firm in the convictions given to us through His Word.

We were recently saddened by the home going of Chlo Vrandenburg, but rejoice in the fact that she is present with the Lord. Chlo was a beautiful flower in the garden of life and the fruit produced through her testimony will continue to effect others for Him.

God gives us lessons for life in little everyday tasks that we perform. God has given me from in my garden. I hope what He has taught me is a blessing to you also. John 15:1-5

---

CUCUMBER DIP

1 pint plain yogurt
1 cucumber (peeled and seeded)
1 tablespoon and 1 t.phpoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 t.phpoon minced garlic
1 1/2 t.phpoon fresh dill
Pinch of black pepper

Place yogurt in paper towel in a sieve over a bowl and allow to drain

Grate cucumber and toss with 1 tablespoon of salt - put in sieve over a bowl to drain Place both bowls in refrigerator for three to four hours

Transfer the thickened yogurt to a large bowl

Squeeze liquid from cucumber and add to yogurt

Mix sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill and ‘/z t.phpoon of salt and pepper

Can serve immediately, but best when refrigerated for a while to allow flavors to blend

Enjoy!

Return to Top

by Howard Chappel

God used many verses from His word to move us 24 years ago to where we are now. The first work was brought about because of the need of a sound fundamental Baptist church in the capitol city of Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island. The Good News Baptist Church is still going strong under God’s man, Chet Tibbetts, and his godly wife, Jeanetta. From Cayman God encouraged me with the need of a church to be started in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Though times were difficult there with lack of support, a work began in our home. Many children, teenagers, and adults were saved and baptized. Today as a result of God’s leading, they have their own work and have not given up in hard times. I will never forget our early years in the West Indies. After leaving Jamaica, on to Antigua, I filled in as a Pastor of a very small work and worked with the Caribbean Radio Lighthouse. What a great, sound fundamental radio ministry this work has been through the years.

Being a church planter, I long to see and birth new churches. That is what led me to St. Kitts. This ministry along with the others has taught me more about God and brought me to a closer walk with our Lord. The work in St. Kitts started January 16th, 1995, with only 26 in the first service. Dr. Pat Creed was planning to be in the West Indies at that particular time, so we ask him to do us the honor. Nine months later we organized the church and began to grow faster then the other previous works. The battles have been constant and the growth has been steady.

There have been wonderful results in each of the ministries the Lord has led us to start. Our deaf work has had its ups and downs, nevertheless we rejoice for the many trained workers along with the growing numbers that have been saved and baptized. Camp Springfield has been an encouragement to us. The Defense Force has opened its doors to us to minister to the military here in St. Kitts and Nevis. Working in the schools have been one of our greatest blessings. When the Lord opens a door He knows what needs to be done. Speaking in three schools a week and seeing children gather around you so close that you can not even get out of your car, this too is a blessing. Teachers are sometimes reluctant to listen at first but as they see children respond and Christ change lives, they too respond to our Lord. Training men and women in our Bible institute has helped in building the work. A young man by the name of St.Clair Henderson was assisting me and taking classes in preparation for taking the work. Sad to say hecame down with AIDS. We preached his funeral and laid him to rest but it was not without great remorse. Having to disciple and discipline members, teachers, and leaders have kept me in much prayer. This has helped each of us keep our eyes more focused on the Lord. Remember, there are always those churches and people who would try their very best to stop you in any ministry.

Building a church building has undoubtedly been the MOST difficult work in my life. It took over four years to receive land from the government after making application with them. We hired people with good intentions to help design our building to be sure it would meet inspection. Unfortunately, we experienced many costly problems with the design. Having teams plan to come that cost you great amounts of money to get ready and not come, and promises and promises un-kept, can only cause you to completely turn to the Lord as your only help and hope. These are but a few of the many difficulties that we have had in St. Kitts in building. However, the nightmares have not out numbered the blessings. We just finished the first floor and dedicated it to the Lord with well over three hundred people in the service. You would have to see it, to appreciate the beauty. Now to build the auditorium, we can not and will not stop.

I would like to encourage those missionaries and workers with a few of our special days, special campaigns, and special promotions. Recently we had an evangelistic team come from the States during the month of December, for two weeks we held meetings. We had been praying for 16 weeks everyday and many promised to be involved in inviting and be at the meeting every night. Revival was held the first week and I thank God for working in my heart. Three of our churches came together. We put 300 signs up one night and the Island came unglued with questions at sunrise. "Missing Peace" was the theme and the talk was from politics in government to a missing piece on a water pipe. But the results from radio, television, and the meetings were overwhelming. The St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force Day was one that the children in Sunday school will never forget. Imagine trying to have SS when the army and navy band comes to church marching and beating drums. Boy, the real joy was to see several soldiers trust Christ in front of the other troops. With our deaf ministry we had an all day special event, "Super Saturday". For two weeks we had classes for members of our church. They taught them how to sign and on that last Saturday we had a fun day where prizes were given to everyone throughout the day for different events. They had a great time. These are but a few promotions we have had with great results; "Old Fashion Sunday", "Christmas in July", "I Love The Lord With Shoes On", "Revive The Family", and many more.

Our short-term goal is to finish the second floor where we will hold our worship services and begin to build for future growth. The long-term goal is to soon reopen The St. Kitts Baptist Bible Institute and to hold classes by video on, Pastoral Leadership, and Church Leadership. I need these as well. In the past we have had 22 students. Our goal is to train the men for the pastorate and workers in the ministry. We have already taught ten courses and have ten or more lined up. There are other men in other Baptist churches that are eager to attend. "We must train them here!" Finally, two dirty four letter words have built these ministries; "PRAY" and "WORK."





Return to Top

Haiti: Don and Bridgett, Benji and Kerry, and children all remained in Haiti during the uprising. They reported that the First Fruits Conference was sparsely attended, but the people gave liberally. The offering for the building fund was more than the previous year. Benji reports that their Bible Institute had 58 students, and they were continuing the classes even during the coop. Because of the gang activity, services have been scheduled so the people can get home before dark. Don recently stated, "We are fine, just feeling over 50 at times when our "get up and go" seems to have gotten up and gone! Thank the Lord for souls saved, the church is growing. I (Don) preached at one of the churches we founded where we began a Stewardship Conference this week. We had 175 in attendance in a 30’X60’ building; people were standing as there were not enough benches. The 12V light, small inverter and three flourescent lights really lighted up the building. Three responded to the "altar call" to receive Christ as Savior." Later they had a baptismal service with five candidates. Pray much for Don and Bridgett and for Benji and Kerri and children as they continue to serve the Lord while the political situation is still volatile. The Drydens are praising the Lord that since the end of March law and order have been basically reinstated in Port-a-Paix.



Antigua: Jerry Baker reports that they have finished pouring the floor for the staff and visitor house which is much needed by Radio Caribbean Lighthouse. Numerous work teams are scheduled to help finish this project during this summer.

Cayman Islands: Swante Lindquist shares that the annual mission conference in March at Calvary Baptist Church was excellent. The theme was "Through Their Eyes". Some of the members took on the task of researching all of their missionaries in detail and then presented them to the church as though they were looking through the missionary’s own eyes on the mission field.

Dominican Republic: Jeff and Traci Garrison have finished language school and have shipped their household effects and car to the DR. The Garrisons will be working with Bro. Alexis Givens for awhile. Bro. Givens has recently been able to purchase a property of 1000 square meters for the ministry of Emmanuel Baptist Church. At present time, this church is meeting in a rented building. Pray that the funds will soon be available so that a suitable building can be built for this growing church.

Trinidad: Michael Hader reports that of the 67 in attendance 27 responded to accept Christ when the invitation was given. This unusual service was in the prison where Brother Hader preaches. During Carnival a Bible Camp (retreat) was organized. Six decisions to accept Christ were recorded.

Spanish Literature Ministry: Jerry Reece shares that he has had several opportunities to share the presentation of Creation Science Evangelism. Around 60 professions of faith were made in March and April. Jerry has also had opportunity to preach in a number of churches in the Dominican Republic where attendance was been outstanding. Her reports that the meeting in"Los Mameyes" had people sitting outside the building each night.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico: Joan Whiteheart states that since the first of the year 25 children have made professions of faith in Sunday School and Awanas.

Dominican Republic: John and Kelly Webb share that they had 54 at the Valentine Banquet in Santiago. They said, "We had a sweet time and we were able to see 10 come to know the Lord. Kelly and I took the opportunity to share our testimonies of our dating years and vows for purity until marriage. What a foreign concept to the majority whom are continually saturated in immorality within their homes."

Jamaica: Richy and Fran Young have been reinstated as interim pastor at Palmer’s Road Baptist Church until they are able to find a new pastor. Richy and Fran started this work 30 years ago. Many of the members were saved under the Young’s ministry years ago.

Antigua: Curt Waite shares that Caribbean Radio Lighthouse is having an effect upon the Hispanic community in the Windward Islands. Wixi Duran, a young lady from Venezuela, has been witnessing and promoting the radio station in the community. She is working with CRL part-time. CRL needs addition support to fund the Spanish broadcasting. Pray for this vital ministry.

Dominican Republic: Luke and Hannah Townsley have started "Iglesia Bautista Manantial de Vida" in the north-west sector of Santo Domingo. The Lord has blessed and the attendance has been growing. Hannah had the privilege of speaking to 20 women in their first ladies meeting.

Barbados: Robert and Rhoda Smith have arrived in Barbados. They Lord is blessing and their visa and work permit have been approved. Already Robert has been actively assisting Grace Baptist Independent Church in visitation and soulwinning. Praise the Lord their work permit is for three years.

Antigua: Jerry and Scharmel Johnson shares this report, "We are active with the Trinity Baptist Church, the latest of nine on Antigua. God has been blessing this ministry and we do need to find some land....In the Spanish ministry, we have 14 home Bible studies going on every week...one jokingly is known as the Domino Baptist Church since a table that serves for playing dominos is converted into a Bible Study table every Saturday for about six individuals. Julio, an Hispanic believer, faithfully shares the Word of God as he presents the lessons and leads the discussion.


children singing in the market

Trinadad: John Nemo and family have been working with John Gossett at Trinity Baptist Church in LaHorquetta, Arima since their arrival in November. Now the Nemo family are in Tunapuna where they are overseeing Amazing Grace Fundamental Baptist Church. Bro. Nemo took the Sunday school kids to the market and this is what he said, "The Sunday school kid’s went into Tunapuna market this morning. We had the opportunity to sing and hand out over 1000 tracts and John and Romans. After that we took them to Pizza Hut for pizza. The devil’s witnesses were there and after about 2 songs the power went out on the whole block. The power cord burn up, ( it almost caught fire). The children just went on singing. Please pray that people will come tomorrow."

Trinadad: Ken and Nancy Guth state, "We are grateful for five more young people being baptized. It is encouraging to see these young Christians grow in their knowledge of the Lord and begin to serve Him.

Return to Top

by David Carney, Public Relations

Alan Robinson On Sabbatical From The World Mission Center

Alan Robinson’s office is empty and his absence is felt at the mission. As you know, Alan has been battling prostate cancer for some time. In addition to conventional treatment, he decided several months ago to try a special diet. The diet follows a very strict daily regimen that requires him to be at home. He has taken a sabbatical from his duties at the WMC while he pursues this treatment. Alan is doing great, and initial results are very positive. He is waiting for a bone scan to verify his progress. Please continue to pray for brother Alan and his family.

Kearney House Nearing Completion A beautiful new house is soon to be the latest addition to existing properties on Emmaus Road at the WMC. Ferrell and Barbara Kearney’s house is nearing completion. The Kearneys have served with BIMI since 1965. They are currently in England, filling in for a furloughing missionary until February. Their new house should be ready and waiting for them upon their return.

December Board Meeting Around The Corner The Board of Trustees and a new group of missionary candidates will soon be on their way to Chattanooga. December’s two-day board meeting will welcome new missionaries to BIMI, and consider other mission business. Two new board members will be present at the meeting: Pastor James God and Dr. David Bragg. This will also be the first meeting for our new Chairman-Dr. Louis Baldwin, and Vice Chairman-Dr. Gregory Baker.

Click Here to read more about the new board members.

Return to Top

Thursday, September 9, 2010

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.

Jonathan & Heidi Huff -  TOGO
Robert & Gail Huffman -  FRANCE
Don & Helen Hughes -  USA - NEW YORK