Prayer Needed in Lithuania

Nathan and Dawn (the same people who were on the recent podcast) have sent out an alert for several prayer needs. They just returned to the country recently, and were instantly thrown into the midst of a number of troubling issues that concern their local church.

There is the threat of division from the introduction of prosperity gospel. It has attracted at least one vocal church member, and conflict has resulted — to the point where the pastor’s sermons have been interrupted, and other meetings have been interfered with.

There are also several marriage issues that they’ve mentioned. One couple in particular is on the verge of divorce, and the conflict between them is escalating in increasingly unhealthy ways.

Please take a moment out of your day to pray for unity and healing for the local church in Lithuania. Pray for God to bind broken hearts. And pray for Nathan and Dawn and all who are involved in this. Pray that Wisdom and Peace would reign supreme, and that God would use this time to draw His people close to Himself.

Inpired Insight

Darren and Angela are Apprentices in Missions (AIMs) recently accepted by the EFCCM. Their most recent post offers a perspective of charity that is certainly worthy of greater attention.

Check it out by clicking here.

A Moment in Tarija

People in Tarija have a new reason to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Tarija is in southern Bolivia, close to the Argentinean border, and on a recent visit to the city Steve (Latin America Area Director) witnessed the incredible Sunday evening service where many, many people came to church for the first time. They wanted to give thanks to God and the local Evangelical Free Church for the pouring out of love expressed at the local General Hospital that week. One of the young men from the church had been in a very serious accident. He was the only believer in his family and had been praying for his extended family. As his life teetered between earth and eternity, the church showed their love by caring for him and his family.

The largest offering in the history of this new church was received that night to be used to cover the hospital bills as the family ran out of resources. The extended family was in church to witness that moment and to express their interest in finding the God that was evidently present that night!

God sometimes uses the toughest situations to show His love most clearly.

Buzz Online 10.06.08

Click here to listen.

Welcome to this edition of the BuzzOnline. I was privileged to share a brief conversation with Nathan and Dawn who serve in Lithuania. They have lived there for nearly two years as Professional Associates (missionaries who earn a portion of their living employed in industry on the field).

Join us for a snapshot of what God has been showing them and leading them through.

Click here to see their website, and be sure to visit their blog too.

You can subscribe to BuzZ Online, the EFCCM podcast, here.

A Short-Term Team In Tailand

Larry and Diane in Thailand recently hosted a team from Emmanuel EFC in Steinbach, Manitoba. Here is a brief account they provided about the trip:

A team of 13 young adults came to Thailand and they were a great blessing. One of their areas of ministry was to the local ZOE Children’s Home (more info on ZOE International available here), as well as to the Khmu people in Nan province. The Khmu were greatly impressed with how dedicated they were in the construction and painting projects they took on. When was completed the Khmu leader, Prayat, said this was the most beautiful church he has ever seen!

Many people have come to see the church since then. The team also had a chance to do a live performance beside the main street, where they set up lights and a sound system. Both young and old came to watch this performance of songs, skits and a short message. Pray many Khmu would come to the Lord and fill up the church with worship and praise to our Lord. Pray for Prayat as he would like to have a ministry to neglected and abused children. Pray that this can be accomplished wisely and with leading from the Holy Spirit. This ministry will also need more workers.

The Khmu have never had a team come to their area before. When it came time to say goodbye, several couldn’t hold back their tears. If you would like to be involved in a team outreach effort with that kind of connection and impact, send an e-mail to us at info@efccm.org. Short-term teams are a great way to get involved in ministry firsthand, and we can help connect you to one.

Continuing Relief Effort in China

China’s damage and loss continues to escalate. Aftershocks have continued well after the initial earthquake, and they continue to dangerously shake weakened structures.

Here is a list of things that are being conducted by one of our most important partnerships in China. These are the needs that they perceive to be the greatest going forward.

1. Christian families & their neighbors: for emergency relief and possible community work outside church (210,000RMB [about US$30,000] has been sent to Sichuan Christian Council already)

2. Rebuilding of churches (Dujiangyan, Mianzhu, etc.), amounting 5 million RMB (US$714,000)

3. Starting Social Services at Dujiangyan church (e.g. Rehab Centre, Orphanage, Integrated services).

4. Long term support to their development in community service.

We will continue to update you with further information here as it becomes available. Please don’t forget to pray for this area of China, that even amidst the pain and sorrow, God’s presence would be felt.

In Memoriam: Wasfy

It is with sadness that we announce the death of our friend, Wasfy. Wasfy died on Sunday, June 1st, after a very recent diagnosis of Leukemia. He died at the hospital following a three-week stay as he battled infection.

We will miss Wasfy’s legacy of ministry to people around the world through his travels, his teaching, and his personal contacts; all this done with his loving, gracious spirit and attitude. As we talked this morning at our Home Office prayer time, we agreed: Wasfy indeed showed the fruits of the Spirit like few other people.

Wasfy and Joy served since July 2000 as full-time Missionaries with the EFCCM. They lived and worked out of their office in Langley as Wasfy’s prime ministry was to share Jesus with the Muslim world through the internet. He served as a vital resource to our EFCCM personnel, traveling to several countries, using his expertise and his passion to help them reach Muslims for Christ. Recently he challenged the EFCCM leadership that we needed to do something in his homeland, Egypt, and then he offered to lead the new ministry endeavour. That trip would have been in progress now, had God allowed him to continue on.

We are praying for the next generation to carry the ministry that Wasfy began. Thanks be to God for His gift of Wasfy’s life and ministry.

This post is made on behalf of the ILT (Craig, Daryl and Steve).

Note the family’s words below as you pray:

“So be encouraged. God is good, God is alive and well and Wasfy is talking with Him right now. The memorial service for Wasfy will be on Saturday June 7th. We have appreciated your prayers, support, and responses. They have helped us keep the faith and continue to pursue God in the midst of this battle. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”