Missionary Venture International

1st Monday Fasting & Prayer

May 7, 2012

Vidal and Mary Arevalo, FC Peru

We have adopted our first child and named him Asher Judah. We really need prayer for the judge to grant necessary paper work for a birth certificate so that we can get a passport. We want to take Asher home to meet family in Canada.

Alfonso and Elizabeth Ayala, FC Belize

Our son has a job he enjoys, where he learns and does what he likes using his skills. Thanks for praying for him.
Our daughter Elizabeth is still looking for a job. She sent tow more applications to very interesting positions last week. We are still praying and trusting in the Lord.
Please continue to pray for the water project.
It has been a long process to get the pastors to recognize and to accept that there is an urgency to help people in need with more than prayer. Some other pastors and leaders see more the need of training to do counselling as part of their pastoral functions than others.
We had counselling training sessions in the past with pastors and teachers. We had a great response from the teachers. They asked for another series of sessions that we had last year. It is just the beginning. One member of our church committed suicide a week ago. Those who knew the situation beforehand didn't know how to effectively help, including the pastor.
A couple of offerings from friends remind us of God's faithfulness in spite of the less than bright situation of the global economy. Lets keep on praying in concert for missionary support.

Jim & Sue Brannan, FC in Peru

Praise

God has been opening doors for us to create a new Christian school; it's good to know we're in His will.
Prayer

Requests--We need a capable, Peruvian, Christian director for the new school, called by God
We have two teacher interviews for our upcoming new Christian school to open March 2013 and funds are coming in!
To find a suitable building to lease for the school for the first 2+ years, or find an alternative plan
That we can sell our aging van We need prayer for us to watch our attitudes and keep our eyes more firmly on Christ. It feels like we pay dearly for every blessing the Lord sends us--the enemy is not happy.
Pray that we stay strong in Christ, press on to run the race and look forward to the victory! Puerto Maldonado needs a Christian School!
and buy a better suited vehicle for the jungle conditions
For our daughter, struggling in NY with her university plans and financial stress
That our newly found help for upriver ministries will not grow tired of the work, freeing us to work more on the school.
Steve and Shawn Clark, FC Marshall Islands

 

Edgar and Anita Cosigua, FC Guatemala

Please pray for the healing of our son Alex's broken ankle. He is much better but is still being treated.
We praise God that our daughter Sarah is really enjoying her school.
We could use teams for help in church construction and mechanic teams.
Pray for the Lord's blessing on our youth activities and children's activities.
Please pray for our personal finances to increase. We have some financial needs from our son's accident.
Rev. Dick Christensen, Bible Schools

Praise: Had a great trip to Africa. We started a new CTC program in Swaziland, graduated a group in S. Africa and they will begin enrolling a new group, taught a CTC group in Igunga, Tanzania where a group of 22 graduated a few weeks earlier in Mwanza. They are asking us to sponsor a new group in Mwanza and a third group somewhere else in Tanzania. The group in Nakuru, Kenya continues and the lead pastor Bishop Opicho has been in the US raising funds to put a roof on the second story CTC facility. God is good!!!
While I was in Serbia where we are about to graduate a group I met with leaders who want to expand the CTC program to include a live-in situation so they can work more closely with the students.
I finished in Macedonia where we have the ONLY organized curriculum protestant Bible training center in the country. The CTC program is licensed as an NGO and looking to get the curriculum translated to enable expansion of the program. God is always good!
Request: I'm home until first of May and hoping to raise project support. Please pray that doors will open to provide opportunity to make our request known. Blessings!
Patricia Crook, FS Uganda

Praise

The training in Gulu, the north of Uganda, went very well.
For my Bible study group, the encouragement that brings.
Prayer

One of my senior trainers, Jasinto, has died suddenly; he went into hospital for a hernia repair, started vomiting blood and died. Please pray for his family, he was married twice, his first wife died and left him with 6 children, please pray that the family of his second wife will take care of them all. He is sadly missed by all of us.
Another friend, John, his young daughter died from Sickle Cell Anemia. Please pray for that family.
The completion and publication of the training manuals.
Arrangements for visiting UK for Easter, seeing my daughters and family.

 

Tim and Julia Dang, FC Malaysia

Praise

Four people came to Christ in the last two months.
The Lord healed a woman who was bedridden for three years.
A person was delivered from demons.
We had meetings with house churches in Vietnam.

Prayer

We have a mission trip to North Vietnam May 5-12.
Upon return we have a training session for people in Malaysia.
Pray for arrangements and travel to go smoothly.
Pray for the care of our two daughters who will be at home while we are away.
Please pray for our monthly finances.

Malaki & Beulah Dara, Field Administrators, India

Praise

Praise God that one of the disciples from the church congregation agreed to have discipleship training at his house once in an every week. Now Pastor Philip got 3 families and 9 young people to be equipped for the process.
Prayer

One of our net-work leaders Barnabas who lives in Pune, Maharashtra went under surgery as he had severe Sinus complaint. Pray for his complete healing.
We once again thank you for your fervent prayers.

 

Edgar and Anita Cosigua, FC Guatemala

Alex is doing good, praise God when the time came to do the operation the doctor said it was not necessary any more, all he has to do is leave the cast on for another 6 weeks then an ankle brace for another 6 weeks. So we did end up canceling the trip to the states.
The projects we would like to continue are the youth activities, the church constructions as God provides the teams, children's activities at the youth center, and if there are mechanic teams this is a good way to help the local pastors.
Our finances, well our support has been stable, but our expenses have been more. Of course we are not expecting to have the expenses every month as we have this one because of Alex's accident, but it could take us a few month to catch up. Although he did not have the operation the trips we made to Chiquimula, the blood donors expenses, cast, crutches and ankle brace left us with a Q 6000 debt. (this is in quetzales ) so we are trusting God for some extra income in the next few months. Edgar is doing some mowing jobs and I am praying for more deliveries this will help. At this time Alex cannot get a job but as soon as he can he will look for a job here to start saving up for his university tuition next year.
Eric & Lyndsey D'Erico, FC Ireland

Praise:

Encouraging movements of God during our last service with Sligo City Church before departing for America
Safe travels to Florida and Ohio
Lyndsey saw a chiropractor while in Florida and has experienced pain free days for the first time in six years! She will likely need a few more visits whilst in America before we go home but we are constantly having to find new chiropractors as we are moving around the country frequently.
Lots of meetings with wonderful new contacts in the Florida area as well as old friends and supporters.
What appears to be successful recruitment of new teams for Ireland
Prayer:

Lyndsey's continued healing of her shoulder and our being able to be seen wherever we are by a chiropractor while in America. Also, for financial favour with the chiropractors as some do free services for missionaries (but not all).
Continued safe travels to New Jersey, England for MVGB conferences, and back to Ireland
Teams to materialize and come to Ireland in 2012 and 2013.
Increase in support. If Lyndsey's shoulder does heal, we will need to decline all further money she receives for her disability which has helped to cover certain expenses, and will need to make up for that income to ensure we meet budget every month. Praise God though, if He heals shoulders He can provide the necessary resources!

Michael and Lauren Deibert, FC Nicaragua

Praise for the health and blessing of our two little boys--and all the ways God is sanctifying us through this journey called parenthood
Praise for a good start to the new school year
Request for perseverance through a series of difficult trials over the last three months, beginning with the death of our beloved lab upon our return home in January
Request for God's provision with the added costs of our growing boys.
Mike and Jannes Dunn FS Namibia

Hugo and Salomie du Toit, FC Zambia

Praises:

A job for our daughter, Simone, at another company
Blessed time of children's ministry recently conducted in Swaziland
God's provision for our daily needs
Requests:

That all our daughter's personal equipment she used at the previous company will be released. The owner of this company will not allow our daughter to enter the premises to collect her equipment.
Monies/donations for Bibles for Zambia
Financial provision for our upcoming outreach to Zambia during June '12
A suitable house to rent as we need to vacate in the near future

 

James and Damaris Fryer, FC Nicaragua

We are on furlough still. We are returning to Nicaragua Apr. 30th.
We will be flying out of Orlando. We may look for a hotel near the airport with shuttle service to the airport.
Yes, we do continue to ask your prayers, we are returning to our work in Nicaragua, but are seeking God's direction about future ministry plans. We are uncertain of how long the Lord will have us there.
We will be busy, helping the leaders we are working with to assume further responsibility in the Seminary extension programs that they are helping with and studying in.

Lon and Val Garber, FA Namibia

We have a sensitive staff situation that will require great wisdom to resolve in a way that preserves both staff relationships and ministry credibility within our community. We can't give the details, but would really appreciate your prayers.

Marjorie Geer, Staff MV New Zealand

I give thanks for Andrew and Margaret giving me this chance to increase my knowledge of computers. I hope that I can help them in the MV Office.
2nd is that I need prayer for my ongoing health. I really find it very hard going some days. I am suffering with depression after having had three heart attacks and a few angina attacks. I had the heart attacks in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and the angina attacks I get every now and then.

Rex and Melinda Guynn, FC Uganda

We have a team coming tomorrow, March 26, and we want to see Jesus in everything that we do. Pray for their safe travel, good health, endurance through the hot weather and the Lord will use each of them in a mighty way.
Our travel back to the states next month. Our youngest son, Blake, is getting married in June in Texas...please pray for him and his wife to be. Also, pray for our safe travel, good health and time for a vacation. We really need some rest!!!
Please pray for our new church plant - The Great Commission Community Church. There are so many wonderful testimonies coming from the community, and we pray for the Glory of the Lord to be present so many will come to know Jesus in this land.
Keep our Ugandan ministry partners in prayer as they continue the work here while we are in the states. They really do a great job, and we pray they are blessed!

 

Nigel & Kathy Harding, Regional Director, Uganda

We have been in Uganda ten years now and we feel we have reached a major crossroads in our lives. We have been looking to God on various matters for some months already. Please pray with us over the following:
Pray for Nigel, who is a guest speaker at the two MVGB conferences in the north and south of England. May he be led by the Spirit and full of His relevant and timely Word for the people, wherever he is, between 11-30 April. Pray also that during this time in the UK God speaks to Nigel.
Our daughter, Abi, is just about to write her final exams in May and has a place on a university course in the UK starting in September. Pray that God supplies the funds for her studies. Pray for her success in exams. Dates are on our newsletter, which you can download via the following link: files.me.com/africanige/rh093b
We have been planning to go back to the UK in July for furlough. It is changing into an exploration of how we can support Abi in her early months of adjusting to life in the UK and at university. We are therefore considering the possibility of extending the furlough into a longer sabbatical. The test of this proposal is that we gain tenants to sub-let our rented house for several months. The main request on this point is that God would make it clear by supplying us with people to rent our house from us for a full six months. We have put out a communication to the international Christian community in the city and would prefer to hear from somebody by the middle of May to help in our thinking and planning.
Our monthly finances are playing a big part in our thinking. Trust and faith in God are obvious pre-requisites for missionary life. We have also had some wonderful assurances of his supply just this week. Nevertheless, we need more regular and generous monthly supporters. Pray that God settles our hearts, opening doors and clarifying our steps, so that we would know without doubt what he is saying through this.
Susan Holowecky, FC in Peru

For the Agriculture Project:

For a successful cycle April 14-21 that will combine our Shawi Bible Institute, Cacao Training, and motor repair workshop--please pray for annointing to receive and put into practice all the Lord has for them
Favor that the govt will finalize plans and complete the construction of our road from the farm.
For the success of our cacao project, please pray against leaf-cutter ants that attacked the plants this week!
For Joe Tice, for God's will and timing for him to take orientation and start work with us
For Mario and Dominica, the new Peruvian family, for ease in making the move here in June, clear direction
Pray against all spiritual attacks.

For the Hogar:

For God's will and clear direction for expansion by adding a new building
For the children to do well in this new school year, starting this week
For myself, wisdom and clear direction in all matters.

Norberto Kurrle, FC in Paraguay

For Esther Anahí's birth certificate and passport. This is an urgent need
Pray for the five new converts that we are discipling
For the students and professors and the semester, while we are absent
For Radio Alternativa and the search for a new director.
For God's provision for a loaned vehicle, or the funds to purchase one, while on furlough.
Pray for 2 new supporting churches while on furlough May 15-Aug 3.
For the sale of our car in Paraguay.
Joyce Layton, FC Ukraine

My prayer requests are for the widows and the orphans the mission reaches out to help with warm clothing, etc.,refugees and English students I work with.
Also for continued and adequate funding to keep the mission going.
Scott & Susan Ledford, FC in Honduras

Our prayer need for 2012:

That the U.S. will turn back to the Lord,
That we all become obedient to God's will and calling
That LOVE reigns as KING of KING and LORD of LORDS.

Ed Lockett, FC Haiti

We would like to ask for prayer especially for Ed Lockett who we visited recently for lunch with the Wadding's. Ed is having trouble with Sleep Apnea and he had a real bad bout of bronchitis which bruised his side. Pray that he gets really good medical help while here. He also wants to lose weight once these problems are corrected.

Eric and Marilyn Loftsgard, FC in Nicaragua

PRAISE - I (Marilyn) rear ended a taxi yesterday (no brake lights, stopped in the middle of the road, etc). Almost no damage to the van but the taxi was damaged badly (the engine even caught on fire) and the driver and two passengers were taken by ambulance to the hospital. So many reasons to praise God in this - police arrived right away, our Nicaraguan lawyer and friend was there very quickly to help and navigate through the maze of Nicaraguan accident laws - I was detained by the police for 6 hours but told it could have been much longer and my van impounded (even though I have full coverage insurance but in Nicaragua if there are injuries - you are detained until the injured parties are taken care of). The story of course is much longer but thank the Lord, I came home last night with the van and all the parties left the hospital without visible injury (after x-rays and medical examinations).
Nicaragua Christian Academy. 280 students in international school, 360 in daughter school and another school being built. Eric is president of the board and takes very seriously his position and the leading/guiding of the now association of schools. This takes up the most of his time and is very challenging/frustrating . . . . His safety for his weekly trips up to Matagalpa (2 hour drive) - the site of the newest campus. Provision for the completion of the $400,000+ campus construction. Provision of Christ-following, teachable teachers, administration, etc. - both Nicaraguan and North American. We hope to open in February of 2013.
Christian Motorcyclists Association Nicaragua - prayer for its direction, praise for the latest rally where we were very favorably received. prayer for the trip planned next week with a Nicaraguan motorcyclist friend (not Christian to our knowledge) and God's working in his life.
Continued direction for the Nehemiah Center and its many ministries/leaders - specifically the education department. Wisdom for Eric as he is part of the leadership team there as well.
House of Hope - center for women coming out of prostitution. Board responsibilities there as well. Wisdom for how to best partner with the missionary in charge of that (not with MV). Her burden is so large - about 500+ women involved - 30 girls from 5 to 14 living on campus being rescued out of brothels. It is a hard, sweet place. Marilyn and Leah and Naomi minister there weekly. We bring teams there a couple times a year.
ICF - International Christian Fellowship - Marilyn on the board. Wisdom as we seek how to best serve the ex-pat community here in Nicaragua (around 150 to 200 attend services on Sundays). All day prayer/planning retreat scheduled for April 9th.
Bible studies led/co-led by both Marilyn and Eric. Wisdom as we lead.
Praise for our daughter, Jackie (21) as she takes a semester off of college to love her grandmother in Oregon and truly be a missionary to our family in Oregon - most of whom don't know her/our Lord. God has provided a rent-free place to stay with a couple who are thrilled to be a part of what God is doing through Jackie. She is working at Goodwill and loving serving there too.
Prayer as we prepare to send our 18 your old, Daniel, to college in Oregon. He will fly to Oregon in June to work for the summer and then we hope begin studies at Northwestern Christian University in August in journalism. Prayer for His relationship with our Lord and provision for his studies/living.
Protection for our 16 and 14 year olds who will fly to Alaska in June to work/visit.
What to do with our 12 year old for the summer with all his older sisters and brother gone ;-).
Permit process for NCA Matagalpa - a frustrating and long process. Prayer for wisdom and favor.
Andrew & Margaret Marriott, Director of MVNZ

 

Praise for:

A successful MV Asia-Pacific Regional conference in Indonesia, enjoying good fellowship with our friends and co-workers from across the region, as well as the UK and US
A fruitful trip to Japan. We ministered in Sakai city, visited a missionary lady in Matsumoto who was sent out from our NZ church 37 years ago, and met with a number of church leaders. We're now planning future teams to an area little known to many Japanese people that was largely destroyed or buried in mud by last year's tsunami, yet where many are coming to Christ and churches are being planted.
Two new members on the MVNZ board of trustees (David Goold and Murray Tracey).
Please pray for:

God's wisdom and direction as we make plans for further trips and projects in 2012/13.
The MVNZ board members (Malcolm Barrow, Glen Dubois, David Goold, Bruce McGrail, Kim Smith, Murray Tracey) as they provide Godly advice and wisdom to help us in directing the work.
MVNZ office staff (Marjorie Geer, Minoru Okumura). Pray especially for Marjorie's health and for Minoru to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
Ashley & Gillian Crampton (former MVNZ board member). They return to Fiji later this month for another 4-6 months of service, working alongside a church in Sigatoka. Fiji has suffered so much devastation, loss of life, property, land etc over recent months - experiencing the worst floods in recorded history. Many are struggling to recover from the loss and several churches and NGOs are distributing food, fresh water, clothing, medication, etc.
David & Jean Goold (new MVNZ board member). David writes:
"Jean and I served in France for 24 years until 1995 and have been able to return a few times, for short periods to visit family and to minister.
Since 1995 we have been based in New Zealand and involved in pastoral work and ministry to internationals (including an 18-month stint teaching in 2 universities in China).
Last year we were able to go to France for 2 months and work with the church which grew out of the one we saw established. We go back again this month for 3 months, mostly to Marseille, and work with the same church. We also look to help 2 other smaller churches nearby, but a family camp and a 10-day mission in a large high-rise estate will be our main focus. In addition, teaching on Sundays and visits to past and new contacts will keep us busy. We need insight into their situations and the power of the Holy Spirit in teaching.
A special gift, this time, is an 8-day visit to Turkey in June, DV. We will be with a 'secular' tour group and will look for opportunities to bring the gospel to our companions as we visit the sites of the early church's expansion. Jean, in particular, has had a deep burden for Turkey for many years.
As a new board member, it's a joy to receive news from around the world and share our needs with you.

 

Cory and Stacy Martin, FC Nicaragua

The children and the battle with mosquitos.
ESVO (the vocational school) and the new fair trade account
Praise: We found the right on line school for Gavin and he is going to finish 8th grade this summer.
Also praise that we purchased a good vehicle.

Brad & Cammie Matlack, FC in Kenya

We are entering a season of more clarity in purpose and mission. There are several ideas and projects taking form as a result of our partnership with Nairobi Chapel: justice for the oppressed, women's ministry/resource center, involvement in the arts, music, dance, transformational development formation, church planting.
Pray for the Ndwaru family: They have welcomed us into their family. Our immediate neighbors, grandma and extended family. We love them. It is the community where we live. Only two of them, Pauline and her son Oscar are believers. We're praying for the salvation of the rest. They are bound by alcohol, family dysfunction and entitlement issues.
Times of homesickness - pray that it wouldn't necessarily go away but that in the midst of it we, each one of us, would learn to find complete satisfaction in Christ.
Pray for the country of Kenya. Elections that were to happen later this year were moved to March 2013. Last presidential election sparked tribal violence. Pray for peace, godly leadership...
Praise - we are experiencing good health and recognize that the LORD sustains us in our physical well being and daily protection/security.
Praise - we all have our residency visa papers. God provided us with a great helper, Peter Kasema, to acquire them relatively smoothly. Thank God for him and his family. Feels good to no longer be "tourists".
Julie Merrin, FC Indonesia, Bali

Luther and Sandy Meier, VP at large

As I write, Luther is spending a 4th night in the hospital. We had hoped this letter would be an update from our recent trip to Indonesia and India - which was just fantastic - but once again we are calling upon our fellow Believers to pray for us. We need your help to fight the good fight of faith.

A few days after two Missionary Ventures Great Britain Conferences, we thought Luther's fatigue was due to our extreme schedule of the past 5 weeks. But when a fever persisted, we sought medical advice on Saturday. With suspected malaria, he was immediately admitted and has been under observation for a range of tropical and other diseases. A micro-biologist has been assigned to his case but a diagnosis is still elusive four days later. He's not allowed to leave his room!

If a diagnosis is not found soon, the medical team want to transfer him to a specialist hospital in Manchester.

Each day, I'm spending 6 hours with him at the hospital.

Please pray that:
In faith according to Mark 11:22-24 that this invasion in his body will leave
Luther's haemoglobin levels reverse the downward trend & no blood transfusion is needed
Luther has a miracle touch from God in his body and regains total health
Both of us will get good night's rest
We have direction from the Lord how to proceed with our next scheduled trips
We'll update you again soon.

Many thanks from us both,
Sandy

 

Paul and Mary Ruth Miller, FC Carribean Boat Ministry

Finances to continue
Safety for the crew and boat
Ffavor with the officials where we serve.
Seeing eyes to be made blind while we make our deliveries to closed countries.

Noel and Heather Mills, FA, Ireland

Pray for the Rivers Church in Carrick on Shannon as they are trying to locate new premises.

Rich and Pam Moberly, FC Indonesia

 

Tommie and Gunilla Naumann, FC Greece

 

Gilberto and Ruth Noriega, FA in Guatemala

Please pray healing from chronic health problems for Ruth and back problems for Gilberto.
Pray for the construction of two new schools.
For the birth of Juan Pablo's child in April.
Please pray over the political problem regarding schools: public schools are paying parents to go to their school while private schools cannot do the same so they are losing students.

Juan Pablo Noriega, director Med. Missions Guatemala

For the spiritual life of employees of the Nebaj hospital.
For building of the nursing school.
Pray for us to show the love and compassion of the Lord Jesus to patients.
Pray for more Christian personnel to work with us.
Pray for a mini bus to transport church members and staff to places we visit.

Angel & Karen Oyola, FC on Medical Leave

We are so grateful to our Lord for His continued provision and protection.
Since returning from the field, which still leaves us heartbroken, Angel has had surgery on his neck, five colonoscopies, I don't know how many blood transfusions he has had and the amount of pain he deals with daily is something so foreign to him. Yet we find ourselves filled with the joy of our Lord and in expectation of what He has purposed for our lives in this new season.
Please pray for Angel's complete healing and for a favorable response to his receiving disability.
God is opening so many doors and connections, please pray for wisdom as Angel seeks clear guidance.
Our supporters have been so faithful in standing by us we ask that you pray for them and their families.
We are so thankful for our MVI family and pray for all our brothers and sisters who serve here in the USA and on foreign soil. May our Lord continue to bless the work of your hands for His glory.

Phil Plowman, Director Asia Pacific Region

26 - 30 March Asia Pacific Conference at Bali Indonesia
There will 30+ MVI staff attending from all over Asia as well as the Australian & New Zealand offices. Please pray that God will do a significant work in us all uniting us into a dynamic team.
The conference theme is "NEW HORIZONS"
I would appreciate your prayers as I lead these events as well as undertake further ministry in remote areas of the Philippines.

John and Kathy Potter, South Africa Office Evangelist

243 Baptized !
As the team baptized the last prisoner in Chingola the Chaplin approached the team and asked whether we would help to build a chapel for the prisoners. We asked what materials were need and then said we would pray about what could be done. After ministering at a church in Kitwe we were approached by a businessman who wanted to know what needs there were in our ministry. We shared with him about the need to finish the chapel in the Chingola prison. After sharing he said he would have a truck loaded the next day with all the materials and have it delivered to the prison. What a mighty God we serve !!
Whilst visiting the Kabwe Maximum security prison we met a very old lady. She had no family and was kept by the prison because there was no one to care for her although she had finished her prison sentence. The team was able to assist her with money for charcoal and food. I will never forget how thankful she was. It is such a privilege to be part of Gods work.
In June Cathy and I will be leading our first mission from South Africa to Europe. We will be leading a team of 17 people to Thessaloniki in Greece (Where the Apostle Paul established a number of churches) and then into Macedonia where he received his call through a vision in the night. It is so exciting to break new ground and we are really in faith for this mission. Katie and a number of her university friends will be joining us on this mission. Please pray for the provision for this mission, it is really stretching our faith but we know that we are answering a call from God. We will give you feed back on our return from this mission.
Michelle and Grant are engaged and will be married on the 26th of May. Cathy and I are delighted and know that they will be starting a great adventure together. Please pray that this day will be Blessed in every way.
Justine and Rob will be back from Japan on the 9th of May in time for the wedding. It will be AMAZING, EXCITING & AWESOME seeing them again !!!
Katie is doing well at university and has a great group of friends. We are so proud of her and know that God has BIG plans for her life.
Cathy's mom will be turning 80 on the 8th of May. Please pray for this special day and for her to know the Lord.
John and Kathy Potter, Evangelist South Africa

 

Randy & Brenda Purcell, Country Director in Guatemala

Please pray for Brenda as she continues her 9 month recuperation and that we would be able to visit the ministries without any setbacks to her condition.
Continue to pray for safety and good health for all of the pastors and their families and that God would supply all of their needs.
Please pray for our adult children who now all live stateside...and for us as we adjust to being without them in the field!
Pray for country of Guatemala and the problems with drug related violence and the bad economy.
Please pray that the ministries here in Guatemala would continue to minister in practical and effective ways to win souls to the Kingdom.
Ellie and Lila Quezada, FC Mexico

Please be praying for greater unity among the staff and great wisdom for Lila as she directs Casa Compasiva. They have a lot of changes that need to be made and are experiencing growing pains...not to mention that they are almost completely out of money. :( But God is in control and we trust in His provision! Amen? Amen!

 

 

 

Elizabeth Ratliff, FC in Zambia

PRAISE:

Newborn from prison discharged from hospital after battling pneumonia
Inmates healthy despite the change in season we are going through heading into winter
Money received for prison carpentry shop to make 2 large sewing tables and 12 chairs for the Women's Section Sewing Project
Clothing donated and distributed to all the babies & children
My vehicle is currently operational -- PTL!
For my good health
PRAYER:

Continued health for all the prison inmates -- male, female, children & babies
Funds for repair of the garbage dump area of the men's section and plastic garbage bins
Many donors would come forward to help fund the construction of a new cell block designated for mothers w/ babies/children
Favorable resolution for a 21-yr old single mother from Bolivia now in prison as a Prohibited Immigrant caught smuggling drugs -- that she would be returned to Bolivia to serve out her sentence; that she would see the faithfulness of the Lord and grow beyond religious practice into a real relationship with Christ.
For volunteers to help me with the grading of the Satellite Bible School exams coming in from the prisons
For all hindrances and obstacles to be overcome and new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance to be appointed and installed so that the Church's application for customs duty exemption can be approved in May. (This is one of the major issues keeping me from being able to replace my vehicle.)

 

Brian and Tania Renshaw, FC Vanuatu

Praise God our kids have had a good year so far in school in the USA. They have adjusted to everything but the lack of motivation of the other kids.
Pray over Brian & Shiloh's trip to Vanuatu this summer to get ready for when we all go back after furlough.
Keep the villages of western Santo and all of rural Vanuatu in prayer as they negotiate their way through the processes of gaining access to churches, clinics and schools. This often takes up all of their time leaving little time to be in the gardens.
Pray as we try to recruit a few long term volunteers to come alongside the ministry in Vanuatu. We have many great meetings/interviews with folks who are interested. We are at a point where we either need to cut way back on what we are involved in or we need more workers!

Candy Rieger, FC in Haiti

PRAISES & THANKSGIVING

for good health;
all bills paid;
some hard lessons learned;
answered prayer (over and over!);
and safe return of my intern to her home in Canada

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

for miscellaneous gifts which can be applied to latrine construction, medical emergencies, Christian literature and water purification projects which are the means to the end of making disciples in Haiti;
continued protection over my driving and safety of my truck;
God's revelation of a small business that would support ministry needs in Haiti;
as always, pray for Haiti President, Michel Martelly, and the Dominican presidential election May 20.

Bill & Lisa Riley, FC in Guatemala

Praises: We have completed 4 months of Spanish, and our teacher believes we are functional. Fluency is the issue now. We will continue with lessons when we return. Despite a motorcycle accident on Good Friday, we are both doing ok. My niece has recovered from a horrific concussion and is once again cleared to play soccer! We also made contact with 2 more Christian bikers this week. They are neighbors of missionary friends that we helped move into a new house. They are both missionaries as well and both ride KLR650s.
Prayer needs: Healing for Bill's shoulder and wrist, both hurt in the accident. He took the brunt of the impact. An increase in monthly funding (as everyone needs right now!), and special provision for funds to continue Spanish lessons when we return, and to purchase a fuel-efficient little pickup. Provision for safety as we travel the US to friend/fund raise. God's Blessing on us all.

 

 

Dicky and Coralie Roets, Office Dir, South Africa

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and for their personal messages of comfort and encouragement. It is SO WONDERFUL to know we are in a family that really cares for one another. Thank you .....
My husband results were negative. His kidneys are healthy. NO CANCER.
My daughter Bronwyn's Liver tests came back 'normal'. She is feeling a lot better.
My son Brendan was discharged from hospital and is being monitored by a Physician Specialist in our home town. Please continue praying for him as the town where he works and lives has no proper medical facilities and he is hoping to transfer back to Johannesburg. Please pray for favour so that his request for a transfer is granted.
The couple who were brutally attacked, survived the ordeal, (we only found this out yesterday) Praise the Lord. The lady was beaten up but not raped. The man lost the use of one eye and use of his right arm and leg due to the bullet lodged in the brain, but they are alive. The Lord is giving us a measure of peace and acceptance. We know He is our protector.
Brenda Rose, FC Nicaragua

One for the prayer list is to be in prayer for Filemon Montoya. He is the pastor that we have at the clinic. He has had his last chemo therapy and in a couple weeks will have a PET scan. He has suffered with the last 2 treatments and has lost a lot of weight. I know that he would appreciate your prayers.
Karen and Bud Simon, FC in Dominican Republic

Jerry, fellow missionary here in the DR; While visiting the states, he had chest pains and just had a stint put in his heart. May God heal him and send him back to us!
Pastor Franklin's wife, Lavidania, 8 mos. pregnant and has some complications and is anemic.
Matthew: in a Texas prison for domestic violence, may he hear the Lord speaking to him
Kurrle and Beam families during this difficult time.
Allen and Patricia Sowers, FC Honduras

 

Tim and Pam Stairs, FC Costa Rica

 

Bob & Avis Stegemann, Bible Schools

Thanks for all those who prayed for Avis. Avis is home and resting. Her doctor said everything went well but it will take time for her to recover. This was the first surgery she ever had so we thank our Lord for continued good health as we serve Him. She is anxious to get back overseas.

Rick and Barb Sucher, FC Dominican Republic

 

Right now the doctors have me on a week of shots, muscle relaxers, and nerve medicine. I am to take some for a week and another medicine for a month. I am suppose to start passive therapy, and with time traction...the nerve medicine is helping a good bit. Still needs lot of prayer...as like last night with the pain I slept maybe three hours. This week we are preparing for a team...that is coming on Friday for a week...so we are praying for strength for Barb and I.
Even with this going on the Lord has been so good to keep us going. What an awesome day we had...as we start building a small church and ministry center...and tonight we started a new Bible Institute with 10 students...Each Monday now we have 63 students attending or 3 institutes...with another school meeting on Tuesday night with over 20 students.. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness and His strength!
We have rescued a baby Mara Flor...she was in terrible health...the Grandparents don't want her...we took her in as it was an emergency. She has had lots of tests...the good news is she doesn't have HIV...waiting on another important test... please keep this in prayer...she is terribly anemic.
For healing on my neck...I have two herniated disks...on top of this I have a bad cough
For our upcoming teams... one in June and two in July...
For peace and protection from the Lord as we have been under a lot of spiritual attacks.
PTL for two new Bible schools we have opened.
PTL for Harvest Connections a new ministry we started...connecting Missionaries and Ministries together...we are seeing God network people together to make a bigger impact for Him.
PTL Lord my sister came down here and vistied us on the mission field for the first time in 12 years...The Lord really impacted her and her husband in a positive way!
PTL...our son Brandon just received his two year Associated Degree from Seminole State and now is attending UCF
Henock & Selome Tsegaye, FC in Ethiopia

Please pray for us to see God's direction in our life in this New Year.
Please pray for us for the effectiveness of our fund raising activities.
Prayer

Abner, our Haitian friend, now living in the states, tested positive for TB.
Pastor Franklin's wife, Lavi, is pregnant and has some difficulties.
Don and Mary Wolfram, FC in Ecuador

Pray for Don in the management of two Bible Schools along with the need to do part-time work in a steel mill for finances.
Pray for two teams coming to work in the schools.
A couple is needed to manage a guest house which accommodates nationals as well as teams from abroad. This couple needs to be independent and flexible.

 

Paul and Cheryl Bendele

Steve and Shawn Clark, Marshall Islands

Good morning,
It is a great time to serve the Lord and we are seeing mighty things happen here in the islands. There are coming up so great changes in what we are doing here in the islands. In the coming days we will be making announcements to share those things as they happen. We have updated our blog www.clarksmarshalls.blogspot.com
Stop by and check it out. The family are all doing well and we thank God for His continued faithfulness! We are seeing miracles all around us. We have been praying with those in the hospital and seeing God's healing power there. A man who had lost three toes to infection was endanger of losing his leg. Infection had gotten into the bone. The doctor wanted to amputate but the family asked for more time to pray. We agree and prayed and we saw God power manifest. The infection is gone and no amputation is needed. Praise the Lord we serve the healer! All of the glory belongs to Jesus!
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support! Blessings in the mighty name of Jesus!

Running with the Vision,
Steve, Shawn, Richard, Travis, Malissa, Stephen, Terina and Kanani

Bud and Karen Simon, Dominican Republic

Our family is visiting right now and they did take a foto of us today! So now you have it!

Please pray for God's continued direction in our lives here. We are involved in many areas

of ministry, so we need to be sensitive as to where the Lord wants us.

Bud had vertigo last month and went to the doctors, had lots of tests, and we are thankful

he has felt very good since then!

Bendiciones and vaya con Dios!

Karen Simon

Jackie Jackson, home officeWe got the results of the MRI mom had on Wednesday. They were able to see the pancreas. There appears to be a 9 cm mass on it. So we see a Pancreatic cancer specialist at MD Anderson Monday, May 7th. Please pray for peace for both mom and me. Pray that the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and that it is not Pancreatic cancer.Thanks. Jackie Jackson

 

Kathy Goodman, home office

For Ross-for a God to place a mentor in his path.
PRAISE! Brooke graduated -UNF 2012!!!
For my friend, Gail-healing from knee surgery Kathy Goodman
Luther and Sandy Meier, Vice President at Large

Today marks a full week that Luther's been hospitalized. Since I wrote you on Tuesday, Luther was moved to an isolated ward for infectious diseases. The chief consultant is originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, and after the results of the CT-scan, all tropical diseases were ruled out. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in his lower right lung. It was previously undetected because it's a strain not normally found in the UK, but rather in other parts of the world. So he may have picked it up on one of our trips and it went undetected for some time.

Through it all, God is truly answering prayers from believers like you all over the world. Here are some thus far:

Luther doesn't need to be transferred to another hospital.
Luther's haemoglobin levels have stabilized and are rising.
We are sleeping better at night, although Luther had a bad night last night.
No blood transfusion is needed.
Nausea has left and he is eating well.
He is also having opportunites to share his faith!
We are having wonderful times in the presence of the Lord with Him speaking powerfully to both of us.
We continue to believe for total healing from this infection.
Please pray that:

The pneunomia in his lower right lung will be entirely eradicated
There are no complications from this infection
Fever and chills will leave his body
Luther will have good rest at night
Recent blood tests will return with good results.
The doctors will be wise when to release him.
For those of you who have put us on your church prayer list, please share this encouraging news. But also please continue praying!

We'll update you again next week. Your thoughts, scriptures and well wishes have encouraged and strengthened us. Each note has been special and appreciated.

Many thanks from us both,
Sandy

 

MVI Office Staff

Home Office Needs

 

New computer for everyone in the office. Please pray for sponsorship of the new computers. Our current selection is quite outdated.
Our telephones need a replacement part and we are working with Century Link to replace the part. Please pray for favor with the company.

Glen and Linda Dubois, Director

Praise

Linda's continued recovery
Zoe Katherine Anne Dubois
Adalynn's continued adjustment
God's continued provision
Prayer

Linda adjusting to juggling two babies
Zoe sleeping schedule
Adalynn coping with all the changes
Provision for all within MVI
Luther's health
Norb and Esther Anahi
Summer Teams.

Paul & Cheryl Bendele, Prayer and Recruitment

We give thanks for a car we found so that Elisha (18) will be able to drive to school at Full Sail when he begins in November.
Please pray for David (25) to find a good full-time job. He feels he needs a break from school and wants to save to be able to attend a university to finish rather than studying online.
We took Paul to a Master Thearapist regarding his heart problems. Paul is on a specific diet and exercise program. Please join us in praying for his Aortic valve to heal.
Pray for new partners in the work as finances are needed.

Larry and Donna Capps, USA Medical Director

Donna is helping her sister to evaluate rehab hospitals for her husband.
· Larry had a very difficult and slow recovery from his surgery. It was far more complicated that anything he had done in his previous surgeries. He is just now getting back on his feet. · Please do continue to keep us in your prayers. Our landlord told Larry yesterday that they have decided to sell the house we have been renting and gave us 30 days to vacate. That was totally unexpected but since we were on a month to month lease after being there 21/2 years so I need to scramble and find us some place to live or go back to NC. Having two dogs makes it a little challenging to find a place on such short notice.

 

Melanie Duford, Director of Communications

Thank you for your prayers for Rob. He was able to finally have his first therapy session this week and he can tell such a big difference after just one visit. Pray that he continues to heal.
Pray for all of the funds to come in for Rob and Caeden's trip to Uganda.

Gary & Patsy Hall, Chairman of MVI PRAISE REPORTS:

BEFORE our Mission Team has gotten to Uganda....BECAUSE of the Team going, 3 people have gotten saved, 3 have been filled with the Holy Spirit, 3 have been released through ministry related to forgiveness! Mind, this is BEFORE the mission!
Our daughter Lindsey's excellent success as she continues Fire School
Our son-in-law and pastor, Rob and grandson Caeden going to Uganda with us!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS:

The Beam Family. (Dan is in our Home Group. He, Dave, Jess, their girls and Diane go to our church..they are family for sure)
Uganda Team (10 folks from church--several young in the Lord) 4-17 June
Wisdom for both of us for the Uganda mission related to the team & the mission
Wisdom for Nigel and Pastor Willy as they make plans in Uganda
Finances for the Team
Wisdom for Gary related to business and MVI
For Lindsey as she completes the Fire School Course
The academic, practical, physical and medical exams
The National Exam for Fire and for the EMT course she completed in Dec.
Billy & Donna Hires, Pastoral Care

Please pray for us as we continue our transition.
Also, Billy's neck was doing so much better, but the last few days it has been causing him quite a bit of pain.
Also please pray for the Robbins/Hancock family, dear friends of ours at Terrace Palms. Martha Robbins, the mom, 73 years old, has a very rare disease that hit her 6 weeks ago. She is in her final stages of life.
Also, Billie Fogle, our very dear friend who has ALS (Lou Gehrigs). We are asking the Lord to heal her

Jackie Jackson, Coordinator of Office Development

Please pray for my mother Dorothy. Tests have discovered an abnormality with her pancreas. Monday, May 7th we have an appointment with a specialist at MD Anderson. He will put a scope down her throat to get a clear look at the pancreas and to take a biospy. Please pray against Pancreatic Cancer. Also, that mom will have minimal pain after the test.
Please pray for peace for both of us as we await the results.

Joe and Jill Keenum, Director of Pastoral Care

Pray for the Martin's to learn the language, culure and to adjust to their new life.
Healing for Angel.
Safe trip for traveling for the Clark's as they leave April 1st for the Marshall Islands. That after the school year ends they will start ministering together to the outer islands. May God Bless this work.
Paper work for Kurrle's daughter, and Mary and Vidal's son,Asher's paper work.

Nancy Long, Senior Accountant

Praise the Lord for his Faithfulness! My Uncle Alan stepped into eternity last week. Pray for the family as they adjust to life on this earth without him.
Pray for wisdom and God's timing on getting a different vehicle.
Continue to pray for Aaron and Rebecca's heart to be softened to the Lord. May they respond to His never ending love towards them.
Pray for Genevieve for healing- salvation for her husband who is Jewish.
Amber Russelburg, Team Trip Manager

My mom called yesterday morning and her foot is causing so much pain that she couldn't walk on it. Please pray that God would bring healing. The doctor gives her cortisone shots but the shot is very painful and doesn't seem to help. Surgery is a last resort because it could cause more harm than good and the results haven't been very successful.
Jennifer Tarpley, Team Trip Coordinator

Praise: I found a car thank you Lord!!!
Clarence was offered a job.
Please continue to pray for my dad's healing and my mom as well.

Gary & Vicky Wadding, Missions Coordinators

Praise

Great pastors conferences in Peru, united pastors from many denominations, Spirit of God ministered
Sufficient funds for the trip and conferences
Prayer

Follow-up to Peru conferences, getting resources to them, discipling,
For Vicky and I to recover from bodily illnesses after the travels.
Upcoming team leader training sessions

 

 

Cynthia Williams, Chief Financial Officer

Gary, Kevin's brother, is continuing to improve from the massive heart attack he suffered December 7th. He is now able to walk four miles a day. Next week he starts three months of cardiac rehab. His doctor said Gary may be able to begin working on a limited part-time basis in two months. Please pray for continued strength and healing, for finances for his family, for his short-term memory to continue to improve, and for peace as he anxiously waits to go back to work. God has done amazing things in Gary's life, and I praise Him!

Missionary Venture International

PO Box 593550

Orlando, FL 32859-350