At Any Cost
I have become all things to all men, that I might save some.
1 Corinthinans 9:22b
TAN & VIV
Philippines
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Our end goal is to see a mature/maturing church planted among an unreached people group with literacy, a bible they can read/ understand and solid teaching eventually coming from the people. To get to these goals we must learn the national language of our region (Bisaya) and then the language of the target people (to be determined). Right now we are in the first few years of our ministry and are learning the national language and culture. Our normal day looks like classes in the morning for Vivian and classes for myself in the afternoon. During these classes we follow a GPA* program which we are in phase 4 of. We speak for a total of around 4 hours with our language helpers in Bisaya to learn more words and sharpen our language ability. This takes up the bulk of our time and is our current main priority.
*GPA: The goal of the Growing Participator Approach (GPA) is not simply the acquisition of an unfamiliar language, but participation in the life of an ever growing community.
Tan & Viv's Prayer Requests
First, thank you for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers after our last email. The number of you that reached out, shared Scripture, and encouraged us was incredible. These past weeks we have been in prayer and conversation with our field leadership as well as medical experts familiar with the Philippines, trying to discern the best path forward with our growing concern for Tanner's longterm health. On Thursday, April 2, we decided together that it is time apply for a medical furlough and pursue answers in America. We will arrive in Milwaukee on May 5, and begin doctor appointments on May 8. There is so much that we don't know, but we hold fast knowing that God is the One who always does what is right, not just for some, but for all.
While we don't know much, our current plan is to spend the month of May in Milwaukee focusing on finding the root cause of Tan's symptoms. Depending on timing and what we learn, we hope to spend time in New York in late June or July. While taking this medical home assignment, we hope to get our kids up to date with their pediatrician in New York and to get Arlo's eyes reevaluated (some of you may remember that he has intermittent exotropia in both eyes, a condition that makes his eyes wander outward), as we are approaching the time period in which it was suggested to us that it might be wise to pursue corrective surgery.
Please pray for all of these things. We make plans, but the Lord directs our paths. Some other prayer requests:
We are currently unsure what our housing situation will be in Milwaukee.
Praise the Lord that our vehicle is ready and waiting for us.
Pray for us and our kids as we guide them through a transition that is equally unknown to us. Long flights and long layovers feel daunting right now.
Thank you for praying with us and much love until next time, Tan, Viv, Arlo, & Siggi
KEEP PRAYING
To give to any ministry, present your offering at DFBC. Checks should be written out to Duanesburg Florida Baptist Church. Indicate on the check which missions ministry it is for (Philippines/Tan & Viv, India/John & Leena, or another). If you give cash, put it in an envelope with the name of the missions ministry on the envelope and place it in the missions basket on your way out the door. Do not send cash through the mail. For tax purposes you may want to include your name on the envelope. You can also use Venmo. Be sure to add which ministry on the line that says, "What's it for?" There is no link here for Venmo because you must download the app on your smartphone. Thank you & God bless you & yours.
JOHN & LEENA
USA & India
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13
Reverend John is the pastor of Bristol Baptist Church in and an integral part of Faith Harvest Ministries - India. John was born in India and later adopted by an American couple who raised him here. Leena is a nurse and has a heart for prayer, seeking God to move mountains. Faith Harvest Ministries- India includes evangelism, educating, encouraging, and edifying pastors and their families as well as dedication to the children of their orphanage. Christians in India face terrible persecution from their government, communities, and families. Yet God's people press on and into the Kingdom of God, willing to pay the price. Duanesburg Florida Baptist Church wholeheartedly affirms and supports the work of this vital and powerful ministry.
Exciting News!
John & Leena are coming to DFBC!!!
Sunday Service
May 24 at 9:45 am
DFBC Sanctuary
Luncheon to follow
in the Fellowship Hall
Please bring a dish to share!
Faith Harvest Ministries - India
John & Leena's Prayer Requests
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 Pray for salvation of many in their region and throughout India.
Pray for the physical needs of our ministry team. Pastor's are dependent on poor congregations for their needs, and families may have financial challenges.
Pray for our ongoing pastors' conferences. These conferences held in small town and are attended by local pastors, spouses, ministry leaders and helpers. These conferences are vital to the kingdom of God in teaching biblical doctrine, and strengthening ministries. Our goal through these conferences is to help local churches to make followers of Christ. We receive wonderful feedback from those who attend our conferences.
Pray for the finances needed to expand the village church in a remote area to accommodate more people. Cost is estimated to be about $3000. Currently the church is 30 x 10 but its pastor would like to expand it to 50 x 15.
Pray for peace and healing in marriages and families as specifically for the children, both young and grown up. They all need emotional healing and spiritual guidance. Pray they grow up to serve the Lord as His children.
PERSIST IN PRAYER
