"Gospel Planting" Goes Forward

We thank God that, despite many challenges, our work of “Gospel Planting” goes forward. Our hearers continually face community pressure and accusations of “converting.” In addition, some of our key contacts have suffered severe losses: a chief’s wife suddenly died and a host’s orphaned granddaughter died of TB.

But people have believed and are now learning about their secure relationship with God in Christ, religious leaders attend consistently, and we have begun teaching in a seventh village.

Please pray for the Gospel to take root and spread.

[The kingdom of God] is like...the smallest seed [which] becomes the largest of garden plants. (Mark 4:31-32, NIV)

Robberies

On Nov. 16 at 3 am our teammates Jonathan and Erica Lloyd were robbed by intruders in their village home. Ten days later thieves broke into the home of our colleagues the Kleynhans at Grace Farm.

Even though they (probably the same group) took a lot of money and electronic equipment, we thank God for protecting our friends from physical harm. Most of the missionary community gathered one Sunday afternoon to pray and to begin planning for increased security.

Task Force groups from two regions will compile recommended guidelines and propose a communication network for rapid response and give a report at our next gathering on Dec. 15. God unexpectedly provided a new guard dog (Rottweiler and Doberman mix) for us and we have started getting quotations for more exterior and interior burglar gates.

Please pray for complete healing from trauma, justice and salvation for the criminals, protection from future incidents and wisdom and provision for heightened security.

...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. (Rom 5:3, NIV)

Worldview and Holistic Ministry

The Lord has provided opportunities for us to learn about worldview and holistic ministry. Missionary colleague CR presented to us the following Yao beliefs which lead to a spirit of depression: 1) God is not good; 2) God is not personal; 3) God doesn’t have absolutes; 4) God is not in control; 5) God is not active; 6) God doesn’t care; and 7) God is not to be feared as much as people. They also showed us ways to conserve topsoil.

Jonathan Lloyd completed a development course by the Chalmers Institute in which he concluded that poverty is rooted in a broken relationship with God and that asset vs. needs based survey work avoids reinforcing a poverty mentality. Emmanuel International leaders also told us about successful village savings and loan and other programs in which locals have complete ownership.

Please pray for core value transformation in all of life. (See 1 Thes 5:23-24)

Firm Foundation Question

Give careful thought to the following question and try to answer it on your own before reading the answer below.

Jesus challenged the motives of those whom he fed miraculously: “Work for food that endures to eternal life.” (Jn 6:27a). The Jews responded similarly to most of our hearers when they first understand the futility of good works to save us: “What must we do to do the works God requires?” (Jn 6:28)

World Prayer Day Focus

We feel honored that the BIC World Prayer Team decided that next year’s World Prayer Day, March 9, will focus on the Yao with the theme: “Telling God’s Story: Planting Among the Yao”. In the past they have highlighted new works, multiplying missions, national missionaries and urban ministry. They have narrowed the scope in 2008 to one specific group of people and what God is doing and wants to do among them.

We thank God for the hard behind-the-scenes work of many to plan for this event, especially that of our missionary colleague TC who spent most of a day interviewing our team, coworker and study group members as well as videotaping in the village.

Please pray that God will use this investment for more and lasting  fruit among the Yao.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (Jn 15:16, NIV)

School Update

We thank God for the diligence, initiative and enthusiasm of our children in making the most of creative and non-formal educational opportunities. Seth, beginning his last year of a computer science distance degree program from Troy University, recently scored a 98.6% on a MAPP standardized exam. He receives practical experience by servicing the computers of friends and local businesses and organizations.

Steven continues to place on the Dean’s list in his next to last year of a religion distance degree program at Liberty University. He studies the Yao language part-time and both he and Seth plan to begin working through the Missionary Development Program soon.

Sara will complete her second term with Telos, a distance Bible College program, and would like to apply to a nursing degree program in the US next year.

Susanna and Sharon continue with home schooling in 11th and 8th grades, respectively, and are enjoying learning Spanish this year.

Please pray for continued success and direction.

Character Corner: Security

Security vs. Anxiety

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life,..."  (Jn 6:27, NIV)

Barb became fearful when she heard about the Lloyds robbery, but God gave her the same verse that comforted us after her paralyzing accident: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...” (Ps 46:1-2a)

He gave this verse through a prayer partner: “...The wicked one does not touch [whoever is born of God]” (1 Jn 5:18b, NKJV)

Psalm 32:7 stood out to Sara: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (NIV)

Please pray against fear.

FFQ Answer

Answer: “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’” (Jn 6:29) In response to their demand for a sign, miraculous provision of food, Jesus tried to teach them that He was “the bread of life.” “He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn 6:35) Just as people will die if they do not eat, we will also die if we do not believe in Jesus.

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 1: BICC General Director elect Jonathan M’bwana graduates from Theological College of Zimbabwe
Dec. 26—Jan. 16: Doug travels to the US for Ministry Team Leaders and Board for World Missions meetings (1/8-11) at Kenbrook Camp, PA, and personal time with his parents
Jan 7: Steve & Reenie Ginder return from the US
Jan. 9: Seth’s 23rd birthday
Jan 25-27: Malawi Country Team Retreat in Zomba
Jan. 26: Steven’s 21st birthday

Links:
View this newsletter online - http://www.malawi-mission.org/millers/news/dec2007.htm
Download Miller's Messenger — www.malawi-mission.org/millers/news/dec2007.pdf
Pictures — http://www.malawi-mission.org/millers/photos/
Yao Prayer Brochure — http://community.webshots.com/album/64807040OCvgnR
Evangelical Bible College of Malawi — www.ebcom-malawi.org