Potential New Opening in Makanjila

God gave us a wonderful opportunity to ask many key questions of our friend Mr. S. at his village near Makanjila. We not only shared with him, but also two other key men in the village. We asked them about their eternal destination. In the beginning, one said it would depend on the "count" (of good vs. bad deeds in the judgment). Another said he was going to heaven because of prayers.

In the end they all understood that we all deserve eternal death as punishment for our sin and admitted they were headed to hell. Our friend confessed: "Une wa motope." ("I belong only to hell.") Then they asked us: "What must we do to be saved?" Sound familiar? (See Acts 16:30)

They all said that they wanted to start a Bible Study group in their village and we plan to have an information meeting for them and other interested people on June 10. One quoted a Yao proverb: "Kanyetanyeta kakusalimulichila" (lit. a lightening bug lights its way) meaning that each person should know the right path.

We thank God for bringing us to this point and believe that it's the result of His helping us to develop relationships of trust. 

Please pray that this opportunity will be an open door that no one can close and that many will come to the meeting on June 10.  (Rev 3:7)

Other Highlights of the Quarter

Firm Foundation Question

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

The rich young ruler asked Jesus, "Good teacher,...what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered: "Why do you call me good?....No one is good-except God alone." (Mark 10:17-18) Why did Jesus answer in this way?

2006 Home Ministry

Most of us plan to arrive in the US for Home Ministry on July 27. Seth and Steven will join us on Aug. 5, after returning from their London missions training. See below a schedule of confirmed and tentative (*) appointments, and some personal plans. You can also download a PDF version of this calendar.

Please contact BICWM Assistant for Church Relations Marilyn Byer (717-697-2634, MByer@messiah.edu) about other possible congregational, small group or individual appointments.

Please pray that God would help us to glorify Him and encourage His people in the best way. (Eph 3:21; 4:29)

Character Corner: Compassion

Compassion vs. Indifference

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17, NIV)

We thank God for the example of compassion in our translator Mr. D. He has helped us to visit the sick and to support people in practical ways and in a spirit of love. He has counseled the terminally ill emotionally, medically, as well as spiritually. He prayerfully advises us how to best aid people financially.

Recently he escorted a man with cataracts from one of the villages where we teach to the hospital. He thanked the Lord for His providence in arranging for them to see the specialist that same day and to meet another eye patient there who we had previously helped.

Please pray that God would continue to move him with what moves the heart of God Himself. (Mt 14: 14)

FFQ Answer:

Jesus wanted him to realize that: 1.) We don't earn eternal life by good works; 2.) People are not good because they are born in sin and good works won't change their evil hearts; and 3.) He was God because only God is good and without sin.

Upcoming Events:

June 14-July 19: Bond's Visit
June 29: Doug's Birthday
July 4-19: A Priority 1 Team will teach orphans and do village outreach
July 8: Sara's 17th Birthday
July 5-Aug 5: Tim & Victoria (Ginder) Zook visit Steve & Reenie Ginder
July 10-16: Reg. Admin. Jake & Nancy Shenk visit Malawi and Mozambique
July 13-Aug 9: Erica's parents Bob & Gail Brubaker visit
July 17: EBCoM Term 3 Begins
July 19: Seth & Steven depart for London missions training
July 26: Millers depart for H.M.
July 30: Doug & Barb's 23rd Anniversary
Aug 1-3: BICC Youth and Women's Conferences
Aug 3-6: BICC General Conference