A Movement of Multiplying Cell Churches—10 by 2010

Since we have returned from Home Ministry in January, our teammates and we have spent time prayerfully reviewing our vision and strategic plan. Although we have not yet concluded our review, we have thus far agreed on God’s vision for us: “A movement of multiplying cell churches, established, equipped and empowered to make disciples who make disciples.”

Our strategy involves: 1) Prayer-Care Evangelism; 2) Evangelism; 3) Discipleship; 4) Cell Church Development and Multiplication; and 5) Leadership Training. We would also like to include a language proficiency component and guidelines for grass-roots compassion.

One short term goal that we have for this year is to research the effectiveness of using an audio device to help believers share chronological teaching lessons with others regardless of their reading or teaching ability. Recordings will not replace face to face teaching or impromptu dramas, but they may help believers to review God’s Word and reach out more effectively themselves.

We envision cell group multiplication by branching where each person would meet in one group for training and encouragement and lead a group for outreach and discipleship. A major goal is to have ten churches of multiplying cell groups by 2010.

Please pray with us for God to fulfill His vision through us.

“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

"Love Covers All" - Report from Pemba

Most of our team, our coworker, Malawian missionary Youngson Palibendipo and our visitors traveled approximately 1,400 miles (36 hours) round trip to Pemba, Mozambique March 2-7 to become acquainted with Iris Ministries and to meet some BIC pastors.

Iris Ministries, founded by Rolland and Heidi Baker, has had a ministry of orphan care, church planting and leadership training since 1995. We were impressed with the spirit of love and joy, the compassion that quickly mobilized relief for flood victims in the south, intimacy in prayer and faith for miracles.

We were encouraged to seek God’s hidden treasures in areas of Satan’s greatest defilement and to humble ourselves. Heidi said that “the river runs to the low places.” As new Financial Secretary, Jonathan Lloyd visited a distant church and helped BIC pastors know how to report on HIV/AIDS Special Project funding.

Please pray that we will always let Jesus multiply our little to feed the many.

Firm Foundation Question

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

Genesis 5:24 states that “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Where did God take Enoch and why?

“Confidence, Contentment & Compassion”

Abby Long summed up the lessons the Lord taught her during her and Gabby’s eight week visit to Malawi in three words: “Confidence, contentment and compassion.” Gabby used one: “Love.” Diane and Lynn joined them for the last two weeks and their trip home.

Van for Sale or to Store

Do you or someone you know have need for a fully loaded conversion van in very good condition? Or, do you or someone you know have a safe place to store this vehicle which Doug’s parents so graciously purchased for our use during our recent Home Ministry in N. America?

Please call Ken Miller at 610-559-7976 (H) or 610-349-6489 (C), or email: kenmiller6430@netzero.com

Please pray for the Lord to provide a buyer or a suitable place to store the van.

Character Corner: Punctuality

Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV)

We often talk about time vs. event oriented personalities and cultures. We would like to honor our visitors who rose early many times for hikes or long trips, came to meals promptly and did not miss their flight home! In Pemba we learned about another kind of punctuality. Iris Ministries Director Heidi Baker is person oriented. Although she often apologizes for being late, she always takes time for the one before her.

We try to set an example for consistency and punctuality in our Bible Studies because of their eternal significance. Some groups have not met for weeks due to factors beyond our control.

Please pray that these groups will resume soon and that God will prepare us to walk in step with Him into opportunities He has pre-ordained. (Ephesians 2:10)

FFQ Answer

God took Enoch to heaven which is a beautiful place where there is no sadness, tears, sickness or death and where God and His angels are living. Although many of you have not been to Malawi, it is a real place. Although none of us have been to heaven, it is still there beyond the stars. God did not take Enoch to heaven because he never sinned because, like all people, he was born in sin. God took him to heaven because he admitted his sin and believed that only God could save him. He believed in God’s promise to send the Savior (See Gen 3:15).

Upcoming Events:

March 24: Mangochi Missionary Gathering
March 28: Lloyd’s Trip to US for Core Course, check-ups and vacation
March 31: Graybill & Ethel Brubaker’s Return to US
April 5: Steve & Reenie Ginder’s Arrival from US
April 14: Miller Makanjila Visit by Boat (tentative) due to bridges being out
April 22—May 3: John Brubaker & Pastors Visit Mozambique, Malawi & Zambia
April 29: Lloyd’s Arrival in Lusaka, Zambia
April 30—May 3: BICWM Africa Missionary Retreat, Macha, Zambia