As I travel around our various projects, I am always humbled and encouraged as I witness the dedication and hard work of our missionaries and the way God is using them. As we begin a New Year, I thought it would be good to briefly describe the hopes and plans our missionaries have for their projects during 2014. Please keep them in prayer as they seek to reach their communities with the Good News about Jesus.
Turkey
Online School—The online school should be up and running by the spring. This website offers carefully crafted, contextualized Bible-study materials in the Turkish language that will appeal to those who have no knowledge of Jesus, through to those who seek a much deeper relationship with Him.
Audio Lessons—These materials are also being prepared in audio format.
Publishing—More printing/publishing work is being prepared for distribution. For example, A Trip into the Supernatural, A Devotional for Women, Acts of the Apostles, a full translation of The Great Controversy (only a partial translation is available at the moment), and “The Seventh Day” DVD series with Turkish subtitles. All these materials are in various stages of production and will be completed as funds are available.
We would like to see new work opened in other Turkish cities and have identified five where God has already been preparing the way for new work to be established.
Ireland
Leadership Development—In one city, the major focus will be to train and equip disciples to reach the local Irish people with a greater and deeper knowledge of Jesus and to prepare them for His return.
Our missionaries will be training members and non-members in leadership skills. There are online materials and courses available that provide assessment and training in these vital areas of personal and spiritual development.
Current outreach strategies will also continue throughout the year.
Center of Influence—In another city, our family and church members are looking to open a center of influence that, with God’s help, will provide a safe, neutral environment where people can gather in a relaxed atmosphere. Various materials will be provided for their perusal that, God willing, will spark a desire to know more about Jesus, who Seventh-day Adventists are and what we believe.
This missionary family will also continue discipling their new church members and provide leadership training for those who are ready to utilize their knowledge and skills to reach the local population.
Central Asia
New Team Members—New team members have arrived on the Reach Out Project. They are now settling in and beginning to learn the language and culture of this people group. Please keep them in your prayers as they grapple with many changes.
In addition, student missionaries assigned to the project making friends and influencing people for Christ.
Evangelism—Our missionaries on the Reach-Out Project are developing basic and intermediary evangelism materials.
They are researching the possibility of producing radio programs.
Other Minority Groups—They are also looking into the possibility of reaching other minority groups. There are at least five other distinct people groups within that region.
They are developing a health approach as an entering wedge to the community.
Much has been accomplished, but still there is much more to be done. Also, there is a need to develop new projects in other areas of the world where the name of Jesus is still unknown.
I would like to say a very big thank you to all who have supported us through prayer and financial gifts. We are looking to enlarge our team of supporters as we seek to expand the work in our territory. If you are able, please partner with us. May God continue to bless you during 2014 and beyond!
