Dear friends,
Greetings from Portugal
Because I have been traveling a lot, I decided to get a quick report after each of my trips. Many of you have been praying for us and in this way you can be more informed as you pray.
Last week I got back from almost three weeks in Nigeria. this was a more difficult trip for a number of reasons. First, my luggage was lost for almost a week. We were in an area with little to no internet and electricity was often cut off. In tis rural area in Imo State, we held an evangelistic crusade. It was quite informative to see village life and the openness to the Gospel. This part of Nigeria is dominantly Christian, yet the social problems have changed little. The Gospel preached seems to concentrate on temporal and individual benefits, rather than “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…” The second week there, we held one-day conferences on the theme “Creating the Africa of our dreams”. Church and business leaders in attendance and here we were able to address some of the hindrances and solutions to overall transformation of the continent. Even though I was the only non-African there, I believe my input was beneficial and well received. I also had the opportunity to meet some government leaders in Abia State. This state has intentionally dedicated itself to God, and you can see the difference in infrastructure as well as in general cleanliness and order. Even though it was not an easy trip, I believe I fulfilled the assignment the Lord had for me there.
Helen did not go with me on this trip and I am glad she didn’t. The food is super spicy, (which I love and she can’t handle), but also she had a health crisis and had to go to the hospital. Her pulse rate was spiking and not going down. Because I was without the internet, I only found out four days later. That was hard. She is fine, and needing to rest, but no travel to third-world countries for awhile. We were scheduled to leave for São Tomé today, with two of our grandkids, (Jamin Schneider and Lara Reimer). We had to cancel our trip, but the kids went on without us.. Our mission there is mainly among children and teens, so no problem, they will have plenty to do. They are mighty missionaries and already have lots of experience..
This January is special because it marks our 50th anniversary in full-time ministry. This is our Jubilee Year!!! God has been so faithful and so good. I am sure glad I said YES to Him so many years ago. (Really, I need to say Yes every day). What a great journey this has been, and I am not finished yet. There is so much yet to do. Pray for our strength and health and discernment in knowing what doors to go through. There are many open doors and my desire is to go through all of them, but God has just the right ones that will bear the most fruit. Until March we will be home. Helen needs to get her strength up and I am working on another book. In March we will be in Germany and then to the States for Easter. The SIM board will be taking a cruise together from New York to Lisbon at the end of April. We dock in Lisbon on the 29th of April and then go to Morocco on the 30th. Busy, fun, great fellowship and ministry…all in the same trip.
There are a couple of things we would like your prayers and help in: First, one of our pastors in Mozambique is needing a car. The rain is really heavy and damaging now and many have lost their homes.(you probably heard about this on the news). This young couple is expecting their second child in the next few weeks and they live out of the city of Maputo. To get to their church and home involves hours of public transport and with this weather it is almost impossible. Personal transport is essential. We found a used car for $3000 and would like to purchase this in the next couple of weeks. Also, this summer, we are planning to hold a retreat for young pastors from Southern Africa. We want to get them out of their daily routine and provide for them a time of rest, relaxation and encouragement. Friends of ours have a guest house in Nelspruit, South Africa that is available and perfect for hosting a number of couples for a week’s retreat. This is strategic in building the next generation of African leaders and something I want to do more often. Pray with us about helping with these two projects.
Well, so much for the beginning of the year report. I’ll write again after the next trip.
Blessings to all,
Jim and Helen