THE MISSION PRAYER CALL

International Ministries, American Baptist Churches

Week of July 6, 2008

 Jan and Larry Martin, Thailand
http://www.internationalministries.org/missionary/jan_and_larry_martin

Jan and Larry have a rural-based ministry in a small town in Northern Thailand. The population of this town is almost 100 percent Buddhist. There is a small and growing Christian group there that the Martins help to nurture through fellowship, praise, preaching and teaching. Their desire to reach out and serve their community includes teaching English and cooking skills. The Martins also try to help people with finances by teaching budgeting and encouraging small businesses. The Martins are involved in the lives of the people to whom they minister in as many ways as possible and use the relationships they build to witness to the love of Jesus Christ. They recently returned to Thailand following U.S./Puerto Rico assignment. They write:

Dear partners in ministry,
We are always happy to return and find that we can still speak Thai. Currently we are living in a construction site. We are adding a bathroom to our house and this has meant the deconstruction of our kitchen as the bathroom will be above the kitchen.

Inn ’s Story.
Inn made a commitment to the Lord just before we left for home assignment. Other members of our team nurtured her while we were away and she was greatly encouraged by dreams where God spoke to her personally and clearly promising to look after her. She has read the New Testament two or three times and seems to have a good understanding. The other day we were studying a passage in scripture and one of her friends was over visiting. Inn took over the story telling and helped me to explain how Jesus has power over nature.

Inn has a bright and vibrant personality. She is also an invalid and rarely gets out of the house. Her desire is to walk unaided. She has seen how Jesus healed in the New Testament and is seeking to be healed. Please join with us in praying for a miracle.

Stop the press! Last evening we were over at the fellowship meeting at B.Sa. We met for the first time in Nuek and Kwii’s home and had a total of 14 adults. We prayed for rain as the area hadn’t had rained for 10 days and the folk were getting worried about the corn and rice. It started to rain while we were eating. That certainly got folk talking. Pray that some of the folk who came for a look see will meet Jesus.

We trust you are seeing God at work where you are and thank you for your partnership with us.

Prayer / praise

• Praise God for his presence with us and the opportunities he is giving us.
• Pray for Inn’s healing.
• Pray that as we study the bible with Inn, others would be touched by the word of God.
• Pray for the folk at B. Sa. Muana and Villy another missionary couple with whom the Martins partner) will be going on home assignment soon so we will be taking care of them from a distance.
• Pray for the folk who came to the worship service that their interest will have been piqued and that they will want to know Jesus personally.
• Pray for us as we start teaching again this week – we have a new schedule and some new schools.
• Pray that the renovations to our home will be done quickly.

 Bill Thomas, France and beyond
http://www.internationalministries.org/missionary/101/profile

William “Bill” Thomas is an international evangelist who has been living in Europe for the past 40 years. Bill has ministered in 59 countries, holding evangelistic missions and training seminars in English, French and Spanish. Bill writes of a recent evangelistic campaign in Colombes, France.

He writes: In the vicinity of the Baptist Church where we met there are more Mosques than churches. … T he church was full; at the invitation some 25 people streamed forward. I became concerned that the six or seven counselors would be overwhelmed. And they were! Most of those who came were young people. There were also first time visitors who also came forward for salvation. I had to call for more counselors. The church just had not expected so much. Everyone had a response card filled out and was given a New Testament.

On Sunday there were two morning services. After the first one, Nathalys, the team leader, said to me, "Bill , give an invitation after the next service." That was all I needed to hear. Nothing moves me like preaching for a public verdict. About 40 people crowded towards the front and in the aisles to recommit themselves to Christ and to a life of holiness; It was awesome. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY.

On the train back to Strasbourg, I was thinking how marvelous it could have been if we had had a larger venue and the wholehearted involvement of the nearby local churches. Still, I thank God for what he accomplished for his glory. Again thank you for your prayers of intercession.

• Keep on praying for Colombes. The battle goes on!!!
• July 16-27: I will be in Iloilo, Philippines for the spiritual emphasis week at the Philippines Christian University. The weather will be hot. Pray that God will strengthen me and will grant great blessings among the students and faculty.

*For information on missionaries - go to www.internationalministries.org and click on PEOPLE WHO SERVE at the top.
*For info on prayer ministry - Contact Rev. Bob Santilli at 610-768-2187 or Bob.Santilli@abc-usa.org
*Prayer Requests for missionaries and others who serve is now available on the Web at www.internationalministries.org/ . Click on PRAY at the top.

Bob Santilli
Special Assistant to the Executive Director
for Prayer and Pastoral Care