“. . . For Without Me Ye Can Do Nothing . . .” John 15:5
By Scotte Staab
Jesus taught about abiding in the vine (Himself) and that if we (the branches) would abide in Him, we would bear fruit for His glory. Expansion in the ministry can happen as we abide in Him and grow and disciple and train others. In Asia and Europe, we desire to continue to “grow” the ministry through discipleship.
We currently serve in the nations of India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Romania. I would like to highlight just a few areas of expansion in our regions.
Asia
India North East Zone – by “K. J.” Branch Director. Our goal in these days is to teach and promote “one on one” evangelism and discipleship. This model has been so effective. We have distributed Bibles and SLM Bible lessons and shared our personal experience with God through His dear Son. As a result, we have seen 53 people come to know Christ. Our expanding ministry has branched out to DARJEELING 100 miles north of Calcutta, ALIPURDUAR 800 miles north of Calcutta, DINAJPUR (North) 600 miles north of Calcutta, MURSHIDABAD 60 miles north of Calcutta, BANKURA 80 miles west of Calcutta, BAGUA (HOWRAH) 50 miles west of Calcutta, AMTA (HOWRAH) 40 miles west of Calcutta, MOURIGRAM (HOWRAH) 40 miles west of Calcutta, BANKURA 80 miles west of Calcutta, GANGASAGAR 100 miles south of Calcutta, BISHNUPUR 100 miles south of Calcutta, and BARUIPUR 50 miles south of Calcutta. We also work in the regions of Assam, Tripura, and Manipur.
God is opening significant doors throughout northeastern India and SLM India North East Zone wants to be prepared to be able to respond with the right people and resources in the coming weeks and months. Please pray with us as we prepare new co-laborers.
India North East Zone Projects: Evangelist Support: $100 Monthly – With our difficult task at hand, we need help. For $100 a month we can support an Evangelist with food, materials, and transportation.
Ministry Vehicle: $4,000 – As a shepherd for these servants, I could use a vehicle to encourage the believers and spread the gospel throughout our entire region.
India Central Zone – by “D.W.” Branch Director. I have recently returned from a series of villages on the border with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These are tribal villages where, as I serve them, I must adapt to their culture. I cannot wear normal western style pants but wear the tribal clothing. I cannot even take pictures.
There are three villages where I serve. Recently, I took my laptop and showed the children Christian films and preached the Gospel in these communities. Their hearts responded to the Gospel and in two weeks we will have ten people to obey the Lord in believer’s baptism. Praise the Lord! I currently need ministry aids that will help me in this area and resources to provide for the evangelists who will follow up after the initial outreaches.
India Central Zone Projects:
Data projector $1,000 – so I can show Christian films and lessons to the people, plastic mats $100 for the people to sit on, so they do not have to sit in the mud. And lastly, we have nine village evangelists who need support of $40 a month since their supporting church closed due to the Covid virus. We are praising the Lord for His goodness and looking forward to celebrating with the tribal village baptism.
Philippines – by Dr. Abraham Vallega. Finally, on a “grass roots” level, we have an Associate School that is expanding in Gamay, Northern Samar in the Philippines. Based in the Blue Ridge Baptist Church, Pastor Dalina has celebrated his fifth year with this church. To get to this small Island of Samar, you must arrive by boat. This remote area is needy for the Gospel and the local church is committed to discipleship and evangelism using the Source of Light lessons, as evidenced by a baptism on August 2. The Lord is moving in this young church. They currently need Bible lessons. Would you consider joining “Paper Partners” and support this ministry?
Philippines – Paper Partners Project: $14,000 – Would you pray for God to provide the necessary funds to provide this new area with evangelistic and discipleship resources?
Europe
Romania: As mentioned in the Director’s article, Cristian Oprea seeks to expand their ministry into a rehabilitation facility of their own that would see former inmates continue in their spiritual growth after incarceration, and also be trained for various trades. This has been a vision for many years, but the project has been slow in raising funds.
Romania Rehabilitation Facility Project: $128,263 – Will complete the next phase of this project.
Let’s take this time to make sure that our roots are grounded in the Vine, Jesus. As we serve, may the Lord expand our vision and bear fruit for His glory.
