"As cold waters to a
thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25
News & Updates
Aug 26, 2010
We thank the Lord for Michael's safe return this morning. We
appreciate your prayers and support of this trip.
Aug 24, 2010
Michael has returned to the city of Blantyre. The non-stop schedule
of the last week has caught up with him and he is very weary. He
will fly to South Africa tomorrow to meet his Delta connection home.
His flight is scheduled to arrive in Springfield on Thursday
morning.
Aug 22, 2010
This morning Michael preached in the local chapel there in the
village. Afterward, a lorry arrived to transport the roofing. When I
spoke with him, he was following the lorry in his own vehicle
accompanied by several brethren. He was trying to avoid the bicycles
and pedestrians which didn't seem to have much regard for traffic.
Upon arriving at each chapel, they are greeted by the congregation,
then unload the roofing and Michael goes in and speaks a few words
of encouragement before loading back up and traveling on.
From
this point, the trip is winding down. After the roofing has all been
delivered, at some point Michael will be returning to the city to
begin the process of traveling home. He is to arrive home on
Thursday morning. We thank the Lord for your prayers and for His
blessings. We are looking to Him to bring Michael home safely.
Aug 21, 2010
Today was the concluding day of the meeting for the ministers. In
the morning was a Q & A session for various questions that had come
in. Bro. Failos spoke to the group and Michael concluded with about
a 15 minute message on the commission based on the parable of the
ninety and nine. For lunch the women brought Michael some boiled
eggs which tasted very substantial. He said he was saving his can of
chunky soup for a feast at supper tonight.
Tomorrow morning
Michael will be with the congregation for morning service and visit
several congregations in the afternoon to deliver roofing. Thank you
for your prayers. Michael said he got some relief from his headache
last night and today though it returned in the afternoon.
Aug 20, 2010
This morning, Michael taught on fruit-bearing in the life of a
Christian. In the afternoon they studied the fruit of the Spirit in
the more informal, smaller groups. The ministers take notes on the
teaching and when they return to their congregations they will
re-teach it their respective locations. Almost none speak English
here saving the translator, Bro. Master. It is always a great part
of our prayers that the Lord anoint the translation that the message
be clear.
The women prepared a pot of rice for Michael to eat for
supper last night along with a few small pieces of beef. He took a
few canned goods and crackers for the most of his eating. Last night
Michael had a pretty bad headache in the night and was praying this
morning for the Lord to give him some relief. He said that it did
ease during the teaching but was returning this evening. He and
Brother Master were in town arranging for rental of a flatbed truck
to use in delivering the roofing on Monday.
Aug 19, 2010
Michael reached the village around 8:30 last night. The roads were
much deteriorated from last year which made for some tedious
driving. He was thankful for a secure, enclosed mosquito net when
his flashlight illuminated a spider as big around as a baseball
crawling into the wall even after he had set off his bug bomb in the
room. Being a mountainous region, the temperatures dipped well into
the 40s and 50s. He was very cold whenever he woke in the night, but
thankful to be able to get some sleep. He noticed many of the
children with hacking coughs today from sleeping without proper
protection. During the day the temperatures rise back into the 80s.
Today marked the beginning of the ministers meeting. Sixty to
seventy ministers and gospel workers gathered for teaching sessions.
The morning session was teaching in nature and in the afternoon the
ministers participated in some interactive teaching and activities
that seemed to be effective. Michael's burden this time is to
emphasize the importance of practical Christian living and holiness.
Some can follow for the loaves and the fishes, but it is imperative
that we realize that following Christ brings about real changes in
the heart and life.
I am thankful to be able to reach Michael through a local
Brother's cell phone. Years ago when Karen got malaria they had to
walk or ride a bike for miles to make a phone call. The village
still has no electricity or running water, but they do have cell
coverage. It is such a boost to morale on both sides to be able to
communicate regularly.
Please continue to pray for Michael that the Lord would give him
strength. His health is still somewhat compromised and combined with
jet lag brings a real exhaustion. The Lord has been so good to him
this far and we believe He will continue to do so. Thank you also
for your prayers for our family. I know God has heard them, for he
has removed all fear and anxiety from my heart. That is a real
blessing to me.
Aug 18, 2010
Michael flew out of Springfield, MO on August 16. The Lord gave him
a safe flight to South Africa and on to Blantyre, Malawi this
morning. He rented a vehicle and purchased 100 Chichewa Bibles from
the Bible Society. He met Bro. Master at a commercial district where
they are ordering roofing materials for some of the chapels. A
special thanks to all who are participating in that endeavor.
It
is nearing 5 o'clock there and they still have a trip ahead to reach
the village. Most likely, Michael will be setting up his net in the
dark as there is neither electricity or running water there. The
ministers have already gathered in and are waiting to begin
ministers meeting in the morning. There will be sessions all day for
three days. Please pray for these meetings that the Lord will anoint
the teaching, translation and hearers alike. Some of these people
have traveled for days themselves to learn more about the truth.
Also, please pray that the Lord will give Michael physical strength
and endurance.
Aug 8, 2010
We praise God that as of this morning, clear water is flowing at the
orphanage in Kenya!!! There have been many delays but we thank God
that in the midst of the drought this year, the work is finished. I
spoke with Bro. Peter this morning and the well company was on site.
They had hooked up the generator and the storage tank was 1/3 full
and the water pressure was good at the spigots. There is one faucet
at the orphanage and one by the road for community use. Thank you
for your prayers and sacrifice for this project.
Lord willing, I
will be leaving for a short trip to Malawi on August 16. I will be
conducting a three day ministers meeting and general services on
Sunday. I will also have two days to distribute roofing material to
congregations in the area. Most of the congregations are without
proper roofing. On average, it will cost $250 per chapel. There are
about 46 chapels in need of roofing. Please remember me in prayer
that God will give health and bless in these efforts.
I
thank God for life and salvation. I appreciate every prayer and fast
that took place in my behalf. God heard prayer and we are thankful
that the time of divine healing is not past. The work of God is
often not smooth and there are obstacles in the path, but so it was
for our Lord.
I received word that one
of the orphan girls in Kenya died two days ago. Let us pray that the
Lord will comfort and help the children and the congregation. There
has been a lot of sickness recently. Bro. Peter is continuing to
travel and have meetings in different places. There has been good
response to the preached Word.
There
are continual needs with the orphanage operation. When it rains -
which it does frequently, it makes it very muddy in the courtyard of
the orphanage. The children are having to get muddy and wet and
mosquitoes are breeding in the standing water. It would be good if
we were able to make a concrete pad to eliminate this problem. There
are monthly needs for food as well as clothing and shoes for the
orphans. The children are doing very well in their school work and
continue to outperform the government schools.
Storms
have been been a real problem in Malawi as well as in Ghana. In
Ghana, a wind/rain storm ripped the roofing off of the new chapel
that Bro. Alen has helped build. The mission house in Ghana is
leaking badly and is in need of repair.
The saints in Malawi just
finished a meeting where a number of people were saved and baptized.
I was made aware that 12 congregations in Mozambique desire some
kind of weather proofing for the roof on their chapels. This has
been a hindrance in the gathering of the saints during the rainy
times.
I am thankful for all of
the spiritual blessings and for every report we receive of souls
being saved. The needs continue to be great. The Africa Mission Fund
is getting very low as there have been mission trips and a number of
projects and needs this last year. We are looking to the Lord to
provide that we can continue to assist our brethren in various
African countries.
--Michael Smith
March 13, 2010
Hallelujah!!! After many months of delays, breakdowns, etc. the well
drilling company is today in the process of drilling a well at the
orphanage in Kenya. Please pray that they get a good supply of
water.
This
has been a long time coming and we thank the Lord for everyone that
has made this possible. This is a life-changing event for the
orphans. They have had to walk for long distances to get water. Many
suffer and sometimes die from typhoid and other diseases due to
contaminated water.
Rather than a cheaper shallow well, we are drilling a deep water
well which we trust will serve them even during the dry seasons. The
well is primarily for the orphans but will also be available for
community use. Our original plan was to have a hand pump installed.
But, since the company is on site and electric lines are nearby
(although not yet in operation) we are going to have an electric
pump installed. A 15-20 foot steel tower will be built and a large
holding tank placed. From there, we will pipe the water to the
orphanage. We will purchase a generator to use until the government
gets the electricity.
The cost of projects such as this can be 2-3 times the amount in
Africa as in the U.S. This is due to lack of competition and the
high cost of imported goods. For example, the electric water pump
costs twice the amount in Kenya as here in the U.S. We have ample
funds designated for Phase 1 (deep well drilling) of this project.
While we don't yet have designated funds for Phase 2 (steel tower,
holding tank, piping, generator), we are proceeding while we have
the opportunity and the company is on site.
March 10, 2010
We thank the Lord for giving Michael S. and
Michael G. a safe trip home. Michael apparently contracted malaria.
He was critically ill and the Lord definitely worked in sparing
his life. He has been sick for over five weeks now. While he is much
better than when he returned home, his body is still fighting the
disease and we are praying for a complete recovery.
We thank the
Lord for His blessings on the trip. Souls were reaped in the harvest
and we thank the Lord for His faithfulness to accompany His word
with the Spirit.
Malawi/Mozambique:
Bro. Master called to inform us that
the lack of food due to flooding in Mozambique is still critical.
This is not a call for funds, but rather a call for prayer that God
would bring relief to these people. We recognize that the numbers
are far too great for us to be able to provide. 15 ministers
traveled from Mozambique to tell Bro. Failos that 50 people have
died. Most of these are children who have succumbed to diseases
since their bodies were in a weakened state due to the lack of food.
The people are still in camps in the government schools. However,
the government aid has not been sufficient to sustain them. Please
keep these people in your prayers.
February 7, 2010
After reaching Tanzania, Michael Smith became ill and it has been
determined that the trip should be concluded. They are flying home
tonight and will arrive in Springfield Monday night at 9:30. Please
pray for their journey home.
February 5, 2010
Thursday included a visit to two congregations. In one location,
they conducted service and in the other place there was a
miscommunication about the time so only the pastor was present. They
had some fellowship with him before returning to the orphanage.
The resident orphans joined them for a joyous feast of chicken,
two kinds of fruit and cookies for dessert. The children were
singing and allowed to stay up until around 10 p.m. One of the young
girls stood up and asked, "Do you eat like this all the time?" They
eat meat once a week and fruit only about twice a month.
The young boy that has a problem with his leg was visited by a nurse
today. She determined that he is suffering from a boil and that he
also has malaria. Please pray for his healing.
Today held a visit to Bro. Joseph's congregation. Bro. Joseph also
keeps orphans and operates a school, though more of the students are
from families in the community. Several came forward for salvation,
healing and other burdens.
Saturday, they will travel over the roads to Tanzania to be with
them Sunday and Monday for services. Thank you again for your
continued support and prayers.
February 3, 2010
Again we thank you all for your continued prayers. The trip is at
the halfway point.
Today was spent at market gathering supplies for the orphanage.
Michael promised the children he would return with a soccer ball.
They had been playing with a ball fashioned out of tape.
As I mentioned before that the staff at the Huruma Orphanage
school is working at a personal sacrifice to themselves. In a
government school, they might earn 15,000 shillings/month. The
headmaster at Huruma earns 3,000. The teachers 2,000 and some
helpers 1,500/month. Seeing their own dedication is inspirational.
The children are receiving a quality education and perform better on
tests than those given a government education. If they have money to
take a test upon completion of their education and pass, the
government will pay for them to go on to the University.
They feed the children a midday meal along with the schooling. Most
of the children stay with villagers at night. Sixty orphans live in
the orphanage. In the orphanage, thirty children sleep on eight mats
that are three feet wide.
Since they have been in Stellah, one of the orphan boys has suffered
with his leg being swollen to the point of being hard. It is also
feverish. They don't know if it is broken or if he is suffering from
a disease that some of the children there get. He is having trouble
walking. They desire prayer that this boy be healed to the glory of
God. Please join in this burden. Michael G. has also been helping
out some of the children by giving them first aid, cleaning out cuts
and disinfecting.
Tomorrow, they will travel to two congregations for service and
return for the evening meal with the children. The children are
usually fed meat once a week. Today they purchased seven chickens
and told the children they wanted to sit down and eat a meal with
them tomorrow evening. They are looking forward to that with great
anticipation.
Mozambique Flooding Results in Widespread Food Shortage 02/02/10
I spoke with Bro. Master Gustor of Malawi this morning. The flooding
this year in Mozambique has affected about 1,000 families in the
congregations there. We initially sent enough funds for them to
purchase 24 bags of Maize. This was distributed between the
families, but divided 1,000 ways only amounted to about 5 kilos per
family. This is only enough to feed a family of five for two days.
One dollar will feed a family for one day. While the water is
receding, the families are taking refuge in school buildings.
Our hearts go out to those in need. I think of Jesus whose heart
was moved with compassion when he saw the hungry multitude. When the
disciples would have sent them away, Jesus said they would perish on
the way and he fed them until they were satisfied. How I wish He
were here today to feed them from five small loaves and two fishes.
Please pray that the Lord will provide for these people in the way
He sees best. I will be sending a little more over for food today,
but it is less than we were able to send the last time. We will do
what we can and ask God to fill in the gap. I often pray in these
times of need that the Lord would succor these dear people who live
with many hardships to be drawn closer to Him in these trying times.
February 1, 2010
Saturday and Sunday there were two services conducted each day. The
word was received with thanksgiving and several souls came forward
for prayer. Sunday evening some of the ministers gathered for a time
together also. Some of the services were held out in the sun.
Michael experienced some weakness after the service, but the Lord
gave him a touch. He did get a severe and painful sunburn on his
face and head. I forgot to pack sunscreen and I think he thought of
using Michael G's too late. His headache is still intermittent which
is not unusual for him, but it would be a blessing for the Lord to
put a stay against it. It has been a real blessing to have Michael G
along on the trip.
On Monday, Bro. Peter and both Michaels traveled to Stellah. This is
the village where Bro. Peter lives and where he operates the Huruma
Orphanage. (Huruma is the Swahili word for Compassion) In the
orphanage compound they have kept up to 100 children day and night,
but right now food is scarce and they are keeping only 60. When you
are feeding 300-400 children daily you are going through massive
quantities of food. There are food donations from locals and they
also grow some crops on their own plots. We also help with food
expenses as we are able, but it usually isn't enough to meet the
daily demand and it is a continual struggle. There are three rooms
the children use for sleeping. The remaining orphans are kept in
homes throughout the village and come to the orphanage compound
during the day for a meal and education.
The school is fully operational and has 400 students enrolled. About
75% show up daily for classes. 100 of these are orphans with no
parents. 200 are children with one living parent (in Kenya, these
are also classified loosely as orphans in many cases). 100 other
students are children from the village whose parents pay a small
amount to give the teachers an allowance and pay for their books.
There are 7 teachers operating 6 classrooms. The work they do is by
direct personal sacrifice and is a work of love. They could make
much more money working in government run schools.
Michael observed a lot of changes from last year and was pleased
with what they found. The children were happy and singing songs for
them. While it is a functional school, there is much that needs to
be done and Michael intends to compile a prioritized list of the
needs they have so that we can be most effective with the funds
available.
Tomorrow there are plans to hold general worship services preceded
with teaching services with the saints from Stellah. The men seem to
be in good spirits and health. We thank the Lord for the strength He
daily gives. Thank you each one for your continued prayers.
January 28, 2010
We thank the Lord for traveling mercy. Michael S. and Michael G.
arrived in Nairobi and were met by Bro. Peter. Tomorrow they will
travel to Kisii (kiss'-ee) where they will hold services throughout
the weekend. They will not have much time to acclimate to the time
change so pray the Lord will give them needed rest tonight. They
both have pretty good headaches due to jet lag. The local time in
Kenya is CST +9 hours.
January 27, 2010
Brothers Michael Smith and Michael Gellenbeck departed today for
Kenya. They were to meet up in Atlanta and travel through Amsterdam
to Nairobi together. I will try to avoid name confusion by referring
to them as Michael S. and Michael G. Thank you for every prayer in
their behalf. There is a burden for evangelism of souls on this
trip. Please pray that the word will be preached in power and the
the Holy Spirit will convict and reveal. The Lord knows the burdens
of the heart, the tears of life, the bondage and despair that souls
experience and these brothers are keenly aware of their dependence
on the Holy Spirit to be the one to lead in every interaction.
Thank you for your prayers for Sarah and me and the families
remaining at home. We have felt the effect of your prayers already.
-René Smith
January 25, 2010
Lord willing, I will be
leaving for Kenya this Wednesday, January 27. I will be gone for 2
1/2 weeks and return on February 12.
I plan to have meetings in Kenya. Bro. Peter (of Kenya) and I will
also travel to Tanzania where there has been some fruit of past
labors.
I also intend to re-examine the needs of the hundreds of orphans in
Kenya that are being cared for by the saints. We appreciate the
support for the well project at the orphanage. The final
government permits were delayed and finally they were obtained.
Then, the company that we are under contract with to drill the well
had an equipment breakdown. This has delayed the process by a number
of months.
I desire your prayers that the Lord will bless my family in my
absence and also that He would give me strength and protection for
the journey. Most of all, we want to see the work of God grow and
prosper. There are some very precious people in Africa and there
remains a hunger for truth in many areas.
I love the saints of God. This work is a joint effort of all who
have sacrificed and prayed for it.
Updates will be posted on
this site as my wife, Rene, is able to be contact with us in Kenya.
In Christ,
Michael Smith
UPDATE: Bro.
Michael Gellenbeck has expressed a burden to join me on this trip. A
ticket has been purchased. We are thankful for his burden and desire
to help in the work of the Lord. Please remember him and his family.
Malawi: The saints
in Malawi and Mozambique had a minister meetings that concluded
successfully. Bros. Failos and Master traveled three days by bicycle
to be in a gospel meeting in Mozambique. They continue to have
various meetings and to spread the gospel.
They are still in need of
prayer as no rains have come since October. The seeds have been
destroyed by the sun, hence they won't have a maize harvest this
season. The brethren from Malawi send their greetings to the saints
here in the United States.
December 25, 2009
Malawi:
Ministers came together from Malawi and Mozambique and studied
the scripture and reviewed what was taught at the last meeting. I am
thankful for the hunger and desire of the ministers to learn. Malawi
is currently not getting sufficient rain for the crops and in
Mozambique they had too much rain. Six congregations of the saints
have reported their huts have fallen due to the severe weather.
Please continue to pray for the spiritual and temporal work in these
impoverished countries.
Nigeria: We thank God for His blessings on the work in
Nigeria. Below are excerpts from a report I received from Bro.
Naths-Igbanibo:
Greetings to you in the highly exalted name of
Jesus, our sweet Rose of Sharon!
With gladness in my heart, I want to share with you some of the good
and encouraging things the Lord in His mercy has done in our midst
recently.
Printing
of Bible Lessons:
A total of 140 copies have been printed – 30, 30, 30 and 50 for
the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters respectively. Distribution to the
various congregations has begun with Yenagoa. Other congregations
will include Tombia, Ogu, Ede/Amah, Lagos, Port-Harcourt and some
brethren in Abuja and Niger State. Some will be reserved for
individual’s demand. If the need arises, we will then print more...
Charity Work:
In the course of doing hospital evangelism, some of the brethren
met some Patients and their care-givers. Two men, including the
husband of the sick woman and the woman herself became interested in
the truth. Both men worshipped the Lord with us and did acknowledge
the difference. But one of them could not continue to come for
fellowship as he was persuaded to remain in their sect by his wife
on the ground that they may not afford the transport cost for the
family. The other man continued from the hospital residence, taking
time to listen to the teaching and receiving the booklets we gave to
him happily. He admitted operating a church in his home town but
planned disbanding it. He kept acknowledging that what we are
holding is the truth and desired to know more about the church. He
showed delight almost in every thing, including the Evening Light
Songs, therefore requesting for a copy of the song book.
We visited the hospital to conduct prayers for his wife often. This
created friendship and intimacy between himself, the wife and the
church. ...
Her health condition suddenly deteriorated, resulting in bleeding,
with the doctors not able to control the situation. We went around
offering fervent prayers to save the life of this woman who had
become dear to us. The Lord deemed it better to call her away the
following day.
The church was invited to his home town to participate in her
funeral activities, where the faithfulness of God through the church
was acknowledged and His name glorified.
Some pamphlets were given out again which he appreciated, expressing
the desire to meet with us later to discuss or reason together on
the truth of the gospel. He called in response recently for us to
agree on a convenient time for our meeting. We give glory to God for
this work which made even his people marvel at the love of God.
Baptism at Ede/Amah
Two persons, husband and wife by name, Mbadiwe and Blessing Okoro
got baptized at the end of a revival meeting in Amah, one of our new
fields of labour. On hearing the truth and convinced about its
difference from others, they came out from their sect, “Assemblies
of God church”. After a careful self examination, they surrendered
themselves and got baptized into the body of Christ on 24th Nov.
2009. They were glad that God has set them free from human bondage
and creed. This is where Bro. Okuro Agborubere and his wife, Gloria
are laboring.
The Church at Yenagoa
We remain grateful to God that this field which started soon after
our crusade late December, 2008, is making progress. We plan to hold
revival there before the end of December. While we acknowledge God
blessing the work there, the church is being disturbed on the issue
of a place of worship. The church has been sharing a government
primary school building with over a dozen of sects. Recently, the
State Government, frowning at this, gave quit notice to all church
organizations using their school buildings. This compelled us to
begin looking for an alternative place of worship or better still,
land to build our own chapel...
We will be having a Wedding program this week and are preparing for
it. Join us in prayer for the blessing of God over the activities on
hand.
Thank you so very much. May God bless you.
Yours in Him,
Bro. F. Naths-Igbanibo
Kenya:
Government officials came out to the orphanage and investigated.
It appears that the officials will stop harassing Bro. Peter. He
will be required to make some improvements on the orphanage in the
next couple of months.
The last water permit was finally issued for the well digging. By
the time this was received, the company that was hired to drill the
well had moved to another city. Their equipment has since broken
down and they should be back at the orphanage within three weeks --
good Lord willing. Please pray that this will be expedited without
further delay. We appreciate greatly all who have supported this
effort. At this time, there are sufficient funds to complete the
well project.
November 14, 2009
Ghana Update:
We
began a building project in Ghana where Bro. Andrews is pastor. They
have been worshipping under a temporary structure for a few years.
Due to heavy rains, the thatched roof was insufficient and fell in.
The basic structure of a tabernacle has been built. There is still
need to buy metal sheeting for roofing.
Kenya Well-Orphanage Update:
We are thankful to report
that we have sufficient funds to complete the basic well drilling
project in Kenya. We are still waiting for final approval from
government authorities which is anticipated to come next week.
Things often work on a different timetable in Africa than in the
U.S. Please pray that this project will be completed properly.
The orphanage has for all
general purposes run out of food. The maize from the orphanage farm
has been used up and they have been unable to feed all the children
adequately. It is an enormous expense to feed over 300 children
every day. In an attempt to facilitate help from the Kenyan
government, a brother called the Kenyan Embassy in Washington D.C.
The result was that government officials in Kenya showed up at Bro.
Peter's and for the last two days have harassed him with questions
etc. Different officials from various government offices have showed
up over the last two days. They threatened to take him to court and
they could make life very difficult for him and the children at the
orphanage. Please pray that God would intervene and that the
government will cooperate.
September 14, 2009
We thank God for His
faithfulness to lead us by the Holy Spirit. Bro. Matthew and I
were about to purchase tickets for our trip to Kenya, but the
situation changed and we both felt a hesitation in our spirit about
going at this time. We trust the wisdom of God and so we commit this
change of plans into His hands. God knew what the future held and
for whatever reason, He saw fit to have us hold off on the trip for
the present. I am pursuing having the well dug and made operational
in Kenya without being onsite.
Kenya Well Update:
About an acre of land has
been purchased next to the orphanage school in Kenya. We have had a
hydrogeological/geophysical survey done of the land. The water table
is at a depth of 240 feet. A well at 100 feet in the area has just
enough water for one family. Our desire is for the well to be deep
enough to supply water during the times of drought. Bro. Matthew has
been investigating a system to dig a well by man-power. We may use
this system in the future for other wells. Unfortunately, this will
not be feasible for this depth of a well. Hence, we are going to
hire a company in Kenya to drill a bore hole. This raises the cost
substantially. We will have a permit in hand this week from the
government to proceed with the well operation.
I have investigated
various aspects of the costs and feasibility of this project.
I have spoken with various non-profit organizations that dig wells
in Kenya. From all information I have obtained, costs are in-line
and I have been encouraged to move ahead with this project. There is
a great need for water at this time in Kenya. The well fund is still
short of the $13,000 needed to move ahead with this project.
Orphanage Addition:
The addition to the
orphanage is coming along. The walls are up and funds were sent for
a roof. A few days later the roof was finished as well. We thank God
for those who have carried a burden for these various projects.
Funds were sent today to buy windows and doors to weather-proof the
new addition.
After this time of
drought, it is predicted that heavy storms will be moving into
Kenya. It was necessary to get the orphanage to this stage so that
it wouldn't be destroyed by the severe storms.
Nigeria:
God blessed the saints in
Nigeria with a good meeting. Below is part of a letter sent by Bro.
Naths-Igbanibo:
"The Lord made His
presence felt in the meeting. His word was taught in its clearness
and anointing of the Holy Spirit to make us wise in spiritual
things. There was peace, joy and comfort in our hearts. People
gained from the work of the Lord in several ways. A young man who
had belonged to a cult and seemed to have been under the spell of
satanic forces, gradually regained himself during the Seminar and
testified to the truth which he said, had made him free. He was
among nine souls who came out seeking for help at the altar of
grace. There are indications that some of them will surrender
themselves for baptism into the body of Christ, probably on Sunday
or later. "
May the Lord continue to
bless and reward each individual who carries a burden for the gospel
work in other lands. Your sacrifice is appreciated and it is not in
vain. Please continue to pray for the Lord to keep His hand over
these efforts.
In Christ,
Michael Smith
September 02, 2009
"Thanks be to God which
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Greater
victories lie in store for each of us as we learn more and more to
be dependant on the power of Christ.
Funds from the Africa
Mission Fund have been sent to Bro. Naths-Igbanibo for the purchase
of a printer for the work in Nigeria. Shipping costs have become
very expensive, so the plan is to help enable the saints in Nigeria
to print some of the Bible Lessons, tracts etc. for themselves. We
trust that this plan comes to good fruition. Remember the Nigerian
saints as they meet in a National Meeting on September 2 -6 for
Bible study and to hear the preached Word.
There has been drought in
Kenya over the past few months. The saints and orphans have had to
travel long distances to get water, as many of the wells have dried
up. Water has been very scarce and livestock has been dying. The
season for rain is approaching but there is need for a deep well
close to the orphanage school. Lord willing, Bro. Matthew Gellenbeck
and I will be traveling this month to Kenya for the purpose of
digging a well. This is a new venture for us and there are a number
of unknowns. We are very needy of the Lord to go before us that this
project could be expedited and successful. We appreciate greatly
those who are helping to make this effort possible.
-Michael Smith
July 13, 2009
We
are thankful for the Lord's continued blessings in the various
fields of labor on the African continent.
The Lord is continuing to
bless the ministers in Ghana and we are praying that the Lord will
lead a new congregation in Ghana in the paths of truth.
Let us continue to
remember the family of God in Nigeria. There are various building
projects that need to be accomplished and there is always a need for
gospel literature. (Chapel in Lagos pictured left)
(Excerpt of a letter from
Bro. Naths-Igbanibo): "The Lord is blessing the new field work in
Yenagoa which He assigned to us in Late December 2008, to engage in.
We are much encouraged that some persons could acknowledge the truth
and be willing to work in it. At least two brethren go from Port
Harcourt each Sunday to conduct services there. It will remain so
until someone responds to God’s call to pastorship of the flock.
Meanwhile we are using a classroom in a state government owned
primary school building where over a dozen of sects are also
worshipping. We are encouraged to start looking for land in the
town. The church has started to save money for the purchase of the
land while looking up to God to make our heart desire come through."
A national meeting will
be held in Port Harcourt from September 2 -6, 2009. Let us pray for
the success of this meeting as well as for some spiritual battles
that our brethren in the Lord are facing in Nigeria.
Bro. Peter, from Kenya, is in Tanzania this week for a meeting with
another group of people who have expressed interest in the gospel.
The orphanage work in Kenya is an ongoing project with many needs.
There are now 50 orphans staying onsite and another 270 orphans who
attend the school and have lunch provided. Our desire, in
conjunction with the saints in Kenya, is to build another addition
to the orphanage to be able to house more of the orphans. They are
currently building another room for the school. It takes large
amounts of food and water for this number of children.
(1) One new addition of
the school/orphanage.
(2) The children
having morning prayer.
(3) A small garden plot
that is used to grow maize for the orphans. Six bags of maize were
harvested.
Bro. Doug Wall and I will
be leaving on Sunday, April 26 for the African continent. We plan to
have a three day ministers meeting in Kenya and purchase building
and personal supplies for the orphanage that is being built. Bro.
Doug will remain in Kenya and visit other congregations and contacts
while I fly on to Malawi. He also plans to have some Revelation
teaching with the brethren.
Lord willing, I will hold
a three day meeting with the ministers from Malawi and Mozambique. I
will fly back to Kenya and then Bro. Doug and I will return home
together on May 13. Please remember us in prayer that the Lord will
meet every need and that God would bless those who are hungry for
the truth.
It is only in God -
through the prayers and support of the saints - that these trips are
possible. I want to thank each one who has sacrificed in behalf of
the work of God in Africa. The work has expanded greatly and the
needs continue to be many as we are working with many people in a
number of different countries with diverse needs and spiritual
understanding. My heart is continually touched when I see the
poverty and suffering of many in Africa. My heart also rejoices at
the spiritual hunger and happiness that I behold in God's children
in this land.
Christ taught His people
to minister to those who are hungry, thirsty, and naked. While our
primary objective is to share truth, we in part share the love of
Christ as we fulfill the commission in reaching out our hand with a
blanket, clothing, shelter, a Bible, etc. as we share the hope of
Jesus Christ.
In the Lord,
Michael Smith
Ghana: Bro. Alen returned home safely a couple of months ago.
One night the bus he was riding was stopped and everyone was robbed.
Bro. Alen's passport, plane ticket, and some money were stolen in
this hold-up. We are thankful that the passengers were not harmed. God
blessed his trip. I have spoken by phone to the ministers in Ghana
and am very thankful that the Lord is blessing them with peace and
unity.
Kenya: We are looking for the Lord to continue the good work
which He has begun in Kenya. Interest is high and we are looking for
God to bless in this ministers meeting. There will be ministers from
many different groups and backgrounds. Some will be in attendance
that have been in African religions and have little to no
understanding of salvation.
Bro. Peter has been working on building an orphanage to
accommodate some of the 100+ orphans that they house and school. As
funds are provided, there will be eventual need to expand the
orphanage. The need remains great due to the large number of orphans
that the church in Kenya is helping.
Malawi: Let us continue to remember this impoverished
country. There continues to be a hunger for truth. We are looking
for God to continue to help the work to grow. There are plans for
about 100 ministers to attend this meeting. Although we speak a
different language, we are looking for the Lord to witness to them
through the Holy Spirit that they might be established in the truth
and love of Christ. We continue to buy blankets as funds are
available for the 100's of needy children and orphans.
Nigeria: There are a number of building projects being
planned in different congregations in Nigeria. They have limited
funds and I desire to see the Lord provide help to our established
brothers and sisters in the Lord.
February 18, 2009
Malawi: The rain in Malawi has stopped and 600 of the
2000 saint families have been able to return to their homes. Around
300 families found their homes had fallen down due to the extensive
rainfall and flooding. In addition, many of their crops have been
damaged. They can't began rebuilding until the ground dries out
enough to begin making bricks.
Ghana: Bro. Alen Laukert, of Germany, is currently in
Ghana. He plans to continue work on two chapel buildings as well as
sponsor a meeting while there. Let us remember him in prayer that
the Lord would give him health and prosper his efforts.
January 31, 2009
Kenya: As the Lord leads and provides, we are
planning a trip to Kenya and Malawi in April/May. The purpose is to
hold ministers' meeting in these two countries where we will be
conducting studies on Christian living and Bible doctrines. There
are hundreds of people in Kenya planning to attend this meeting.
While this is a new work, there has been much interest in the truth.
Bro. Peter is continuing to share the gospel in Kenya and is helping
to oversee and school 250 orphans. We desire to see the
accommodations for these orphans completed. Currently, Kenya is in a
drought so the people are having to walk many miles to find water.
Malawi: The saints in Malawi are still out of their
homes due to the flooding and wet ground. We are continuing to send
humanitarian aid as we are able. Every $28.50 is able to purchase
110 Ib. bag of maize. The brethren are purchasing bags of maize in
the city and having it trucked down closer to the village where they
are distributing maize and beans to the hundreds of families which
we are trying to help during this difficult time.
I am very thankful for the blessed trip to Ghana that the Lord gave
to Bro. Matthew Gellenbeck and myself. We left on January 12 and
returned home on the 23rd. Our purpose was not evangelistic but was
rather to address some needs among the ministers and to encourage
them in the way. God met with us and blessed in our fellowship and
time together with the brethren.
Bro. Naths-Igbanibo (from Nigeria) traveled to Ghana to enter into
the burden with us. We appreciate his spiritual leadership and
support of the work in Ghana. The brethren are encouraged and have
expressed a desire to work in unity for the furtherance of the
gospel.
There is a minister we met that had left the truth over twenty
years ago. In the last two years, he has left Babylon and desires to
labor in God's true church. We are looking for the Lord to lead this
new congregation into all the light and make them a blessing in
Ghana. The night we had service with them, a number of people came
forward and prayed to start a new life in Jesus Christ.
In the mornings we had Bible studies with the ministers; and in
the evenings, we went and had services in the different village
congregations. On Sunday, people from the various congregations came
to Akumadan and we fellowshipped together.
God was gracious to give us good health and strength for the
trip. My heart is full of thanks for the presence of God.
Please
remember the work in Ghana that the Lord will bless and help them to
be rooted and grounded in truth that the light of Christ will shine
in that country.
In the Lord,
Michael Smith
January 26, 2009
Funds were again successfully transferred to the saints in need in
Malawi this morning. The rain is beginning to ease up but the people
are not yet able to return to their homes. The last funds that were
sent were used to purchase maize and beans. There was enough to feed
the hundreds of people for two days. We thank each one who has
carried a burden for this humanitarian need -- as the scriptures
says, "Faith without works is dead." Please continue to pray for
this ongoing situation that the saints will be able to return home
this week.
January 24, 2009
We praise the Lord for the safe return of Matthew and Michael last
night. We thank the saints for their prayers and the Lord for His
blessings on this trip. A more in-depth report will be posted here
soon.
January 19, 2009
Malawi: Bro. Master Gustor and Brother Failos
Namaozongo got on a bus at 2 a.m. to travel to the nearest Western
Union to receive the first offering that was sent for their aid.
When I spoke with them it was raining so hard it was difficult to
talk, but they expressed heartfelt appreciation to the saints for
their care and concern. Please continue to hold them up in prayer.
The aid that we sent will not go very far with the large numbers of
people that were affected. Most of all, we desire the Lord to be
very real to them at this time.
Ghana: Brother Igbanibo has returned to Nigeria. We
are so thankful he was willing and able to lend his support and aid
in this trip. Tomorrow, the brethren will travel together to the
furthest outlying congregation for service. It is partway back to
Accra, so they will part ways after that service. The local
ministers will return to their villages and Brothers Michael and
Matthew will be making their way back to Accra. They will arrive
home on Friday evening. Michael expressed that the visit was timely
and that the Lord has blessed. We sincerely appreciate the support
of your prayers for this trip.
January 17, 2009
Ghana: Services were held this morning in Akumadan. This afternoon,
they traveled to Tanoso for a service with the congregation there.
Bro. Igbanibo will be returning to Nigeria Sunday or Monday. The
schedule is physically wearing, but the Lord is giving them strength
for their days.
January 16, 2009 **Urgent Request for Malawi**
Update: We will be sending funds as the Lord provides to assist
those displaced from their homes by flooding in Malawi. Time is of
the essence as they have already been away from their villages for
several days. If you desire to be a part of this relief, donations
may be sent to this office: Church of God c/o 605 Bishops Court,
Nixa, MO 65714. Please make a notation that the donation is
designated for flood relief.
I spoke again with Brother Master this afternoon and he told me
that the food they had was already gone and the people were going
out to gather what they could find. With it being the weekend, the
financial institutions will be closed until Monday. He said they
would send out messengers tomorrow, informing the saints that some
help is coming.
Our hearts are moved by the trials these people experience. As
someone mentioned to me today, Malawi is a harsh land. It is among
the poorest in the world. The people go from flood to drought and
famine within the span of a single year. Please keep them in your
prayers.
-------------
I received word from Bro. Master Gustor in Malawi that they have
been displaced from their homes due to massive flooding. They are
taking refuge in a school in Chiringa, a nearby village. I have
verified this information with various news reports. The southern
part of Malawi was struck with rains this past week as well as
cyclones and the rivers have swollen beyond their banks. Bro. Master
reported that the water is still standing in their home village.
Some homes have fallen down. They had to "run from their homes".
They have since been joined by other saints families. He tells me
that 2,000 saints have been affected of an estimated 8,000 of the
general population.
The government is not giving them aid. This is
the fourth day they have been out of their homes. The Seventh Day
Adventists are now distributing aid in the form of food etc., but it
is only made available to their church members. He called us to put
his plea before the saints. The children, orphans and elderly are
especially in need. I told him that we would pray for the Lord to
care for them and ask Him to help us determine the best way to
assist. Please join us in prayer.
January 15, 2009
Wednesday was a travel day. They left the city of Accra on a large
public transport bus which took much longer than a car by private
hire. They arrived safely in the village and are staying in the
mission house built when Sis. Keizer was there. They plan to visit
each of four congregations in the area over the next four days as
well as have Bible studies with the pastors. Bro. Igbanibo is
expected to join them from Nigeria today.
January 14, 2009
Brothers Michael Smith and Matthew Gellenbeck left Monday afternoon
and were to arrive in Accra, Ghana Tuesday evening. Wednesday was to
be spent gathering needed supplies in the city and arranging
transportation for the 6 hour drive to the village of Akumadan where
they will be staying for the duration of their stay. They will be in
Akumadan and surrounding villages until next Wednesday. Time in
Ghana is CST+6 hours.
Pray that the Lord will accompany them in
the power of the Spirit and keep them from all harm. I will endeavor
to update the website for those interested whenever I receive word.
--René Smith
January 5, 2009
On January 12, Bro. Matthew Gellenbeck and I will be flying to
Ghana. It has been a number of years since I have been able to visit
the congregations there. We are in special need of wisdom and
guidance from the Lord on this journey. This trip is a little
different than some in the past. We are going with some specific
burdens to address some existing conditions. Bro. Igbanibo from
Nigeria plans to meet us in Ghana to support this endeavor. We
desire your prayers that the work will prosper in Ghana and that the
Lord would give us physical health as well.