At Any Cost
I have become all things to all men, that I might save some.
1 Corinthinans 9:22b
TAN & VIV
Philippines
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Our end goal is to see a mature/maturing church planted among an unreached people group with literacy, a bible they can read/ understand and solid teaching eventually coming from the people. To get to these goals we must learn the national language of our region (Bisaya) and then the language of the target people (to be determined). Right now we are in the first few years of our ministry and are learning the national language and culture. Our normal day looks like classes in the morning for Vivian and classes for myself in the afternoon. During these classes we follow a GPA* program which we are in phase 4 of. We speak for a total of around 4 hours with our language helpers in Bisaya to learn more words and sharpen our language ability. This takes up the bulk of our time and is our current main priority.
*GPA: The goal of the Growing Participator Approach (GPA) is not simply the acquisition of an unfamiliar language, but participation in the life of an ever growing community.
Tan & Viv's Update & Prayer Requests
Hello from Upstate New York! We arrived in Milwaukee early in the morning on May 5 and spent a month there getting Tanner in with different doctors and specialists, as well as connecting with churches, friends, and family. On June 9, we drove to Ohio and brought Arlo in to see the eye specialist. We then went on to New York, where the kids saw their pediatrician and we were able to set up prenatal care for Vivian and Baby #3, due in November.
Overall, we are beginning to feel rested and we are continuing to pray for wisdom as we receive test results and learn more about our family's needs. Currently, this is what we know:
Tan: We are continuing in tests, and while results have been coming back abnormal, they are not abnormal enough to give any direction as to the root cause of his symptoms. He is still experiencing extreme fatigue, body aches, skin irritation, and stomach issues. We are now doing more of our own research to be able to request testing for different chronic conditions.
Viv: Prenatal care is going well, and time with family has been such a joy.
Arlo: He is healthy and strong. The eye specialist recommends proceeding with surgery on both his eyes during this home assignment. We have scheduled surgery for September 3 of this year. It is a routine out patient procedure with a typically fast recovery.
Siggi: She is growing every day. Since being in America, she has been talking so much more, which is so much fun.
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Pray for wisdom and clarity how to pursue care for Tanner.
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With all the medical needs in our family, please pray for wisdom and provision as we navigate insurance and billing.
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Praise the Lord that our kids have been thriving here in America. Arlo often talks about what he misses in the Philippines, but he and Siggi both have adjusted impressively.
Much love until next time and thank you for praying with us,
Tan, Viv, Arlo, & Siggi
KEEP PRAYING
To give to any ministry, present your offering at DFBC. Checks should be written out to Duanesburg Florida Baptist Church. Indicate on the check which missions ministry it is for (Philippines/Tan & Viv, India/John & Leena, or another). If you give cash, put it in an envelope with the name of the missions ministry on the envelope and place it in the missions basket on your way out the door. Do not send cash through the mail. For tax purposes you may want to include your name on the envelope. You can also use Venmo. Be sure to add which ministry on the line that says, "What's it for?" There is no link here for Venmo because you must download the app on your smartphone. Thank you & God bless you & yours.
JOHN & LEENA
USA & India
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13
Reverend John is the pastor of Bristol Baptist Church in and an integral part of Faith Harvest Ministries - India. John was born in India and later adopted by an American couple who raised him here. Leena is a nurse and has a heart for prayer, seeking God to move mountains. Faith Harvest Ministries- India includes evangelism, educating, encouraging, and edifying pastors and their families as well as dedication to the children of their orphanage. Christians in India face terrible persecution from their government, communities, and families. Yet God's people press on and into the Kingdom of God, willing to pay the price. Duanesburg Florida Baptist Church wholeheartedly affirms and supports the work of this vital and powerful ministry.
Faith Harvest Ministries - India
John & Leena's Prayer Requests
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 Pray for salvation of many in their region and throughout India.
Pray for the physical needs of our ministry team. Pastor's are dependent on poor congregations for their needs, and families may have financial challenges.
Pray for our ongoing pastors' conferences. These conferences held in small town and are attended by local pastors, spouses, ministry leaders and helpers. These conferences are vital to the kingdom of God in teaching biblical doctrine, and strengthening ministries. Our goal through these conferences is to help local churches to make followers of Christ. We receive wonderful feedback from those who attend our conferences.
Pray for the finances needed to expand the village church in a remote area to accommodate more people. Cost is estimated to be about $3000. Currently the church is 30 x 10 but its pastor would like to expand it to 50 x 15.
Pray for peace and healing in marriages and families as specifically for the children, both young and grown up. They all need emotional healing and spiritual guidance. Pray they grow up to serve the Lord as His children.
PERSIST IN PRAYER
