Week of 11 Jun 2020

A Reach Beyond ministry partner in Turkey is the Shema Media group which operates four radio stations in four cities in Turkey.  One of their stations is in Mardin, Turkey.  The power grid in Southeastern Turkey is unreliable, causing the station in Mardin to drop off the air several times daily.  Shema wants to outfit this station with a backup generator allowing the station to broadcast uninterrupted Christian programming to Turkish and Syrian listeners in this area.  We hope to raise $7,000 to help them in this effort.  So far our church has provided $2,200 to make this happen!  Please visit the VGBC missions web page at https://www.vgbc.org/support-shema/ for details on how to you may help.  Also view the two videos about the Shema Media group.  We will end our request for help at the end of June.

HOME MISSIONARIES                                                                             

Kevin Green: (COS) Please pray for Kevin as he stays in contact with area pastors.  Pray the Lord would go before him as he speaks to pastors about Evangelism Explosion’s curriculums and training classes.  Pray pastors would be open to teaching their congregations about how to share their faith with the lost.

FOREIGN MISSONARIES

K and B: K and B’s daughter-in-law has contracted COVID-19 and strep!  So far their son has not shown any symptoms of illness.  Pray for this young couple – their health, safety and healing.  Pray for K and B as they pray for their children from half way across the world.  In the midst of this development pray for K and B’s unity as they lead a new team of ambassadors.  Pray the Lord will unite this team and help them strategize how to reach their people groups.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) There have been no new COVID-19 cases in their county for the past 29 days!  Mark has been enjoying the walking club interactions.  Pray for families in their church who have been experiencing difficulty.  The annual “walk through” of their rental home was this past week.  Mark and Lona identified several areas (leaks) which need to be fixed.  As recorded months ago there is black mold which can be hazardous.  They are praying the property management company will fix the leaks which cause the black mold and possibly install a more powerful extractor fan to remove the mold spores.  Pray these issues can be resolved.

Herb and Celeste: Herb and Celeste are now leading a team of creative people communicating how God is working to expand His Kingdom while sharing the Gospel.  Their focus is furthering communications about Asia by telling God’s stories through testimonials, photos and videos.  Their goal is to get readers and listeners engaged in God’s work in Asia.    Praise – their neighbors have been going to church with them!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Reach Beyond’s April board meeting revealed the ministry has realized great fruit in the last few years.  However various factors have caused a financial strain which make their present ministry model unsustainable.  As a result they are looking into partnerships with like-minded organizations.  Please pray for their attempts to partner with other organizations to broadcast into countries that need to hear the Gospel. Pray for the new president of Reach Beyond, Daniel Enns, as he steers Reach Beyond during this turbulent time.  Please pray for the Spotlight English club back in Spain.  You will remember a young missionary, wife and family helped Robbyn start the club by providing their ministry center for local residents to learn the English language.  At first there was only a handful of people who attended.  Just before Robbyn left Spain a Muslim woman who had provided Spanish lessons decided to bring her class to join the Spotlight English club.  Now there are 45 men, women and children attending this club.  Pray for the possibility to read English from a Bible!

Week of 8 Jun 2020

Please consider a one-time gift to pay for the backup power generator for the Shema Media Group’s radio station in Mardin, Turkey.  The power grid in Southeastern Turkey is unreliable, causing the station in Mardin to drop off the air several times daily.  The generator will allow reliable, uninterrupted Christian programming to the many listeners of this area.  Please see Robbyn Booker’s prayer request below.  Please visit the VGBC missions web page at https://www.vgbc.org/support-shema/ for details on how to support this need. 

HOME MISSIONARIES                                                                             

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Please pray for the Slacks and Christian Challenge.  There are many unknowns about the fall semester.  And there are fewer staff and volunteers.  They are trying to figure out what the fall semester will look like.    Will they meet in person or on Zoom?  There are only so many virtual meetings and activities one can handle before they lose interest.  Pray worthy and trusted helpers will step forward to provide help and added wisdom as they plan for the fall.

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS/Greeley) Pray for Isaac and Rebecca as they transition to the directorship of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

FOREIGN MISSONARIES

Herb and Celeste: Herb and Celeste continue to wait for an important document necessary to complete their visa application.  Pray this document comes soon.  They need to be approved for their residency by July 26.  Their neighbors have agreed to attend church with them again!  Pray their hearts will be softened and the Gospel will pierce both their hearts.  Pray H and C will know the best way to minister to their neighbors.  Pray H and C will be able to learn new software they would like to use in a new project.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Pray for the city of Stip where Amanda lives.  They are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases.  Recently a taxi driver and some factory workers tested positive for the virus.  Factories are a big part of the Stip economy and now five factories are closed and 250 workers and their families are in isolation.  Pray for city leadership’s wisdom as they consider steps to reduce virus spread.  Pray for holy boldness for Amanda and opportunities to clearly speak of the Gospel.

Oswald and Amanda: Amanda’s surgery went well last week and she is recuperating.  Pray for her continued healing.  We look forward to seeing them here in a few weeks when she feels well enough to travel.  Pray for a good fit for Rocky’s new prosthetic arm and that he will “agree” with his new limb!  Pray for their future – visas to return to their ministry area, their time here in Colorado Springs and their rest from a tremendously stressful experience in EA.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Restrictions are slowly lifting.  They are now allowed to travel within their county.  Retail stores are now opening.  Walking clubs are resuming – pray for Mark and his conversations and relationships with old walking friends.  Several family situations within the church are going through difficult times.  Pray for the families to seek the Lord’s guidance for wisdom.  Pray for St. Oliver’s National School as they received new guidelines from the Department of Education.  Grace Baptist hopes to be able to return to the school but will follow the Lord’s lead.

K and B: K and B are interviewing a couple who have over 20 years’ experience ministering to one of the 25 people groups their team is trying to reach.  This couple, like K and B, can no longer re-enter their original country of ministry.  Pray for K and B’s new team – for their unity of heart and spirit.  Pray for the synergy that can happen when like-minded people seek the Lord with one mission at heart!  Pray the Lord will give K and B new and fresh insight into how to minister to this huge area of Asia.  Pray the Lord will minister to K and B and that their hearts will listen to His Holy Spirit.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Mardin, Turkey is not traditionally considered as part of the Arab world; however the city is bustling with Arabs. This city, close to the Tigris River is about 31 miles from the Syrian border and has become a safe place and home to many Iraqi and Syrian refugees in recent years. Though many are unaware, God is present, and his Spirit is moving in Mardin. Please pray for Reach Beyond’s ministry partner, Radio Shema as they transmit the gospel in Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic and Syriac.  Especially during this time of uncertainty with COVID, many businesses are failing, tourism is almost non-existent and the livelihood of many who have already been through so much is once again uncertain. People are seeking answers and Radio Shema is transmitting hope, love and forgiveness 24 hours a day. Please pray that people will hear and respond to the gospel; also, pray for the Shema staff as they work tirelessly to reach out to so many that are seeking answers to their problems and who need to know Christ.  

Week of 1 Jun 2020

The VGBC Missions Committee would like to make you aware of the Shema Media Group who transmits Christian programming into Turkey and Syria.  The Shema Media Group consists of four radio stations.  One radio station in the town of Mardin, Turkey loses power several times a day.  Shema is raising $7,000 to provide a backup power generator for this station.  The generator will allow this station to provide uninterrupted Christian programming 24 hours a day.  Please visit the VGBC missions web page at https://www.vgbc.org/support-shema/ for details on how to support this efforts. 

HOME MISSIONARIES                                                                             

Kent and  Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Please bring Kent and Elizabeth before the Lord.  They are seeking the Lord’s wisdom about this fall’s semester and they are trying to figure out what this fall will look like lacking many helpers.  To say they are overwhelmed is an understatement!  There are only so many meetings and Bible studies that can hold interest on Zoom.  Will there be classes this fall?  Will there be a Freshmen orientation?  There are so many unknowns.  Encourage them!  Pray worthy and trusted helpers will step forward to provide help and added wisdom as they figure out what the fall should look like.

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS/Greeley) Isaac and Rebecca are in a “sprint” to increase their financial support as they assume the directorship of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.  To date, they have reached 88.5% of their goal!  Please prayerfully consider your level of support and pray for them as they transition to Greeley.

FOREIGN MISSONARIES

Herb and Celeste: The previously missing visa document has been resent.  Pray it will be received and authenticated so they will have all their paperwork needed to resubmit for long-term resident visas.  They have been given an extension of 26 July.  H and C continue to “meet” and study with friends from their previous location.  Pray these friends will faithfully spend time in God’s word and apply its truths to their lives.  Celeste is co-leading a project which spans several countries – logistics are complicated.  Pray for her clarity, organization and completion.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Pray for the city of Stip where Amanda lives.  They are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases.  Recently a taxi driver and some factory workers tested positive for the virus.  Factories are a big part of the Stip economy and now five factories are closed and 250 workers and their families are in isolation.  Pray for city leadership’s wisdom as they consider steps to reduce virus spread.  Pray for holy boldness for Amanda and opportunities to clearly speak of the Gospel.

Oswald and Amanda: Amanda’s surgery is Friday, 6 June.  It is routine but please pray for safety, no complications and speedy, healthy recovery.  It is a huge praise for them to be able to have this surgery near family.  Rocky’s doctor appointment went well!  They are looking at a new prosthetic arm for Rocky.  Pray for good fit and ease to use this new arm.  The timing of their return overseas is still up in the air and this makes their visit to COS unknown at this time.  Their visit to COS could be in July or as late as Aug.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Pray for a young couple in their church who is enduring many trials.  Pray for a young mother who is experiencing relationship issues.  Pray for a young believer recently baptized who is heading to Poland to attend university. Pray Grace Baptist Church would be a church which does not merely log onto Zoom and listen to services but that they would truly “follow Jesus.”

K and B: For the better part of 15 years, K and B have poured the Gospel into the lives of the Swirl people.  Now this people who previously were unreached are now a “reached” people group.  Even though K and B are now turning their focus to different people groups they continue giving leadership to the Swirl Bible translation project.  Recently Swirl believers reached out to K and B asking for their parent’s address.  Swirl friends had heard about COVID-19’s impact in the US and wanted to send face masks to K and B’s relatives.  Absolutely humbling!  K and B declined saying that was not needed.  But the believers insisted it was important to show love and concern for K and B’s loved ones.  Pray for K and B as they turn their attention to new people groups while their hearts are heavy to leave their Swirl brothers and sisters.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Huge Praise, her mom’s ankle wound has improved and is healing.  Robbyn’s vision has continued to improve!

Home Missionaries                                                                            Week of 27 May 2020

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS/Greeley) Two weeks ago Isaac and Becca began a sprint toward raising an additional $2,100 to handle their increased needs as they transition to their new job as directors of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado!  At the end of week one of they had reached 35% of their goal.  As of last week they are now at 71% of their goal!  Pray for this couple as they undertake this position of leadership at UNC.

Emily Skinner: (COS) The leadership at Mission Training International has decided to cancel the June Compass Training program.  With so many participants unable to attend the classes it did not seem cost effective to hold the class.  The MTI facility’s team has conducted a “deep cleaning” of the facility.  Emily has had some time to review her curriculum.  Pray for the executive team as they stay abreast of government guidelines and as they make decisions when to start operations again.  Pray for their wisdom and rest.  Emily left this past week to visit her parents in North Carolina.  Pray for her rest, recuperation and support raising.  Pray for her safety as she travels.

Foreign Missionaries

K and B:  K and B have been given enormous responsibilities.  They are to oversee a new team responsible for portions of several countries.  They will minister to 25 people groups.  While K and B are feeling a little overwhelmed there are some wonderful blessings which come along with this change.  They are inheriting a team of proven veterans who know their people groups and have a long track record with some of them.  Several team members are American-born from one of the people groups and are fluent in their language!  K and B also do not have to move.  Pray for K and B as they get to know their team and their target people groups.  Pray they will rest in the Lord and know He has made them more than adequate for the task ahead.

Oswald and Amanda: O, A and family have completed their two week quarantine and are staying with A’s parents.  They are scheduling some medical appointments for both Rocky and Amanda.  Amanda will hopefully have a procedure next week.  After she recovers they will travel to COS for a visit.  Please pray for them as they have medical appointments and reconnect with family.  All their travel plans hinge on travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  If there is anyone who has an extra van for a small family to use in the coming weeks, please contact Doug Wamble.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Mark and Lona are inviting their supporters to contact them so they can set a date on Skype or Zoom to simply catch up with each other.  Please reach out to them to schedule your connection with them.  Praise – a few Killarney “do-it-yourself” businesses have opened up!  Lona met with some ladies from the church recently at an outside café!  During a walk earlier this week, Mark connected with his farmer friend.  The farmer asked Mark about his beliefs.  Pray for the ultimate outcome of all these connections.  God is moving behind the scenes in these people’s lives.  Pray they all would develop strong ties to Most High God! 

Herb and Celeste: Last week H and C had lunch with their neighbors.  During that time they had a spiritual conversation.  The next day their neighbors accompanied them to church!  Pray for soft hearts to receive the Gospel!  They just received word there is a document which needs to be resubmitted to the US.  The government has allowed another thirty day extension.  The new deadline to receive resident visas is now 26 July.  Pray the process will proceed smoothly and result in resident visas!  Pray for them to be good Gospel witnesses to others.  Pray for peace and favor with other believers.  Pray H and C will clearly present the Gospel message.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Please continue to pray for Robbyn’s double vision.  Her vision improved last month and we have been praying this improvement would be sustained.  So far there has been no regression in her vision.  Pray her vision continues to improve and does not worsen.

Home Missionaries                                                                            Week of 20 May 2020

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS/Greeley) Last week Isaac and Becca began a sprint toward raising an additional $2,100 to handle their increased needs as they transition to their new job as directors of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado!  Praise God this past week many of you responded and helped them attain thirty-five percent of their goal!  Thank you!  Please continue to pray for them – their transition details, housing, church, support network in the Greeley area.  Pray the Lord would be glorified as they lead the Christian Challenge ministry on the campus at the University of Northern Colorado!

Life Network: (COS) During this pandemic the Life Network staff has seen many people come into their offices willing to talk about faith!  There are so many fears – financial crises and unexpected pregnancies.  A young, deaf woman and her interpreter came to a Life Network clinic thinking she was pregnant.  Her pregnancy test came up negative.  She was so relieved.  Afterward, with her permission, the Life Network volunteer shared the Gospel with her and she accepted the invitation to follow Jesus!  Praise God!  Pray for this woman and others who are searching for the peace that only Jesus can provide.  On June 6^th, Life Network will host their annual walk for life.  This year because of the pandemic, you are encouraged to walk in your own neighborhoods.  Go to their web site https://www.walkforlife.com/ to register for this event.  Pray for Life Network’s impact as they provide free services to women and share the Gospel!

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) 15 May is the official end of the semester.  During the last two months of the semester Christian Challenge was able to transition their ministry to online Bible studies and activities.  The feedback was good from those who participated!  Now as the Slacks prepare for the future, with their leadership team displaced and no staff to help, Kent is feeling the crunch of how to make summer ministry happen.  Kent’s quote says it all, “This is a season that seems to require more help than we’ve ever had before, yet we’re going into it with less help than we’ve had in 5 years.”  Pray for these issues: 

·         Summer plans for Bible studies with current COVID-19 restrictions without staff/leadership. 

·         Plans for Fall (allowing for whatever regulations could be in place).

·         Ways to connect with and recruit freshmen now that there are no student orientations.

·         A new process from which staff/interns can be added ASAP.

·         What can stay the same and what needs to be restructured.

·         Leadership team selection/recruitment process.

Foreign Missionaries

K and B:  A security breach and COVID-19 has caused the displacement of 200 families in East Asia.  Their organization is in the process of a restructure and redeployment of EA personnel.  The team K and B led has dissolved.  The staff will receive new assignments and supervisors.  Everyone is trusting Sovereign God and grieving the abrupt loss of ministry among the people groups they love.  Pray for deepening faith and for comfort during transition.

Oswald and Amanda: Pray for Oswald, Amanda, Rocky and Smoky as they adjust to the US.  Pray for their rest and for medical appointments for their family.  They will be in COS sometime in the next few weeks.  Pray for their safety as they travel and visit friends and relatives.  It is hard to do these things while socially distancing.  If there is anyone who has an extra van for a small family to use in the coming weeks, please contact Doug Wamble.

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) Dusty continues to heal well.  He would like to get back on his bike but the doctor says he needs to stay off the bike for six weeks after surgery.  Ashley has been asked to co-lead elementary school life next school year.  She will be leading chapels, Spiritual Emphasis Week and week of prayer.  She is excited to be able to minister to the student body.  Pray for wisdom as she creates and plans these events.  Many school students are from backgrounds where they have never heard of Jesus.  Pray they can design lessons that will show the truths of the Bible.  Pray lessons and chapels will invite students to engage with Creator God!

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Grace Baptist Church has maintained “attendance” numbers even though they are meeting online for Sunday and Wednesday Bible study.  They have even had some visitors.  Mark’s morning coffee with the Costa Coffee crowd has had to be curtailed for a while.  The government has advised their citizens to travel no more than two kilometers unless they are going to the doctor, pharmacy or grocery store.  They have not been able to get out and enjoy their beautiful scenery or visit their church members.  Pray their church can stay connected to each other and to God as they serve their families.  This past week Ian finished his school year and Mark finished his last class for his degree program!

Herb and Celeste: H and C recently had dinner with their neighbors, Gabe and Sydney.  Their conversation turned to the Gospel presentation.  Pray the Lord would use these planted seeds to bring them to ask Jesus into their lives.  H and C are trying to figure out how to retrieve their personal belongings from their previous apartment.  Unfortunately it is looking as if many of their things will have to be given up as a loss.  This is sad.  Pray friends might be able to at least forward some pre-packed suitcases to them.  Pray for H and C’s spirit and morale as this reality hits them.  Pray for new company initiatives rolling out next month.  Pray planning and execution reflect God’s creativity and excellence.  Pray for the young man H met at the McDonalds weeks ago.  Pray he would call out to Jesus.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) The area where their radio station offices are located is Campo de Gibraltar.  This is a very poor area in Southern Spain.  The unemployment rate is normally over 35% but worse now that the pandemic has shut down businesses.  Spain has surpassed Italy in COVID-19 cases and the entire country has been on lock down since 15 Mar.  Many people have not had food to eat.  Reach Beyond has partnered with area churches to get food into the homes of some of the Spaniards who have been most affected.  Please pray for their safety, wellness and may God use these desperate times to bring people to Jesus.  Pray for area pastors and their families.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) You will remember the young woman Amanda referred to as K had been assaulted by a boyfriend and maybe another lover because of her pregnancy.  On May 10^th her father passed away.  Her father was the only stable figure in her life.  And now K feels awful!  K was away visiting relatives and her father was not well and had begged her to please come back home.  K’s mother is in a psychiatric ward.  A Lydia counselor and a Christian lawyer have been counseling her daily.  Due to the unstable home, there is concern Social Service may take K’s child.  Pray for K as she grieves the loss of her father.  Pray for her life as it seems to have crashed down around her.  Pray she will be open to hearing that the God of the universe loves her and His Son died for her.

Home Missionaries                                                                                        Week of 13 May 2020

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS/Greeley) Isaac and Becca are beginning the transition to their new job as directors of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado!  They will need an additional $2,100 monthly in this new role!  We can help them by praying for them but also keeping our gifts going to them and also increasing our gifts.  VGBC will be their main support as they transition to UNC.  Please pray for them and also consider raising your existing support for this couple.  If you are not currently financially supporting them, please consider calling the North American Missions Board to designate a monthly gift for them. 

Mercy’s Gate: (COS) VGBC supports this local ministry with a financial gift each month.  But there are so many more ways individuals can help.  You may make a financial contribution, give food and staples to their pantry, and volunteer your services as a counselor.  One of our deacon couples shares Christ with the neighbors who need Mercy’s Gate’s assistance.  Pray for Mercy’s Gate’s Executive Director, Jason Dilger and the volunteer staff.  Pray for their wisdom in answering the needs of many hurting people who need help and need Christ.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) 15 May is the official end of the semester.  During the last two months of the semester Christian Challenge was able to transition their ministry to online Bible studies and activities.  The feedback was good from those who participated!  Now as the Slacks prepare for the future, with their leadership team displaced and no staff to help, Kent is feeling the crunch of how to make summer ministry happen.  Kent’s quote says it all, “This is a season that seems to require more help than we’ve ever had before, yet we’re going into it with less help than we’ve had in 5 years.”  Pray for these issues: 

·         Summer plans for Bible studies with current COVID-19 restrictions without staff/leadership. 

·         Plans for Fall (allowing for whatever regulations could be in place).

·         Ways to connect with and recruit freshmen now that there are no student orientations.

·         A new process from which staff/interns can be added ASAP.

·         What can stay the same and what needs to be restructured.

·         Leadership team selection/recruitment process.

Foreign Missionaries

Oswald and Amanda: Oswald, Amanda, Rocky and Smoky arrived in the US last week and are staying with Amanda’s family in the Southeast.  They will be in COS sometime in the next few weeks after they shed their jet lag.  Pray for the opportunity to make doctor visits and catch up with the medical community with their little boys.  Also pray for their safety as they travel and visit friends and relatives.  It is hard to do these things while socially distancing.  If there is anyone who has an extra van for a small family to use in the coming weeks, please contact Doug Wamble.

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) Dusty is healing well from his wrist surgery.  He gets his stitches out Friday, 15 May.  He was able to type a paper for a seminary class, but it is painful.  Pray for his continued healing.  Korea has been doing great in controlling COVID-19.  However, last weekend an asymptomatic individual went clubbing to multiple nightclubs and bars and now authorities are concerned about another outbreak.  Pray for the complete eradication of this virus.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Praise – everyone at Grace Baptist is well!  Mark has two weeks to go in seminary!  Pray for front line workers like the ER nurse who had twins years ago.  She will soon need a new childcare provider.  Pray for her protection especially when she is taking care of patients at the hospital.  The doctor in their church is looking for different office space since her previous office building is being closed.  Pray the recorded Sunday school lessons will be a blessing to those who watch them.  Pray the new government will relax visa requirements allowing more missionary workers into the country.

Herb and Celeste: Sunshine was one of the original divine appointments H and C had at their first duty station.  Over the years, H and C presented the Gospel many times to her and she finally invited Jesus into her life.  Several duty stations since then H and C continue to disciple this woman electronically.  Sunshine continues to grow in Christ.  Pray for her aging parents who need Jesus.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) A Reach Beyond partner radio station in Guayaquil, Ecuador has suffered great loss in the last several days.  The station has a staff of five people.  One of the pastors who had done programming for years died of COVID-19.  Two more on the same program are in the hospital.  Two donors and a doctor who participates regularly on programs died last week.  Another doctor is in the hospital.  Pray the workers of this station would be encouraged and know the Lord is using their station to bring the lost to Christ and encourage the hurting people in their area. 

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) You will remember the young woman Amanda referred to as K had been assaulted by a boyfriend and maybe another lover because of her pregnancy.  On May 10^th her father passed away.  Her father was the only stable figure in her life.  And now K feels awful!  K was away visiting relatives and her father was not well and had begged her to please come back home.  K’s mother is in a psychiatric ward.  A Lydia counselor and a Christian lawyer have been counseling her daily.  Due to the unstable home, there is concern Social Service may take K’s child.  Pray for K as she grieves the loss of her father.  Pray for her life as it seems to have crashed down around her.  Pray she will be open to hearing that the God of the universe loves her and His Son died for her.

Home Missionaries                                                                                        Week of 10 May 2020

Kevin Green: (COS) Kevin has had to put several events on hold until social distancing has become more relaxed.  Pray for the future Share Your Faith workshop Kevin hopes to present at Agape Fellowship in Pueblo, Colorado.  As a part of the Casas Por Cristo trip in March, Kevin was going to provide glasses to the people of Juarez while sharing Christ with them.  The trip has been postponed until July.  Pray the COVID-19 pandemic has been eradicated permitting the team to minister. 

Mercy’s Gate; Southeast Baptist Food Pantry;  and Springs Rescue Mission: (COS) VGBC supports these local organizations as they attempt to feed people who are out of work and or homeless,  They also share Jesus with these people.  Please consider logging onto their web sites and find out how you can help them minister to others.

Emily Skinner: (COS) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, April and May Debriefing and Renewal (DAR) classes have been cancelled.  The May Compass training program has been postponed.  Staff who are working from home have been moving registrants to later class dates.  Emily has taken some time to explore curriculum changes for future classes.  Pray for MTI’s learn/grow process that leadership and staff would humbly keep their eyes on God’s instruction on improving programs.  Pray for Emily and colleagues that they will make wise decisions regarding personal, team and organizational priorities.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering:  Praise God for the funds VGBC provided to help win North America for Christ!  VGBC contributed $16,493.18!  Praise the Lord and thank you church!

Foreign Missionaries

Oswald and Amanda: In the next few weeks, Oswald and Amanda will be temporarily assigned in the US as they await return to their normal ministry area.  While in the US they plan to connect with churches and also take the time to have medical professionals check on Rocky.  Pray for this time in their family’s life as they wait on God’s timing.  Please consider helping this small family with temporary housing as they will likely be in the Colorado Springs area visiting family.  Contact Doug Wamble at dwamble@q.com.

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) Dusty fell off his bike on 1 May, injuring his left arm and wrist.  An MRI revealed he needed surgery.  The surgery went well and required a short hospital stay.  A friend kept the children at their apartment allowing Ashley to be with Dusty at the hospital.  And people have ministered to them with food and support.  Praise God for the family of God!  Pray for Dusty’s recovery.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Praise – the zoom services are going well and more are “attending.”  The Irish government plans to relax restrictions over the next 15-18 weeks.  Churches hope to resume normal services by the end of July.  Grace Baptist has a doctor and nurse as regular attenders.  Pray for these front line workers and those in essential positions.

Herb and Celeste: Praise –  H and C believe they have found a church home!  They have been given a thirty day extension to their temporary visas.  They are waiting on papers from the US but COVID-19 has slowed down the process.  Pray they receive these papers in a timely manner before the June deadline.  Thank the Lord for the divine appointment H had with Harold at McDonalds recently.  Pray Harold will trust in Jesus.

K and B: Huge praise – the security breach recently discovered was not as extensive as initially feared.  Once travel restrictions are lifted, roughly half of the ambassadors will be able to return to their areas of ministry!  Unfortunately K and B will never return to their original area again – a sad note for the many years of investment.  Yet God is not done with them!  Pray for their company’s wisdom as leadership considers how to use their rich experience, gifts and hearts for the lost!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Robbyn continues taking care of her mother while also holding down her ministry in Spain.  Her daughter comes over some afternoons to help with Mom but she is still recovering from last month’s surgery.  Mom has a wound on her ankle and really needs the attention of a wound care clinic.  However, the wound care clinics are located in the major hospitals in the area which are also treating COVID-19 cases.  The doctor has Robbyn changing the bandages every three to four hours.  Pray for mom’s healing and her pain management.  Pray for everyone’s rest!

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Amanda longs to be able to hug again!  In this semi-isolated environment it is easy to feel alone!  Praise God there are several friends she is able to connect with 2-3 times each week which give fellowship and blessed connectedness!  The ladies at Lydia have been working from home, but they are planning to send care packages to some of their clients to encourage them.  They are also launching a new website which they hope will receive a lot of traffic from women searching for answers.  They anticipate the COVID-19 lock-down could result in an uptick in unplanned pregnancies.  Pray women will find Lydia and seek help in a very difficult time.  Pray Lydia will be known as a safe and trusted place for their support.

Home Missionaries                                                                                                    Week of 03 May 2020

Emily Skinner: (COS) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, April and May Debriefing and Renewal (DAR) classes have been cancelled.  The May Compass training program has been postponed.  Staff who are working from home have been moving registrants to later class dates.  Emily has taken some time to explore curriculum changes for future classes.  Pray for MTI’s learn/grow process that leadership and staff would humbly keep their eyes on God’s instruction on improving programs.  Pray for Emily and colleagues that they will make wise decisions regarding personal, team and organizational priorities.

Kevin Green: (COS) Pray for Kevin as he continues to call pastors to schedule future Evangelical Explosion training sessions in their churches.  Pray pastors will be open to teaching EE classes to their church families.

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS) They have been hired to lead the Christian Challenge ministry at the University of Northern Colorado in Greely, Colorado!  Pray for Isaac and Becca as they finish up the work at UCCS while meeting remotely with students.  Pray for the transition to their new campus, home and church.  We are happy for them, yet sad to see them leave our church family.  Pray for Kent and Elizabeth Slack as they mourn the loss of their colleagues and partners in ministry.

Foreign Missionaries

Oswald and Amanda: Rocky had a great birthday this past Monday!  There were some gifts to tear into.  And later this week he will have a party with some play time with some local friends.  Pray for this precious family as they wait on word from their company when they can return to their normal ministry area.  Pray for their continued language training.

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) Dusty has incorporated devotions into his class times.  Pray the Lord will use these times to reach these students and help them grow spiritually even though physically separated.  Pray they will have access to the Bible and materials that will help them grow and learn. 

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Weeks ago twins Amy and Grace were born.  Grace is still in the hospital. Pray for this precious little life and her parents.  Praise – More people have been able to “attend” the Grace Baptist Zoom service.  Pray for how the children can “tune in” to watch the weekly Sunday school lesson.

Herb and Celeste: Pray for H and C as they use their years of ministry experience to author stories for their company about reaching the lost for Christ in their part of the world.  May these stories inspire others to follow our friends in ministry.  H and C are looking for a church home.  Pray the Lord will lead them to the right church.  Pray their long-term visas are approved before their temporary visas run out. 

K and B: Pray for all our friends in EA as their company reviews the future configuration of ministry in that part of the world.

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reach Beyond has seen an increase of listeners and responses to their programming in the “Region Beyond.”  Listeners are posting reactions and questions prompting more opportunity to share with them.  Some listeners who are not Christian are submitting prayer requests.  Reach Beyond partners are able to chat with these people who wish to have deeper interaction.  Pray these follow-up interactions will lead them to put their faith in Jesus Christ!

\Home Missionaries                                                                                                   Week of 26 April 2020

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering:  The VGBC goal has been $35,000 this year.  The gifts received through 19 Apr are $11,137.  The week of Sunday 26 Apr will be the last week to collect this important offering.  No doubt COVID-19 has had an impact on this offering, yet we know the Lord will make these funds more than adequate to serve His purposes in North American missions.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Pray for Christian Challenge as they plan virtual meetings and game nights to keep students engaged!  Pray students will lead disciplined lives since there is little accountability in not meeting together.  FOCUS was cancelled and this is a disappointment to the students who were planning to go and those who were going to receive their assistance.  Pray for the Slack family – their children are missing spring sports and Sarah especially is missing school and church.  Pray Sarah would be at peace with these changes.

Foreign Missionaries

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) South Korea has taken steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 but schools and churches are not physically meeting yet.  How does a band teacher conduct class virtually?  Dusty has had to be creative.  What he misses most is the opportunity to counsel and disciple his students.  Secondary students log on for synchronous learning – five hours of teacher lectures each day!  Dusty is hesitant to add more screen time.  He has incorporated devotions into his class times.  Pray the Lord will use these times to reach these students and help them grow spiritually even though physically separated.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Grace Baptist had twenty-eight people in their Zoom service last Sunday!  Praise – the young woman who has been sick for several weeks was able to log into the service.  Last Friday night’s facebook family concert was fun.  Pray for everyone’s safety and good health.  Pray the government will exercise Godly wisdom as they start relaxing distancing restrictions.

Herb and Celeste: Huge praise – their country has not had to impose “stay at home” restrictions!  Pray for H and C’s continued good health.  Pray they will have continued opportunities to minister to people who need to hear about Jesus.  Pray for the right timing for them to return to their previous home to close out their apartment and recover their belongings.  Pray their long-term visas are approved before their temporary visas run out.  Pray their new landlord will have a softened heart to hear and receive the Gospel.  Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with the landlord.  Pray for guidance to their new local church.

K and B: You will remember the Swirl mother, a believer and her husband, a non-believer were so proud of their son who went off to be a soldier in their country.  And you will remember their great sorrow to learn their son had gotten into trouble by sharing his faith in Jesus with some fellow soldiers!  After this the mother began to pray “continually.”  For days and nights she prayed for her son.  Family members scoffed at her prayers – her husband said it was hopeless to pray.  Her son-in-law said her prayers were useless against the nation’s powerful army!  The faithful mother convinced her husband to go with her to the capital city (a long journey) to convince the army to release her son from the insane asylum.  An officer called the mother and said they had decided to release her son back to his original unit to continue his training!  Mother and father were joyfully stunned!  The skeptical son-in-law was shocked the prayers worked and had been answered!  After listening to the mother’s testimony, the son-in-law believed in Jesus!  The mother also shared with other family members.  The son-in-law now only wants to talk about Jesus!  Pray for the Mom, the un-believing Dad and other skeptics that Holy Spirit will melt away skepticism and Jesus can reign in their lives!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Robbyn’s daughter, Natasha, had emergency surgery last month.  Pray for her continued healing.  Pray for Robbyn as she takes care of her job with Reach Beyond and also the care of her family.  The Shema radio group started in Ankara, Turkey in 1998.  The network has grown to five stations broadcasting Christian programming into Turkey and neighboring Arabic countries.  Turkey’s power grid is not dependable.  The power can go on and off fifty times a day.  One radio station needs a generator to allow them to broadcast without interruption.  The remaining amount needed is $7,000 to outfit this last station with a generator.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Amanda works with Lydia-A Beating Heart, a Christ-centered pregnancy center.  K, a client at Lydia, was assaulted by two men, one of them a boyfriend, the other presumably someone she slept with.  These men kicked and hit her yelling, asking her whose baby she was carrying.  Pray K will seek help for her own protection.  Pray she will find the Lord of the harvest and place her trust in Him.  Pray for Lydia as they minister to K.

Home Missionaries                                                                                                    Week of 13 April 2020

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Thank you, church family, for your selfless gifts during this challenging time.  Your gifts through 15 Apr are $8,867.  If you have not yet given your gift to support North American missions, please prayerfully consider your part this next Sunday.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Pray for the Christian Challenge (CC) leadership selection process this month.  Selecting these leaders is key to helping CC stay visible and ministering on campus.  Pray God will prepare students to continue serving this ministry well. 

Foreign Missionaries

Oswald and Amanda:  O and A have been assisting in evangelism efforts where they are temporarily living.  As a part of evangelism training, O and A shared their faith with a youth group several weeks ago.  Pray these youth, by hearing these testimonials, will be able to nail down their own faith in the Lord and then be able to share their faith with others.  Please pray people will turn to Jesus during this time of need.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Easter Sunday was wonderful even though virtual.  God’s Spirit was edifying and encouraging.  A friend in their community “attended” the virtual Bible study and remarked they were a little overwhelmed by the depth of the study but said they would continue.  Pray they will continue and find the Lord’s salvation!

Herb and Celeste: Pray for their visa paperwork.  They are still looking for a church home and plan to visit with a pastor this week.  Pray for where the Lord wants them to serve.  Pray for continued spiritual discussions with Eli.  H and C will facilitate workshops this week.  Pray for the Lord’s leading during these sessions.

K and B: A believing Swirl lady lives in the mountains with her non-believing husband.  Her son qualified for the military, making mom and dad very proud of him.  Recently they heard the son had been placed in an insane asylum.  They found their son was not suffering from mental illness but had shared Christ with two soldier buddies.  Sharing Christ in the military is a no-no and will likely adversely affect his career chances.  The non-believing father blames all this on his son’s Christian beliefs and this has placed a rift between husband and wife!  Pray the son will rely on God and be of good courage.  Pray God would strengthen the relationship between wife and husband.  Pray for the soldiers the son shared Christ with!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Robbyn’s daughter, Natasha, had emergency surgery last month.  Pray for her continued healing.  Pray for Robbyn as she takes care of her job with Reach Beyond and also the care of her family.  The Shema radio group started in Ankara, Turkey in 1998.  The network has grown to five stations broadcasting Christian programming into Turkey and neighboring Arabic countries.  Unfortunately, Turkey’s power grid is not dependable.  The power can go on and off fifty times a day.  Each radio station needs a generator to allow them to broadcast without interruption.  Two of the five stations need a backup generator costing $9,000 each.  Please prayerfully consider how we can help keep these radio stations on the air twenty-four hours a day!

Home Missionaries                                                                                                    Week of 6 April 2020

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS) UCCS classes are being held remotely but Christian Challenge staff continues to meet using technology to stay connected with students.  God is still working in the lives of students at UCCS.  These difficult times have led CC staff to contact students more often, reaching out in love.  They will continue their Tuesday night Bible study on zoom.  In the midst of social distancing, pray students will engage each other and the Lord.

Jonathan Ferre: (COS) Pray for Jonathan and Iglesia Gracia y Verdad.  Jonathan just started teaching a series of studies through First Corinthians – they are meeting virtually on the Internet.  Also, on Wednesdays they are going through the book of Acts via the Internet.  Pray they will be able to live their lives according to God’s word.  The children can no longer meet as a group.  They have been learning about the doctrine of God.  Pray parents will be able to engage their children and help them grow in their faith. Pastor Jonathan has been working part time as a case worker.  Pray for him as he ministers to people.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Due to COVID-19, the Christian Challenge short-term missions trip to EA and the Spring break missions outreach are both cancelled.  These cancellations have been disappointing to those who have been getting ready to go.  Kent and Elizabeth are still hosting Bible studies and LIFE Groups on-line.  The number of “attendees” is down, but the sessions are going well.  Pray those involved will remain faithful.   

Life Network: (COS) COVID-19 has caused some very dire situations.  Some women who are pregnant are struggling to keep food on their tables.  Some of these ladies are even more vulnerable to abortion right now.  In the last three weeks Life Network has given nineteen potentially life-saving ultrasounds to women facing unexpected pregnancies.  Rich Bennett, President and CEO of Life Network, is making an earnest plea for donations to keep their clinics open so young women can hear the truth about Jesus Christ and the child they are carrying!

Foreign Missionaries

Herb and Celeste: Officials in their ministry area have done a good job at keeping COVID-19 under control.  There are only a few cases in their area.  H and C do not know any colleagues or contacts that have contracted the virus.  They are still looking for a church home and plan to visit with a pastor this week.  Pray for where the Lord wants them to serve.  Pray for continued spiritual discussions with Eli.  H and C will facilitate workshops in a week.  Pray for the Lord’s leading during these sessions.

Our Friends in EA:  Pray for Swirl believers who may have to endure questioning and interrogations in the future.  Ask the Lord to fill them with His Holy Spirit and embolden them with courage and Godly wisdom.  May they continue to speak to others about Most High God!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) In the region beyond it would be impossible to hear the Gospel message if it were not for Christian radio broadcasts into those countries.  Many of those listeners reach out to Reach Beyond via Internet.  Grace is a girl who lives in fear.  Her father has abused her and her mother for years.  Ministry partners counsel Grace and pray her eyes and ears will be open to the love of Christ.  Pray for Robbyn and her family as her daughter had to have emergency surgery.  Robbyn has inherited all of Natasha’s duties – watching Imogene, taking care of Emily’s babies, cleaning house and running errands.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) Praise for the twenty-five people who “attended” the virtual Palm Sunday service!  Pray for a young woman in their church who has had virus symptoms for three weeks, has been tested and still does not know the results.  Pray for the new twins, Amy and Grace.  Grace is still in the hospital.  Pray the Irish people will turn to Jesus and realize He is their Savior.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Amanda is working from home and helping translate materials, encouraging her colleagues at Lydia and engaging in prayer for the Lydia team and clients.  Amanda has been recording video as she plays Christian music on her piano.  She hopes to encourage her church family during this time since they are unable to meet together.  Doing this has had an unexpected effect on her as playing this music has fed her soul and spirit!  Pray God will use Lydia as a voice of truth and love in womens’ lives.

3 Apr 2020

Home Missionaries

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS) UCCS classes are being held remotely but Christian Challenge staff continues to meet using technology to stay connected with students.  God is still working in the lives of students at UCCS.  These difficult times have led CC staff to contact students more often, reaching out in love.  They will continue their Tuesday night Bible study on zoom.  In the midst of social distancing, pray students will engage each other and the Lord.

Jonathan Ferre: (COS) Pray for Jonathan and Iglesia Gracia y Verdad.  Jonathan just started teaching a series of studies through First Corinthians – they are meeting virtually on the Internet.  Also, on Wednesdays they are going through the book of Acts via the Internet.  Pray they will be able to live their lives according to God’s word.  The children can no longer meet as a group.  They have been learning about the doctrine of God.  Pray parents will be able to engage their children and help them grow in their faith. Pastor Jonathan has been working part time as a case worker.  Pray for him as he ministers to people.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the Spring break mission trip has been cancelled.  This was disappointing but the right thing to do under the circumstances.  Pray the school will reimburse the students for their part of this trip.  The East Asia team is still scheduled to go – they are still training and raising support.  Please pray for their efforts in spiritual growth and preparation for this trip.  The UCCS campus is now closed and graduation cancelled.  This has led to much shock and disappointment especially for the seniors who hoped to graduate.  Pray for these students who needed to complete requisite projects before graduating.

Life Network: (COS) Lives are being saved and transformed, needs are being met and most importantly, we are sharing Christ!  Pray for the staff and volunteers who continue to be on the front lines.  Pray for health and protection for them and their families.  The staff has been making phone calls and praying for our partners and supporters.  Pray for emotional, physical and mental health as they minister through this present storm.

Foreign Missionaries

Our Friends in EA:  Many families who have worked in our friends’ area of ministry will not be returning to their country.  These are sad times as many families will not be permitted to say goodbyes to friends, ministry partners or collect priceless memories from their homes.  Please pray for these servants, their families and the future ministry in this part of the world.  May God grant them grace, wisdom and strength.  These events do not surprise God!  May His servants learn the new plan to reach the lost in this area of the world!

Robbyn Booker: (COS/Spain) Spain is on lockdown until April 11^th.  Spain’s medical system is completely overwhelmed.  Reach Beyond missionaries meet each morning virtually to pray for the ministry and staff.  Everyone is working virtually from home performing essential duties to keep the broadcasts going out across the airwaves.  Please pray for these missionaries and their families – pray for a hedge of protection so the Gospel programming can continue.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) The twins are doing well – Grace will hopefully come home from the hospital this week.  The Grace Baptist Church service on Zoom is going well.  Lona and Madeleine conducted a short Sunday school lesson using a flannel graph board on the story of Noah.  Several viewers of their Zoom services have never attended a Grace Baptist Church service!  The entire country is on strict isolation restrictions for the next two weeks.  Pray for the government’s leadership.  Pray the church is able to stay connected via technology such as Zoom and be a witness to the country of Ireland.

Amanda Peck: (North Macedonia) Lydia is ministering to a lady who has been in an abusive domestic relationship.  Pray for her to take the steps to protect herself.  Pray for her salvation.  Pray for Lydia as they minister to her.

Home Missionaries

Emily Skinner: (COS) The current Mission Training International (MTI) Compass training program was scheduled to end on Friday, 20 March.  In light of COVID-19 precautions the graduation was accelerated to Tuesday, 17 March.  There was chaos and some disappointment in not being able to say goodbyes to participants.  The next Compass program scheduled for mid-April is now being postponed and leadership is working to reschedule both Compass and DAR program participants to later scheduled classes.  There are changes daily.  Pray for MTI leadership and continue to give.  Pray for the trainers and future participants to stay healthy.

Isaac and Becca Herold: (COS) Isaac and Becca have accepted the position as Director of Christian Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.  They hope to be in place this July and ready to lead the ministry for the Fall 2020 semester.  Pray for them as they transition to Greeley.  Pray for housing, church connections and many other details as they move.  Also, consider continuing financial support through the NAMB as they continue the same work but on a different campus!  Please consider reaching out to them to ask how you can help them with needs during this move.  Consider sending them a card (gift card) to encourage them.

Jonathan Ferre: (COS) Pray for Jonathan as he pastors Iglesia Gracia y Verdad.  He has become a bi-vocational pastor so he’s a very busy pastor, husband, father and employee!  Pray for him especially during this time of social distancing that he can stay connected with his church.  Pray for lay leaders to rise up in his church to help him minister to the Spanish speakers in the community.

Kent and Elizabeth Slack: (COS) Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the Spring break mission trip has been cancelled.  This was disappointing but the right thing to do under the circumstances.  Pray the school will reimburse the students for their part of this trip.  The East Asia team is still scheduled to go – they are still training and raising support.  Please pray for their efforts in spiritual growth and preparation for this trip.  The UCCS campus is now closed and graduation cancelled.  This has led to much shock and disappointment especially for the seniors who hoped to graduate.  Pray for these students who needed to complete requisite projects before graduating.

Foreign Missionaries

Our Friends in EA:  Our friends have been working at a break neck pace for several weeks taking care of their colleagues.  They just arrived home days ago – their mission complete!  Pray for them as they rest in their own home.  Pray for rest and no COVID-19 symptoms – they have been with plenty of colleagues who could have been exposed to COVID-19.  Pray for people of peace to be open to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

Dusty and Ashley Jackson: (Near Seoul, South Korea) The numbers of COVID-19 cases are decreasing.  Pray they continue to go down!

Amanda Peck: (The Balkans) Schools, businesses and borders are now closed.  Amanda is grateful for the Internet and the ability to work and communicate with others while obeying the new social distancing.  She is doing well and reaching out to others.  Pray for the unborn and the women who are counselled at Lydia.

Mark and Lona Webb: (Killarney, Ireland) A Grace Baptist church member’s daughter had twins – Amy and Grace.  Grace is still in ICU.  Pray for this little one as she recovers.  Thank the Lord for Zoom!  Again the church “met” on zoom last Sunday – twenty-three attended.  Pray for the Webbs as they seek ways to stay connected to their congregation.  May the Lord use COVID-19 as a way to open people’s hearts to the Gospel.

Herb and Celeste:  They continue to look for a local church to join.  Pray for their good health and their ability to meet new people who need to know Jesus.  Pray for their old friends to stay faithful to the Lord.  Pray for their part of their new ministry that they will be good workers and team leaders in their new responsibilities.  Pray stateside helpers will step forward to help them with video editing, graphic art design and story writing.