July Newsletter
Dear friends and supporters, Thank you for your prayers and support for this missionary Bible teaching ministry. Jesus Made Sin For Us:
“Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.” (Luke 18:31) “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straightened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50)
These verses reveal that Jesus had His own. He could have chosen not to go to the cross. No wonder that Jesus struggled to accomplish the sacrifice of Himself to pay for the sins of all the world for all time from Adam to the end of time. He knew that it was the purpose of God that He would become the Lamb of God to take away the sins of those who would trust in him for salvation.
Yet, there was unimaginable agony of Himself actually drinking that cup of the will of God, and being baptized with the suffering of death. No wonder then that Jesus prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane. First He prayed with Peter, James and John, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry you here, and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38) Then He went by Himself, “He went away again the second time, and prayed saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42) “And went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.” (Matthew 26:44) “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:42-44) Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kenya: Mugo writes that the churches are well. He visited Kathageri and the churches in Embu County. He had a good seminar at Kathageri on the weekend. He is still looking for Kianyaga church land. He is confident that God will lead to a good place of His choice soon. They are already in cold season with temperatures down to 50. It is cold at night. The roads are muddy and slippery. Thank you for your prayers for the country. Political temperatures have cooled down. We thank God for that. He thanks us for our much needed financial support for this work in Kenya.
Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi, Congo: Director Ekyoci Eciba reports that eighteen students finished the Second Trimester 2015/16. Eciba wrote that the students thank us for the funds to buy tea that is sent each trimester. He says that we are the only ones who are standing with K.B.I. He says that this is love, and we know that we are disciples when we love one another. He thanks us for our concern for his health (painful hip). Ralph & Shirley Hagemeier and Stephanie, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph writes to say that his “double vision” continues to bother him. He is in the twelfth week since he went to the ophthalmologist and there is not much improvement. He continues to drive, preach, and read. Reading sometimes takes concentration focusing one eye at a time. He has been given a thin plastic eye patch to cover one eye so there is not a double image. In conclusion, they are doing great. Ralph and Shirley celebrated their fifty-fifth anniversary on August 4, and a big family reunion in Amarillo, Texas, on August 6 and 7. They leave in three months to go back to Africa. Masangu Lwenyeke, Church of the God Shepherd, Kalemie, Congo: Good progress is being made on a permanent church building in Kalemie. Pas. Masangu thanks us for the $500 sent to help continue the work. Masangu has been known to us since 1981. Ruth Scott Kellie, Matumani Children’s Center, Molo, Kenya: Kellie thanks us for our kindness She is very touched . The funds came just as she had a need concerning the land. The land issue is progressing and looks more hopeful .The planning brief is almost completed . Then the lawyer has to go back to court for the judge to sign. The chief has continued to refuse to his document hence it has to be returned to the court. She is indeed very grateful for our prayers for this at this time. She is also glad for our prayers for her relations with the director . May God bless you and your family. Thank You for Your Prayers and Financial Support: Thank you for your prayerfully support this missionary Bible teaching ministry. Please know that all of these national ministries have been known personally to be faithful over many years. They are worthy of your support. Also, administrative costs are covered by non-designated funds. Please send your donations to one of the post office box addresses in the letter head above. The Lord bless you. Yours together in His harvest,
Charles Willner
_______________________________ Open Word Ministries: P.O. Box 625, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6V5 P.O. Box 5001, Springfield, Missouri, U.S.A. 65801 www.openwordministries.com
