July 2017 Newsletter

Dear Supporters and Friends, Making Disciples: “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19,20)

Today, we are facing unprecedented attacks against us as Christians, and the Church. Therefore, we need to renew our commitment and take up our cross to follow Christ. We should be taking time for personal prayer and devotions. We should be taking time for family devotions so that our children are converted and live for Christ. We should renew our baptism in the Holy Spirit. We should be identifying with a local church and become active in the ministry of that church so that we can develop our gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, we should be evangelizing our friends and families. When the early church was threatened, they prayed, “Grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, By stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31) Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kenya: Mugo writes that many are being evangelized at the Omega Church in Kiambogo. The church is now built with corrugated sheets. Churches in Meru north are doing well and Mugo conducted a pastor’s seminar in Meru south. Mugo writes that Christians are united in prayers, purpose, and love, and believe that the country will go through the elections peacefully. More Contributions Received for Newer, Better, Vehicle for Mugo: So far, $4,346.13 has been received for the purchase of a newer vehicle for Mugo’s ministry. We are praying for $6,000 or more will be received soon, so that a dependable vehicle can be purchased. Will you join us in this exciting project? Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi, Congo: Ekyoci Eciba confirms that rebel activity has become so close to Fizi that the Spring Trimester had to be closed. He reports that six students have graduated with a three year diploma. Pray that the Bible school will be able to reopen in September. Tensions are flaring out all over the country. Please pray for the Church and the Christians for protection and a means of survival. Ralph & Shirley Hagemeier and Stephanie, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph announces the beginning of their Christian university in Kalemie. The Hagemeirs have built schools for kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Stephanie takes food and medicine to the local prison twice a week. Their medical center offers care twenty-four, seven. Two years ago, Ralph began to think that he could build a university. He is planning a building shaped like a hexagon with five wings. Then Stephanie introduced her father to a graduate of her high school who is now an engineer. They are planning to build a university one wing at a time, one floor at a time. At an alumni reunion, one young doctor thanked them for providing facilities for their studies. Please pray for safety and the means to continue their ministry. Radio Kahuzi, Richard and Kathy McDonald, Bukavu, Congo: July the 4th was the twenty-sixth anniversary since President Mobutu signed the documents allowing Radio Kahuzi to become the first private radio station in the Congo. Praise the Lord for the healing Richard’s stomach ulcers. A new shortwave antenna has been installed. Praise God for funds for passports, and plane tickets to evacuate their staff from the capital of Kinshasa to Bukavu. Now they need living and accommodation. The mining company has closed down due to insecurity from the rebels in their area. Thank You for Your Prayers and Financial Support: Thank you for your prayerfully support for this missionary Bible teaching ministry. You may send your donations to one of the post box addresses in the address block below. The Lord bless you. Yours together in His harvest, Charles Willner

_______________________________ 172 North Phillips Road, Harrod, Ohio, U.S.A. 45850 email: charleswillner@yahoo.com home phone: 419 649-6022 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 www.facebook.com/openwordmissionsministries