December 2018 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for your prayers and support for this missionary Bible teaching ministry.

Jesus Christ Brings Tidings of Great Joy to All People: The birth of Jesus Christ brought light into the darkness of this world. Mary replied, “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-48) Zacharias prophesied, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79) The shepherds saw,“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14) Simeon prophesied Jesus would be, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)

Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kenya: 400 youth gathered for one week at Kamulu, Nairobi. They came from all of the Omega churches, as well as other churches. Many were filled with the Spirit. The Word was rich with different brothers ministering. The temporary church building at Kianyaga will be moved to their own new property. They want to start building a permanent church as soon as the Lord provides. Mugo thanks us for our continuing sacrificial financial support. Samwel Ratanga, Free Pentecostal Church, Migori, Kenya: Ratanga’s church continues to build two offices and a baptismal tank inside their new building. They started this building with their own funds. They are planning for another fund raising in March for roofing materials. Ratanga thanks us for our support. Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi, Congo: Eciba Ekyochi is asking for assistance to finish the dormitory, rebuild the class rooms, and build a dining hall and kitchen. This college is developing future ministers; pastors, evangelists, deacons, for the Assemblies of God, and for other church fellowships. Pray for peace in the Congo during elections.

Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph writes that he is thankful for the pastor who came and started the church in Texas where his father was saved. He is thankful for the support in ministry over fifty five years for their work in Africa. Because of that they have built two Bible schools, and helped to build dozens of churches. Their hearts are full, and they are so thankful for all who have made all of these things possible. Most of all, he is thankful to our Father God and he asks Him to bless them today and every day. Kennedy Maini Maturi, Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, Nairobi, Kenya: Kennedy writes that a down payment will be made on property for another church. They are concentrating on installing six graduating students into the ministry. The funds we sent will be used for a needy student. He thanks us for monthly support. Ruth Scott Kellie, Molo, Kenya: Ruth writes, she is overwhelmed with our kindness that is much appreciated. Our monthly gift arrived in time and was enough to purchase some more needed medications. Samwel Chibini, Molo, Kenya: writes; We shall have a very big crusade at Malaba town on the Kenya-Uganda border. We are planning to open a new church in December. May God bless you. Wallace Njeru, New Covenant Church, Igoji, Kenya: Njeru writes, A fellowship meeting was held with the pastors from the Egoji subregion; Egoji, Gakiri, Kaania, Karau, Tai, and Mitunguru. He has opened another church near Maua Game Park at Kallibatulla; a very dry place but with very precious brethren. He baptized ten people there. He will be ministering in Tanzania for ten days in December. Richard and Kathy McDonald, Radio Kahuzi, Bukavu, Congo: Our most memorable Christmas season was when we were married in 1972 in Michigan, and we began our deputation to come to the Congo. In 1992 the Lord began the first Christian radio network in the Congo with beautiful Christmas music. Prayers and support have brought them through twenty-six years of sharing His Good News on Radio Kahuzi. Richard adjusts the new equipment in the new studios. M had her last appointment at the cancer institute! She will be continuing medication, and checkups. Praise the Lord! Eciba Mboko Lutho, Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa, Bukavu, Congo: Eciba writes to thank us for prayers for his ministry to retired pastors, widows, and children in hard circumstances. 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 signature block below. Designated funds are forwarded entirely. 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