May 2020 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Times Are Being Changed! “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12) The times that we are now living in seem like these are times different from anything we have ever know. Since when has a government allowed itself to go into unsustainable economic shut down? Since when have churches willingly surrendered their freedoms of religion and assembly? Just like the days of John the Baptist, it seems like the Church is in transition. It is time that we declare, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) The Church is not a building: it is a body of people who not afraid to declare the gospel. Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kianyaga, Kenya: Mugo writes, Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord Jesus Christ who conquered death and is our protector in times of fear and uncertainty. We believe that God, that true Christians are not shaken by what is happening today. Mugo has been communicating with his pastors daily to encourage them during this Corona shut down. Mugo thanks us very much for standing and supporting him financially.

Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa, Bukavu, Congo: Jeremie Kamimbi is thankful for the funds sent to pay the salaries of the teachers and staff of the Bible college for April. Funds have been sent to help those church members who have been made destitute by torrential down pours in Uvira. Thankfully, no church members were drowned. But some have lost everything as their homes were flooded and washed away. Lutho Mboko writes to say a big thank you for the help sent. He cannot go out of his home because of the Covid crisis restrictions. So he will purchase strips and medicines for his diabetes. Ralph & Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph writes that all schools have been closed for more than six weeks, including the Bible school. There have been heavy rains which has caused flooding. Funds have been sent to support Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier and Stephanie. Masangu Lwanyeke, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lubumbashi, Congo: Masangu writes that they travel during the days they have permission, and when they do not they stay home. He thanks us for the support sent to him. Kennedy Maina, Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, Nairobi, Kenya: Students are at home, and most businesses are closed. The churches are closed also. He requests to use the funds we sent to help feed the people in his church. Our love brings a great impact for an orphan girl who has a call to serve God. Ruth Scott Kellie, Matumaini Children’s Center, Molo, Kenya: Kellie writes she is very grateful for the funds sent which she will used to buy firewood. Life is difficult, she feels like she is in jail with no mail, no news, and she cannot go out. Also she can not get tracts to send to her neighbors. Her farm manager needs funds to repair his roof and funds for medical needs. Pastor Samuel Chibini writes he is thankful for the support to buy food, pay for water, and buy some food for church members. He is visiting church members to encourage them. Samwel Ratanga, Pentecostal Free Church, Migori, Kenya: Ratanga writes that the curfew and fears of the world’s pandemic has hindered him from going to town. They are in tough times and churches in their country are closed. They pray for God’s intervention. Samwel writes that there have been heavy rains and even his house has been damaged. Who ever is found gong to church is fined and must be self-quarantined. Ratanga thanks us for the support received safely. May God bless us for our support. Geoffrey Kimani, New Covenant Church, Nakuru, Kenya: Kimani writes, to provide support at this time when there is an epidemic all over the world is not easy. He is going to share some funds with those whose businesses have been closed by the virus. May God bless the givers in Jesus name. Wallace Njeru, Sonship Ministry Church, Igoji, Kenya: Njeru writes that he is visiting church members one by one and conducting prayers. He feels he must encourage them in the Lord. Njeru thanks us for the funds sent to him.

Pauline Njabuka, Bukavu, Congo: My business man friend, Ghamma Mulindwa, writes to say he has given support to the widow of Pastor London Nabuherere. London was poisoned to death. Several years earlier, OWM brought London to Canada to study in seminary. Ghamma asks for prayer for his wife, Mado, as she is having difficulties breathing at night.

Richard & Kathy McDonald, Radio Kahuzi, Bukavu, Congo: Richard writes, Thanks for your gift which gives us an extra boost of encouragement. Rich was able to buy some extra rice and cans of sardines, and fruit and some veggies. The borders are closed with Rwanda, and Goma is off limits. A lot of their food normally comes from Goma. People are so afraid. Richard also writes that they were surprised and blessed to meet with Dr. Jeffrey and Karen Smith from California in Cyangugu, Rwanda. They brought four trunks of digital broadcasting studio project purchased, tested, and shipped by Robert Springer of Sonset Solutions. The McDonalds have been praying for this equipment for months and even years!

Melchizedek Sanjay Kumar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India: Melchizedek writes that nothing is open except for grocery stores and vegetable markets. This has given him a good opportunity to pray, study, and prepare unhampered. He is thankful for the support sent to him.

Stephen Pinto, First Assembly of Zion Church, Bangalore, India: Stephen writes that with state and local borders closed, and stores and schools closed, people are stranded in confusion and chaos with anxiety rising into depression and hopelessness in the lives of the people. Most pastors have no other income than the small offerings with which to buy food and pay bills. God blessed so that their church was able to give bags of food and cash to pastors, and help other destitute members. Pinto is thankful for our continued support.

Chris Franz, Christ Is the Answer Ministries, Lake Mary, Florida: Chris writes that God has opened an unbelievable door. CITA has been able to get a new television studio. God has also provided the funds to purchase three professional TV cameras. A Christian satellite channel is offering them the potential to reach eight million homes all over North Africa. The message would reach; Morocco, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and even into Pakistan. Pray that the Lord will provide. Funds were sent to help buy this equipment.

Rally Point, Youth for Christ, Lima, Ohio: Director, Yvonne Jones, writes that their youth center for inner city youth is facing the same challenges raising financial support. They are checking children studying at home, and giving them food. They appreciate the help sent. Thank You for Your Prayers and Financial Support: Thank you for your prayerful 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