August 2022 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for your faithful support of this missionary Bible teaching ministry.
The Mystery of Paul's Gospel: What an amazing Gospel: that God would redeem we who were dead in sin and give us the power through the Holy Spirit to be conformed to His image, so that we would sit together with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus throughout the ages!
"But God , who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace you are saved); and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kianyaga, Kenya: Mugo writes that we continue to press on into the promises of God who never changes or tells lies. As the political scene becomes nastier and frightening daily, we believe in the overcoming Christ to lead his people in the right choices and protect the country. Preachers of different faiths came together on Sunday in one of the churches at Kavote for peace prayers. We believe the Church will win in this critical situation.
Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa (C.A.D.A.F.), Congo: Centenary Celebration (1919-2019) Baraka,July 28-30: The Assemblies of God in Africa was birthed out of the Pentecostal Revival in the early 1900's, at the Azuza Mission in Los Angeles, California. That mission was pastured by an African American, William Seymor. The Pentecostal Revival spread to Europe, especially to Sweden, Ireland, and England. That revival celebrated; salvation by faith, holiness in living, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.
It was missionaries from the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland who came to the Congo. Starting on the Ubware Peninsula into Lake Tanganyika, 80 miles south of Bujumbura. The mission spread to the mainland to establish a large mission at Baraka. That eventually included the church, primary and secondary schools, and missionary residences. Then the mission took in a health clinic at Nundu, which eventually became a hospital. From Baraka, the mission extended 40 miles inland up the escarpment at Fizi, and on 200 miles to Lulimba. That was the cross roads from the west 180 miles to Kabambare and extended towards the Congo River. Baraka was in the east, and Kalemie 180 miles south on Lake Tanganyika.
With the Independence of the Congo in 1960, different political factions coupled with the cold war resulted in the Simba Rebellion in 1964. Many civil leaders and Christian pastors were killed. The American Assemblies of God missionary, Mel Tucker, was martyred in front of his family at Isiro, North Kivu. Missionaries were held in house arrest. At Lulimba, the missionaries survived by nursing the rebels. In Kalemie, Christians brought food to missionaries hidden under the garage. In Kalemie, God spoke to a Baptist missionary to evacuate by boat which arrived unannounced. Finally, the United Nations forces made peace, defeating the rebels.
Today, C.A.D.A.F. has hundreds of churches, and more than a hundred primary and secondary schools. C.A.D.A.F. stretches from Moba, sixty miles south of Kalemie, in Katanga Province, to Uvira at the head of Lake Tanganyika. Then on to their headquarters in Bukavu, the capital of Kivu Province. Then on to Goma, on the north shore of Lake Kivu, the capital of North Kivu Province, and its surrounding area. As well as the areas stated above in Baraka, Fizi, and west into Kabambare, the capital of Maniema Province.
Assemblies of God Bible College, Bukavu: Aoci Ebongya reports, while we were collecting the support in town, the whole day was troubled with young people against police and against soldiers. People were in trouble with the provincial government and running away. There were shot gun sounds. People are fleeing from the violence of the M23 in Goma and looking for shelter in Bukavu.
Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, International Bible College, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph writes, they served God for seventeen years in Tanzania, and now almost forty years in the Congo. Sitting in a church service in Burundi in 1984, God put it in my heart in a split second (1) where to go (Kalemie), (2) when to go (September of ‘85), (3) what to do, (start a Bible school) and (4) how to do it (Somewhat of a “pop-Up” Bible school starting with tents and ready to assemble bunk beds for the “dorm” tents. ... By January 1986, we had our TENT BIBLE SCHOOL!
Richard and Kathy McDonald, Radio Kahuzi, Bukavu, Congo: The former residence of the McDonald’s was attacked by three crazed young people, with a saw, wrecking bar, and metal cutters. They succeeded to cut a 2x2 foot square hole for a person to enter our property in broad daylight as we stood there watching! The McDonalds sent their watchman to the MONUSCO at the UN HQ. No one ever came. When they told the intruders they were calling the police, they continued pulling the gate apart. In desperation, Richard started taking pictures with his cell phone to identify them to authorities. That got their attention and they turned away and walked out of sight. We felt your prayers for “a hedge protection” around us! Thank you!
This event was triggered by the renewed fighting about 100 miles north in Goma between the Congolese trips and the M23. People are fleeing the violence and resorting to their own violence to survive.
Richard writes; Your prayers have been timely, as many events have attempted to hinder our outreach, but our confidence is in the Lord, Who has begun His good work, and He will victoriously complete that which He has begun!
Masangu Lwanyeke, Church of the Good Shepherd, Kalemie, Congo: Masangu is thankful the general assemble went well with joy abundantly. Bishops, the youth and women’s leaders were confirmed. A women’s seminar is planned for August 25 to 28 in Kalemie. He thanks us for our support.
Pentecostal Free Church, Samwel Ratanga, Migori, Kenya: Ratanga is thankful that the elections have finished. However, the president-elect, William Ruto, won by only a 50-49% vote over Raila Odinga from the Luo tribe. This caused riots among the Luo people at being defeated again to have a president elected from their tribe. The Luo are the second largest tribe in Kenya. Because of the election unrest, the convention scheduled for August 1st had to be postponed. Ratanga thanks us for his support.
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, Nairobi, Kenya: Kennedy Maina writes, The church ministry is going on well with the help of the Lord. We are embarking on planning for another church launch. Your gifts always come as a great refreshment in this season of high cost of living.
Ruth Scott Kellie, Nanyuki, Kenya: Kellie writes, her eye sight is improving after cataract surgery. “May God richly bless you and your family.” Pastor Chibini writes, he will use the funds to help their old members get maize flour for food. Maize flour and cooking oil are very costly. He is grateful for support.
Gospel Crusade Ministry, Suyapa Ramirez, LeCeiba, Honduras: Ramirez writes, With your contribution we fed thirty people for three days. The youth, adults and even the children were there to clean the church, and the upper floor of the building was painted. She thanks us for the support.
Stephen Pinto, First Assembly of Zion, Bangalore, India: Pinto writes, This year’s camp was centered on the theme, “Re-form”, which begins with confessing our the hidden sins in us. After a time of praise and worship, the campers delved into searching their broken state. Then re-conditioning of the mind and heart to walk in victory. Pinto appreciates all those who have partnered with them, sacrificially in prayer, council and giving.
Russell and Sonia Murray, World Harvest International, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: The Murrays have laid down their lives for thirty years in Tanzania. They are working with the Pentecostal Holiness Mission, which has over 400 churches. Currently a Bible college is under construction which they hope to open in 2023.
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
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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. 65801www.openwordministries.com
