January 2023 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for your faithful support of this missionary Bible teaching ministry.
Let Us Be Overcomers in This New Year, No Matter What the Challenges Will Be to the Church!
“To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) “He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) “To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving him that receives it.” (Revelation 2;17) “And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28)
Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kianyaga, Kenya: Mugo reports that he ministered in Chuka, and Kiriani. At the Coast, several ministers came together for teaching. We are believing and teaching on going on to maturity in Christ. Thank you for your prayers for peaceful co-existence and tolerance among political leaders. The country is experiencing severe drought and hunger. Mugo thanks us for our support, and prays God will reward and bless us well.
Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa, Congo:
Please pray for Mukumo Lukindula, a church officer, who is recovering from typhoid and malaria. He is also suffering from hemorrhoids.
Assemblies of God Bible College, Bukavu: Director Aoci Ebongya reported that the students are seeking the Lord to revive their souls to build students into spiritual men and women of God. Pray for Aoci. He has succumbed to hyper-tension and taken a leave of absence from the Bible college. The interim director, Bobilya Kandolo, reports that one student was so touched by how the Early Church had all things in common, that he brought five new shirts to give to his poorer class-mates. Kandolo reports that there are thirty-two students in the Second Trimester 2022-23.
Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi: Director Mulanda K. Gabriel reports that fifteen students have enrolled for the Second Trimester 2022-23.
Other Ministries in the Congo: In Bukavu, Christine Endani Samamba, and Njabuka Namwira Polinne, are both widows, and Namugunga Kabunga, is a retired pastor of the largest church in Bukavu. Please pray for Kabunga as he is gravely ill. In Kalemie, Lulika Kileme is a pastor, and Asende Luhangya is a church officer. All are thankful for the support they receive.
Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, International Bible College, Kalemie, Congo: Ralph Hagemeier describes how God is leading them to build a Christian university on their ninety-eight acre campus. “God has continued to provide, and as He has, we have continued to build. Ten classrooms are up to window level and looking good! We thank God for the foundation and all that has been accomplished, and we continue to look to Him to supply all that will be needed to complete this great project. Both now in the future, we will proclaim: TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, Nairobi, Kenya: Kennedy Maina wishes us a Happy New Year! “I want to thank you for the continued support. It has always refreshed many in these difficult times. We have been a very busy season as we begin the year in the college and the church. The college has resumed the week of January 11, 2023. The churches under my supervision are having foundational prayers. We have twelve churches and fourteen pastors. A season has come to me to take early retirement from the college to engage more in church ministry, and begin a project for a home for the aged.” In further correspondence, Maina confirms that there will be a smooth transition at the Bible college, as the assistant director will assume responsibility of director in March. Maina has done amazing work. Not only did he assum the leadership of the Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College when the missionaries left, but the college and churches under his ministry have grown. He also developed distance Bible college education so that groups could meet all over Kenya to study the Bible college curriculum. Let us pray for Maina and the new director.
Ruth Scott Kellie, Nanyuki, Kenya: Pastor Samwel Chibini writes, he is really grateful for support. He will use some of it to help a pastor who has blood pressure and diabetes. Would you help him and Kellie’s farm manager, Charles, with the funds to pay for the title to his land?
Samwel Ratanga, Pentecostal Free Church, Migori, Kenya: Ratanga is thankful to begin sleeping in his new house, even though the inside walls have to be plastered, and the ceilings, and windows and doors installed. Would some of you like to help this worthy elderly pastor to finish his house?
First Church of Zion, Bangalore, India: Pastor Ken Pinto has sent their news-letter. The entire month of December was dedicated to fasting and prayer. They had a Christmas Outreach to their neighbors and friends. Hampers were given to under-privileged children, and widows of late pastors. At their “Christmas Quest”, children from ages five to eight participated in a theatrical extravaganza which concluded the quest of finding the King of the Jews and welcoming Him into their hearts. On Christmas Eve, their visitors were surprised with traditional carols, followed by a beautiful talent show to bring forth the Christmas message. In Hyderabad, the entire neighborhood was invited for an outdoor Christmas program. Over 100 people responded. They had the privilege to spread love and lay hands on those in need.
Evangelistic Crusades Ministry, El Tabernaculo Church, Suyapa Ramirez, Puerto de LeCeiba, Honduras: Ramirez writes, We had a great time in the Church. We spent one week of fasting and prayer with the whole Church. And we finished on Sunday, January 18, taking the Lord’ Supper. In addition, we celebrated the two year anniversary of becoming the pastor of the Tabernacle. We re starting 2023 with great encouragement and many expectations of the Kingdom.
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
Open Word Ministries:
P.O. Box 625, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6V5
P.O. Box 5001, Springfield, Missouri, U.S.A. 65801
