March 2023 Newsletters
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for your support of this missionary Bible teaching ministry.
Celebrating the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ which He Spoke From the Cross:
“ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was (torn in the middle). And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into your hands I commend My Spirit; and having said this, He (breathed His last).” (Luke 23:44-46)
From the sixth hour, or noon, until the ninth hour, or 3:00 pm, there was darkness over the land. It was then that Jesus cried out these final words from the cross.
"Notice the loud voice -- scarcely what one would expect from a man about to die.
Let's examine three aspects of this Seventh Word.
First, Jesus speaks to God in intimacy. (Jesus) knows His Father is present with Him -- now present to receive His Spirit.
Second, Jesus entrusts Himself to His Father. In Psalm 31:5, the word "commit" means to entrust to someone for safe keeping. As He lets go of this life, Jesus trusts His eternal destiny to the Father's everlasting arms.
Finally, Jesus speaks of surrender. He gives up His human life to His Father. The word "spirit" means the personal Spirit of Jesus, part of His human personality.
As a devout Jew, He had prayed these words as a part of an evening prayer all His life. Now at the end of His life He prays them one last time -- and lets go of human life." - Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit, Jesus Walk Bible Series.
This Scripture is connected to a Psalm that David wrote, "Into your hand I commit my spirit: you have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth." (Psalm 31:5)
"The tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open." - GodQuestions.org
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;" (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kianyaga, Kenya: Mugo writes that in March he preached at Kiriani, Muthambi, and Muchatha, all in Chuka County. He also ministered in Nairobi and in Machakos County. He thanks us for our support. He writes that Kenya is facing difficult times. The political opposition is holding demonstrations on Mondays and Thursdays, every week. There is chaos in Nairobi and other cities. He is asking for our prayers.
Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa, Congo: Head Representative Mussingilwa Kamimbi wrote that the Board of Directors of C.A.D.A.F. was to have met in Uvira, Congo, March 25 to 28, 2023. However, only twelve of the twenty-four Directors arrived. So a quorum was not met. Ninety-four of the 180 delegates arrived for the General Assembly. But because the quorum of the Directors was not met, the General Assembly could not be convened. So the Board of Directors meeting has been postponed until July 23 to 25, and the General Assembly will meet on July 27 to 29, 2023.
Assemblies of God Bible College, Bukavu: Acting Director, Bobilya Kandolo is doing well in assuming the responsibilities as acting director. Kabwe Mukambilwa has been chosen as acting secretary. All of the Bible school students are interning in local churches in Bukavu. They are also ministering in the chapel and prayer services. There were thirty-two students at the end of the Second Trimester 2022-23.
Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi: Director Mulanda K. Gabriel has sent a very good report for the end of the Second Trimester 2022-23. All of the students are interning in local churches of Fizi, and in chapel and prayer services. They are also evangelizing in the market, with people receiving Jesus as their Savior. Thirteen students finished the Second Trimester 2022-23. Also, Mulanda reported that nineteen churches in Fizi met together to pray for revival!
Other Ministries in the Congo: Bukavu; Christine Endani Samamba, and Njabuka Namwira Polinne, are both widows of pastors, and Namugunga Kabunga, is a retired pastor of the largest church in Bukavu.
Kalemie; Lulika Kileme is a pastor, and Asende Luhangya is a church officer. All are thankful for the monthly support they receive.
Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, International Bible College, Kalemie, Congo: Stephanie writes, that Pastor Lulika Kileme was in Burundi for medical treatment. When he returned home, he was so happy for the support he received. The monthly support for the I.B.C. is an enormous help and truly makes a difference. The $150.00 is received with gratitude and joy! My soybean stock is running low, so it will help buy more. I will be taking some of the youth from the church to minister in the “Minor Quarter” of the prison. We have gone several times, and the forty-five or so young boys are always excited to receive their youth. She writes, Thank you for all the assistance you have sent.
Ruth Scott Kellie, Nanyuki, Kenya: Ruth writes, Thank you for the funds. They will be very useful. Ruth is waiting to hear about eye surgery. Patience is a virtue here. Pastor Samwel Chibini writes that he will use our support to buy food for the young pastors’ children. More families are struggling just to get food. Samwel thanks us for the support.
Samwel Ratanga, Pentecostal Free Church, Migori, Kenya: Ratanga sends greetings from him and his wife. They are making bricks for the Nyamaraga church. He has finished the plastering inside of his new house. .
Chris Franz, Christ Is The Answer Ministries, Lake Mary, Florida: Chris writes that in a crusade in Doyogena, Ethiopia, nothing seemed to be working. Although it was the dry season, it rained just when he began to preach. Five thousand people ran out of the stadium. Chris remembered a promise in Proverbs 6:31 that if a thief is caught, he must repay sevenfold! So Chris demanded a seven-fold harvest! In the next two days, 75,00 people rededicated or made first-time decisions for Christ! CITA thanks us for our support.
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
Open Word Ministries:
P.O. Box 625, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6V5
P.O. Box 5001, Springfield, Missouri, U.S.A. 65801
