May 2023 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for your faithful support of this missionary Bible teaching ministry.
The Feast of Pentecost Is Celebrated Fifty Days after Passover. This Year That Would Make It On Wednesday, May 24. That Would Make Sunday, May 28 Pentecost Sunday:
"He that believes on me, as the scriptures have said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7:38-39)
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:" (John 16:7,8)
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)
"but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. ... But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:5,8)
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18)
First of all, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the same Person Who saved us from our sins, commanded us to be baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew that we would need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome our own sinful nature. (Romans 7 & 8) He knew we would need the gifts of the Spirit to be able to witness and be used by God to bless others with healing and deliverance (1 Corinthians 12 & 14). Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, there would not be those ministers who are called into the ministry (Ephesians 4:11). We need the enabling of the Holy Spirit to become mature in Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13). Amazingly, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that will raise us from the dead in the resurrection! (Romans 8:11)
Consider that the Church began on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, Peter stood and said, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pout out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy." (Acts 2:16-18) Further, the apostle Paul wrote, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one boy, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
The baptism of the Holy Spirit with the gifts of the Spirit was restored to the Church in the Pentecostal Revival in the early 1900's. The gifts of healing and deliverance came to us in the Latter Rain Revival in 1948-50's. (These were the same years that Israel became a nation (1948), and when Billy Graham began his ministry. In the Charismatic Renewal of the 1970's the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, and worship in the Spirit were restored to the evangelical churches, and even among the Catholics.
Paul encouraged Timothy, "Wherefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands." (1 Timothy 1:6) And, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30) May we preach again the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts and callings of the Spirit, and the overcoming life of the Spirit which brings us to maturity.
Joseph Mugo, Omega Pentecostal Churches, Kianyaga, Kenya: Mugo reports that he held a church leaders’ seminar at the Coast. Praise God that the people were thirsty for the Word of God. He also ministered in Nairobi, Machakos, Kirinyaga, and Laikipia Counties. The Omega churches are doing well. Mugo asks us to pray about the bad publicity of a Pentecostal church on the Coast that was preaching that members should fast until they die so that they could go to meet the Lord. More than 100 have died. The Kenyan government is furious. Mugo thanks us for support.
Community of the Assemblies of God in Africa, Congo: Assemblies of God Bible College, Bukavu: Acting Director, Bobilya Kandolo reports that there are thirty-two students in the Third Trimester 2022-23
Kalembelembe Bible Institute, Fizi: Director Mulanda K. Gabriel reports that there are ten students in the Third Trimester 2022-23. They appreciate the support that is being sent to support teachers and staff.
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 support.
Ralph and Shirley Hagemeier, and Stephanie, Bible Outreach Ministries, International Bible College, Kalemie, Congo: Stephanie writes, In the interest of further equipping our Bible School students, we began offering a simple course in computers. The students are really excited. Some of the youth wanted to go with me to the prison service. Eight of them went and we had a glorious time with them. Three more died yesterday in the prison. With almost 1,000 inmates in a prison built for 200, things are hot and stuffy. Let us remember them in prayer. We thank God for the opportunity to show the love of our Savior to them
Ruth Scott Kellie, Nanyuki, Kenya: Ruth used our support to help buy a new cell phone. She saw the eye specialist, and received a new pair of glasses. Pastor Samwel Chibini is thankful for the support. We are facing a hard time to get food and medication. Myself, I have been sick with malaria for two weeks.
Samwel Ratanga, Pentecostal Free Church, Migori, Kenya: Samwel Ratanga was promoted to Glory on May 4, 2023. His demise is a big loss to the entire Pentecostal Free Church. He has constructed several church buildings. Please pray for a peaceful transition of church leadership without wrangles. Pray for his wife, and their children and grand children. Funds are being sent to help with his funeral expenses. In about 1976, Charles Willner wrote the constitution and helped to register the P.F.C. with the Kenyan government.
Masangu Lwanyeke, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lubumbashi, Congo: Masangu reports that he had a good seminar teaching about the Passover. He asks for prayer for the churches in Lubumbashi.
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
