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APRIL 2002

Confidently Looking Forward By Faith!

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Many thanks to those who have responded to this Specific Need.  Of the $25,000 needed, $9,900 has been firmly designated towards this project. We are continuing to raise monies for this need throughout the month of May.  If you desire to have a part, please mark your contribution "Vehicle".  If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our sending pastor, John Theisen, at Midway Baptist Church in Aubrey, Texas [940.365.9312].

I Surrender ALL!

Christopher Mathias is fruit of a mothers prayers.  He came to know the Lord about seven years ago in Dodoma, Tanzania.  I still remember years ago when I noticed a significant change in this young man.  It was obvious to me then that God's hand was upon his life.  Since that time God has relocated him to Dar es Salaam where his life has been used to stimulate the faith of those around him.  He is a gifted young leader with spiritual eyesight beyond his years.  A pure, tender heart that is bent on pleasing God in every area of his life.  A very refreshing sight as I look around at the troubled youth culture in this major city in Tanzania. In the past few months God has lifted him up in the midst of this young congregation to a position of service as a deacon.  His teaching and leading abilities continue to reveal God's special shaping of his young life.

This past Sunday he came up to me after the service to share with me that God has called him into the ministry.  He has known for some time of God's call upon his life, but upon moving to the big city and getting oriented to life here, he had lost his focus on a personal commitment he made to Him a couple of years back.  This coming Sunday he will be making his commitment public to the church.  This young man is an answer to your prayers as God continues to raise up a generation of godly leaders for this culture.

Step by Step

My heart has been tremendously encouraged as I have watched Zainabu follow the Lord.  It has been a wonderful reminder of the love and grace of God and His impact upon a life.  Since coming to the Lord in October last year, she has followed the Lord in baptism and continues to grow in her relationship with the Lord and His body.  It has not been easy, as she is facing the challenges that come with a marriage relationship with one of the Muslim faith.  Just the other day I heard her humming the tune to "I have decided to follow Jesus".  She has gone back to using a different name [Mary, or Mama Willie - mother of Willie].  Her growing faith in God is a reminder of the privilege that is ours of sharing Christ with others.  What a wonderful change He makes in our life. Bringing joy in the midst of pain.

John and Julie Kirkland