Dan Cotton, Panama
We received a hand-written note as well as three page update (including color photos) of Dan and Jess Cotton. As has been mentioned previously the Mission Commission decided in September to financially support their mission. In quoting from Jess’ note she says, “The day we received word from the Cottons (Dave and Joanne) that Manasquan Pres was donating a gift to us, we were praying and asking the Lord to provide for us financially. All day long the Lord kept calling us to pray and trust Him.” Both Dan and Jess continue to work on their long term vision to win people and communities for Christ through community development that is supported by short term mission groups. Maybe members of our church will make a short-term mission trip to Panama in the years to come? Something to think about……… It is impossible to do justice to their detailed letter or color photos so please get online to their ministry website and check out their mission work in Panama.
In virtually all letters, emails and notes received from our supported missions/missionaries both locally and throughout the world we read of God’s love and faithfulness.
Mrs. Gladys Mbizi, University of Livingstonia, Malawi
The Mission Commission recently received a note from Gladys who is to begin her final year the University of Livingstonia, starting August 31st. Gladys ‘thanked’ the congregation for… “rendering such kind of help to me. I and my family also pray that God should continue blessing you and give you a long life.”
Jose Reyna, Chihuahua, Mexico
They continue working with two orphanages. A major need is nutritious food. Recently, Jose secured an American company that manufactures nutrition bars to produce one specifically for the needs of the kids in the orphanages; high concentration of vitamins and minerals. These bars should be produced and delivered within the next 2-3 months. Praise God! Jose is teaching an evangelism class at church and he asks our prayers that God guide him in order for his twenty students to be impacted by his teaching. Jose also asks us to pray that God continues to protect him and his family and that their financial support continues as this past month their income decreased due to the economic situation around the world.
Tim Fearer, Istanbul, Turkey
Following are excerpts from an e-mail received from our missionary Tim Ferrar in Turkey.
- Developing leaders is increasingly the sole focus of my ministry. I was in Antalya teaching. The church leaders and I gathered and studied biblical texts, drawing out lessons for life and ministry together as leaders. I’m with our own church leaders in Istanbul every week. They want me to mentor them, and that’s why you sent me here. Thank you!
- I am getting ready now to teach an Introduction to Old Testament course here in Istanbul.
- I will be lecturing on November 24, on two topics: Christianity under the Ottoman Turks and Religion in Modern Turkey to professors and students from Westmont College (my alma mater).
- I will likely start a study group for a local pastor (and others?) to strengthen his Bible study methods and help him prepare his sermons.
- The Turkish church which I am a member of, and now an elder, is considering a merger with an Anglican Church here. We will be worshipping together every Lord’ Day until Christmas, doing ministry and going on a retreat.
- I have joined a governing board of a Turkish led ministry seeking to visit and support struggling congregations and their pastors - often in more remote areas.
THINGS TO PRAY FOR:
- Old Testament course preparation
- Westmont College Lectures
- The Hasat Leadership Team as it continues to review and redesign its current curriculum
- December ministry trip to Antalya
- My preaching and mentoring ministry, plus our merging with the Anglican Church of the Resurrection
- As always, my Turkish
- Some loneliness
God has been so very good to me. This assignment is not always that easy, but it is so rich. I often say to myself, “I get to live here and do what I love to do.” I’ve never felt more settled since arriving five years ago.
Together with you for Him,
Tim
