Philippine Evangelical Friends International Ministries – PEFIM

Our PEFIM BOE together with myself and Sonia arrived here last Friday to visit and lead an overnight Youth Camp in Danao II. It was attended by 42 youth from our churches here in Calbayog and a guest church.

We had Spirit-filled worship in the evening and powerful preaching of his word. Sister Marie led some games in the mornings and the following day I once again preached a message from the life of our Lord Jesus Christ from a passage in Luke chapter four.

At the end of the event, we distributed dental kits and school supplies for children and students ranging from elementary to college. One hundred children and youth received these blessings!

On Sunday our team was privileged to participate in three different worship services from our churches here in Samar.

Sister Betty joined Marcatubig Evangelical Friends Church with Pastor Joseph, Pastor Memma. Sister Marie joined with San Joaquin Evangelical Friends Church with Pastor Esmer and Pastor Cris. Sister Sonia and Brother Jeff joined with Higher Ground Evangelical Friends Church in Danao II with Elder Dioscoro.

We praise and thank God for the favorable weather and plentiful food during our stay in these different churches. We were exceedingly blessed with our fellowship with our brethren as we study God’s word together and sing songs to him. God is doing great things in these churches that we visited.

The passion of our brethren in serving the Lord is truly inspiring. They faced many challenges during the two years of strict lockdown but their faith in our Lord Jesus persevered.

They still face many challenges even today owing to the economic downturn as a result of the pandemic.  Together we learned to depend on the Lord alone and to trust him even more in the face of difficulties and challenges.

Thank you very much for your continued prayers and partnership with us. We appreciate very much your prayers and partnership with us in the work of the Lord here in Samar! Our good Lord bless you as well as much as he has blessed us in this mission trip!

Our good Lord bless you, your family and ministry!

In Christ’s love and service,

Rev. Crisanto Dela Cruz

Download this month’s prayer letter here…

The post October 2022 Prayer Letter first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

I am currently in California, enjoying time with family while also visiting supporting churches and friends. Today I had the privilege of speaking to the third-grade classes at our local Friends school during their “missions” week. We talked about what it is like to live in Ireland, the size of “giant domestic spiders” (that is a real thing), why Irish names are hard for us to pronounce, and that being a missionary is mostly about loving people because Jesus loves us.

In the next weeks I will be in California, speaking to churches and small groups. In November I will travel to Ohio for EFM Board meetings, and the chance to meet some new people as well.

Currently, I am at 82% of the recurring gifts necessary to meet ongoing monthly needs. I’m hoping to return to Ireland in early January. This is dependent upon my support level being at 100%. I am so thankful for the positive responses I have had so far. It is very encouraging to me.

The post Kathi Perry Deputation Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

I’m writing to you from a guest house in Wichita, Kansas. I arrived in the U.S. on September 8th. I was able to spend a few days seeing my family (after two years!) and arrived in Kansas on the 19th.

These past months have been something of a whirlwind as I have prepared to leave Ireland for an extended time – it is all the things you can imagine that entails, and a few more. I am thankful that the details worked out for someone to stay in my house and pay some of the expenses. I am thankful for a loving send off from the people there.

And I am thankful for a loving welcome here, too.

The post Kathi Perry 2021 Deputation Announcement first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

Gospel Preached, Demons Cast Out, Souls Saved

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers and your support. We truly appreciate it with all of our hearts.

In one of our areas, our pastors had been going to a brand-new village and preaching the gospel for months. Now they thought it was time for them to give a chance for the Hindus to accept Christ.

After they preached the gospel again, they started praying. While they were praying the Spirit of the living God started descending among the people and everyone could feel his presence. The fire of God descended. This caused the two women who were possessed with demons to manifest and cry out loud.

When the villagers heard this, huge crowds of Hindus from the village started piling to hear what was happening. Our pastors started casting out the demons from the two women. The demons convulsed the two women; they were cast out, and the women fell to the floor as you can see in the picture at the bottom right.

Then our pastors gave the invitation for people to accept Christ. Five Hindus who had been hearing the gospel for months gave their lives and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. A new church plant has started in that village.

Then an amazing thing happened. One after another the Hindus who saw the power of God started inviting our pastors to come to their homes and pray for the sick. They went from house to house proclaiming the gospel and praying for the sick. They said it was just amazing what the Lord’s power was doing.

Please be praying for our evangelistic meeting during the Hindus’ biggest festival October 15-16. Pray that the Lord will grant us a big harvest of souls.

Blessings,

B. and D. A.

Click here to download full prayer letter…

The post October 2021 Prayer Letter first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

The president of Evangelical Friends Church-Nepal (EFC-N), Amen Thapa, sent us this update to share with you. This is the yearly meeting that John and Sangi Vanlal started just over 25 years ago along with Amen and several other leaders. There are approximately 40 churches in this yearly meeting and they are located in many different areas of Nepal.

• One of our Friends churches in Nuwakot had to be used as a quarantine center. Our pastor and leaders have to take care of them, providing health and hygiene materials for those staying in our church.
• Another challenge we are facing: If anybody gets sick it is risky to go to hospital. Many of us were and are sick but we are taking pain killers and taking some common medicine from pharmacies and just staying home.
• The ministry continues in these ways: worship services, prayer fellowship, youth ministry via Zoom, Messenger, and Facebook live. Our Bible training is also going well via Zoom and other social media. We are conducting combined worship throughout Nepal as well as pastors and leaders seminars and combined youth fellowship once a week. I am busier than normal.

Doing all these things, we are blessed, and many non-Christians are receiving the gospel. There are many who are ready to give public testimony of their faith through water baptism.

If you would like to receive on a regular basis prayer requests and praises for how God is working I encourage you to sign up for EFM’s monthly prayer letter. You can do that by clicking on the button below.

Also, EFM is still receiving donations to our emergency fund for COVID-19 related relief efforts. If you would like to contribute at this time you can do so by clicking here or using the button below.

The post COVID Pandemic Testimony from Nepal first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

Greetings from Kolkata, India. I praise God for all his blessings during the time of COVID-19. When the whole world is suffering, we are also suffering. Thank God that he did not allow much suffering towards us.

Choity and I suffered from a viral fever and it was very painful for us. By the grace of God we are okay now. Our Pastor, Profulla Hembram, and his wife also suffered for a little time. Thankfully, none of us had Coronavirus. I have started working in the office and surrounding areas again and our church started back in July. People are attending the service, but those who live a far distance are not able to attend.

Our lockdown started in the month of April and is still going on. There is a little relaxation now, but still some days we are totally locked down. The government decides those days.

During this time, we have had many Zoom meetings and prayer meetings with our staff. It has been a good time for us.

Distribution During COVID-19

There are many people working in the factories that have lost their jobs. Many companies and workshops are closed and workers have become jobless. Many people come to Kolkata to work in different houses or to sell vegetables. Due to the virus, the trains and buses have stopped running and these people have no way to come to Kolkata. They did not have any food for their children and family members. By the grace of God, we could help many families. We extended our distribution to Gosaba, Shyamnagar, Nazatt, and Kolkata. We gave them rice, lintels, oil, salt, etc.

BulBul

There was a cyclone in the month of March. Many people in the coastal area lost their homes. Three of our villages (Gosaba, Bali, and Nazatt) were affected very much. Our churches also got heavy damage. Thanks to God that EFM came forward and helped us rebuild these homes. We distributed asbestos and bamboos to the people in our church area so that they may rebuild their houses. They did it. Thank God and thanks to EFM for the help.

Cyclone Amphan

There was a great cyclone in West Bengal named Amphan. Many houses were destroyed. Especially in the coastal areas and in Kolkata. Even the rooftop prayer hall of my house was blown away. Thank God that Dan Cammack, EFM Director, came forward and agreed to help the poor people. We helped 56 families rebuild their homes. Thanks to Dan Cammack and EFM!

COVID-19

Many people have died; many are still suffering. Many people have lost their jobs and they do not know what they will do in order to collect food for their families. There are many poor people in the area where our churches are. We have given them food and other things during this situation. We helped the people in Gosaba, Hooghly, Shyamnagar, Nazatt, Murshidabad, and Kolkata. Our churches now have a very good reputation and love from the local people and from the authorities. The people, especially Muslim people, who were against us are now favoring us. The road for the gospel has become easy. Below are pictures of rice distribution and the van used to take the materials.

Staff Meeting

After six months, we had our staff meeting on 25th August. The staff was very happy to be in Kolkata and join the meeting. Though we had Zoom meetings frequently, it was wonderful to be face to face.

I presented a short devotion on “lockdown” and used the verses from Genesis chapter 5-7. I described how the lockdown was a blessing for Noah. The staff was very happy and encouraged to get a new insight on this.

Then, the staff started describing how the Lord was working during this time. The outcome was very good. Together, around 200 new people came to attend our services and 22 of them are ready to make a public testimony of water baptism. Five new house churches were also established and one new worker was appointed. Praise the Lord for his blessings!

We spent a long time in praise and thanksgiving for the blessings of the Lord. Pastors Satadal and Subhankar led the prayer time. It was so blessed that all of us felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Then we had the fellowship lunch and after the staff departed for their own places.

Yours in Christ,

D. K. Sarkar

West Bengal, India

The post October 2020 Sarkar Newsletter first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

The post COVID-19 Testimonio Pandémico de Ucrania first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

September 2020 Bangladesh Newsletter

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17

Yes, his plan for our lives is very precious. Everyone is valuable to him. We visited house to house for the last two months and saw how God cares for them. When we trust the Lord and allow him to work in our lives according to his will, miracles happen. He enjoys blessing us.

Dream Come True: Our elder son, Steve, dreamed to study at Barclay College in Haviland, Kansas when he first visited there in 2013. He loves music and computers. He also loves to worship the Lord. His dream came true in 2020. It was not so easy, but miraculous. God did everything on time. He provided the right people in the right place to complete each task. I bought a domestic flight ticket for the wrong date, but God corrected that mistake on time. It proves that he cares for us. God has provided generous and kind people to help Steve financially as well as emotionally. God has provided families who are taking care of him and giving family fellowship so that he does not feel homesick. Praise the Lord.

Physical and Spiritual Food Distribution: One of my desires is to give everyone a Bible. God is good. We were able to give every family a Bible while distributing emergency food to our flood victims. We shared one-month food to some very needy families last month. Our believers also shared food to others from their portion. Her name is Anjana. She is a non-Christian. She sells her labor daily. Her husband is sick and can do no work. They have four children. She had no work for some days. As a result, she had no food at all to feed his children. She expressed her joy and gratitude to our evangelist Depali Falia. She could not stop her tears and said that if the church did not provide food, they must starve. Thank you so much for your love and generosity that makes us able to distribute food to many.

New Church Building Construction: We are so grateful to the Lord for another new church building in North Bengal by local money. This would be a great blessing for believers to worship together as well as other church activities. A church member has given this land to build the church building.

Church Planting: Nothing can stop the kingdom work. Four new daughter churches have been planted by our lay leaders and disciples. They faced many oppositions while giving public testimony of baptism, but God protected them. Praise the Lord.

House Packed with Believers: Mafuza, one of our evangelists, offered her house for weekly fellowship from the day she became a believer. Now her house is packed with believers every week. It became very hard for her to give seats to them. She has already planted five churches. Praise the Lord.

Please Pray…

• One of our former pastors, Sawpon Roy, had a motorcycle accident a month ago. He is diabetic and in the hospital. The doctor found an infection in his left leg. Please ask God for his quick healing.
• As I am starting a new discipleship group of ten, pray that God would equip them to be his witnesses.
• For those four new church members so that they can grow in faith and plant new churches.
• Many have lost their jobs and daily income. Pray that they would be able to find new ones.

Thank you so much for your faithful prayer and financial support. We value and honor your partnership for kingdom work. Your giving will not go in vain. May the Lord bless you.

Under his mercy,

A. and M. A.

Click Here to Download Full Prayer Letter…

The post October 2020 Prayer Letter first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Creation is a central and foundational belief for both Christians and Muslims. These two verses speak directly to God as the Creator and His Word which was there at the beginning and spoken for the benefit of humanity, both physically and spiritually. It is a common ground area that speaks to both Christians and Muslims. It is a belief that brings up the question: Why God created human beings?

Our ministry at Purok Uno in Silangan Philippines has started a new study with our children, both Christians and Muslims, and the above verses bring together a belief that all the children know: God is the Creator.

So how does this work out in an ESL class? Not long ago I discovered a paper-based microscope called Foldscope. They were designed by two Professors at Stanford University, who were looking for a way to teach science to students in countries that couldn’t afford a regular microscope. As we were praying the idea of using the foldscope to teach English was brought up. As we continued to pray and seek how this would work, the Holy Spirit showed us Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. Thus our theme and teaching in English and science is “Understanding God’s Creation through the Microscope.” (Big Shout-Out to Dwight Kimberly (Reedwood Friends) for being a Man of God and Scientist in our lives)

It has been a big hit with the children and the community. The children had to build the Foldscope thus utilizing all their learning skills from both the teacher (me) and video segments. And as we progress in this project the children have to answer questions about what they are seeing and learning about God’s creation. Of course, we sing songs, play games, and have snacks. Yes, they are also using the basic scientific method of observation and testing.

It is amazing to watch them absorb the material and lessons. We are planning a semester end gathering on Oct. 19^th. The children/youth and some parents from Purok Uno and Silangan Evangelical Friends Church will have a swim party and lunch. It will be a time to just gather, get to know one another better, have lunch, and FUN!

• Please pray for more parent contact of our students.
• Please pray they will understand the nature of God as the Creator.
• Please pray for more open doors of ministry to this community.

To the right is an updated picture of the church building in Tagnipa Evangelical Friends Church, Palawan.

Your fellow servants in Christ,

Roy and Jinky Twaddell

Read more…

The post October 2019 Prayer Letter first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.

Thank you for your Praying for us in the work of the Lord.

September and October were busy month with storms, FEAST, ESL classes and travel. But we were also confronted with the everyday realities of life, immigration paperwork, vehicle licensing, and doctor’s appointments. Through it all, Christ was there along with your prayers. Thank You!

Roy’s traveled to Samar to be with Ptr Chito and the Malvar church went well. We were able to help with some Sunday School teacher training and materials and get Ptr Chito setup in the FEAST Distance Learning program. They are all eagerly applying what they are learning with the church there.

Our First Official Semester of FEAST is coming to a close. What an exciting time to be with such wonderful students of all ages. Their commitment to come to class, study and absorb the Word of God powerful. The students have surprised me with their Testimonies and their papers outlining a book of the Old Testament. We started with 12 students and have finished strong with 9 completing the courses. All 9 have signed up for the next semester.

Please Pray for Ptr Cris, Ptra Hildegarde and myself as we prepare for the next semester. We are having our next meeting to discuss what worked and didn’t work as well as other logistical and practical issues. We have moved our library into its new location, we are praying for more good Christian books in all areas.

Our outreach to Purok Uno with the ESL classes is also finishing the Semester. We have had a great group of 14 Children who have stayed the course and not even missed a class. God has provided us with a great team from Silangan Friends Church and a wonderful host from the community who lets us use his house for a classroom. Please Pray for Sis Cherry, Brother Alan and myself as we plan for the next semester.

Jinky is moving forward with the sewing machine livelihood project. She has now completed the purchase of three more machines and planning with our Church in Taguig. One of the leaders of this project is also a student in FEAST. She plans to finish the project this month by purchasing one more sewing machine for the Women’s project in Silangan Friends Church. All of the projects are planned with the Friends Women of each church to employ members in the church. We have provided business planning and stewardship training for each group. Each group has specific plans designed to market and sell their products. Two groups will manufacture floor type throw carpets and hand towels and one group is manufacturing various types of handbags.

Jinky is also preparing for the last dental outreach for the year at Friends Lighthouse Evangelical Church in Antipolo. This is done just before Christmas and is always a big event in the community.

Please pray for Jinky and the Women from all our Friends Church as they move forward in these works of love and ministry.

Shortly after returning we had a Typhoon, which caused huge damage up north but spared most of the country. So far we have not had much of a Typhoon season this year.

Roy has to renew is immigration status one last time in Nov. Please pray for favor and not too many issues in this process. Because we changed addresses he had to get a local certificate of residency, adding to the pile of paperwork needed. Once this is all completed Roy we retain his permanent residency.

Please also pray with us as the year winds down. We have several year reports and planning meetings that will take of our schedules. Please also pray as we finalize our EFM budget for the next year.

In Christ’s Service Together

Roy and Jinky

The post Twaddell October 2018 News Update first appeared on FRIENDSMISSION.COM.