ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: The school renovation project keeps going strong, and the end feels like it is in sight, though little things keep popping up. We have had some Ecuadorians become interested in the project and want to help a bit financially which is encouraging as most of our help has always come from out of country. Some opportunities for possible Bible studies have arisen which is always exciting. PRAY: For continued strength and wisdom for Raúl as he is part of making decisions with the Fresh Start renovation project at the school. That these possible studies would become a reality. That Tiago would be growing healthy and strong.
Phil & Andrea - September 2021
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: That Cara had a good end to her semester. For wisdom provided for Phil & colleagues through the budget process for next year. For continued ability to connect via Zoom with colleagues around the world. PRAY: For Liam starting his last year of university, some in class, some online. For Cara starting her co-op job as a student therapist in London ON. That we will have wisdom as we make decisions about possible international travel. For a new family who arrived in the Middle East this week to start their Arabic language learning.
Charlotte Martin - Power to Change
Wallenstein, every year before another school year starts, my team meets for what we call a global missions huddle. So for the next three days (Aug 25, 26, 27) we will be doing a virtual huddle to re-group and get organized for the year ahead. Please pray for us as we meet.
Pray for wisdom for me as I lead my team through discussions about "The Way Forward in Global Missions" and "How to Run Mission Trips in 2022".
Pray for clarity to come as we have these discussions and unity as we make decisions.
Pray that over the next year that we could mobilize students to care about what God is doing around the world.
Pray that we would have fun as we meet together. We've also got some activities planned to help us laugh together, enjoy each other, and learn more about each other.
Wallenstein, thanks for standing with us in prayer. Below is a picture of the global missions team that will be meeting.
Russ & Meredith Martin - family update
Back to School Because of Your Prayers
Just two months ago, we were apprehensive as to whether Heath (5) would be healthy enough to start school. At one point he woke up 9 times in a night, his skin and face were itchy and flaky all over. He was in a lot of discomfort and family life was challenging.
Because of your prayers, today, Heath completed his first day of school without issue. He bragged about being the one to tell jokes in class today. He's the strongest he's been in a year. He's sleeping better. His skin is much less itchy. He's energized and passionately contributes to family life. He even had a 20 day streak of going swimming. In a lot of ways, he's a totally different boy than just a few months ago. While we know we aren't through everything yet, things are way better and we praise God for that.
Unfortunately, after receiving her second COVID vaccination (Pfizer), Meredith had a substantial skin rash that has been causing her a lot of discomfort, irritation and stress. Please pray for her healing and restoration.
We recently recorded a 7-minute family and ministry update video for our friends at Lakeside Church in Haliburton, ON. Russ also shared a sermon on how to respond when life is hard based on some of his challenges in the last season.
WBC Friends, thank you for your continued partnership in leading the next generation of digital missions.
Russ & Meredith Martin
Digital Missionaries Bring the Gospel to the Himalayas
Bhutan is a rugged, mountainous, kingdom tucked between China and India in the Himalayas. Geographically and politically it is difficult to access. There are very few indigenous believers or churches. It ranks as one of the places most in need of the gospel and it is nearly impossible to send missionaries there.
However, digital knows no borders and our team was recently invited to help facilitate a digital outreach. Through a partnership with a local church in Singapore that has connections to Bhutan our team was able to remotely train 22 Bhutanese Christian students on being digital missionaries.
We helped the Bhutanese students share gospel videos on social media to 137 friends. Because of this step of faith over 34 spiritual conversations happened in just one hour! On the ground in Bhutan, there was heavy rain, an erratic network and many other challenges. Yet, the gospel went forward. Many of the responses were positive and encouraging, some wanting to get to know Jesus, others rethinking about their lives, etc. The students of this country are truly ready to be digital missionaries.
WBC, thank you for your continued partnership in leading the next generation of digital missions.
Photo above:
Traditional Bhutanese prayer flags
Photos below:
1. Ice Skating
2. Celebrating Canada Day
3. Flying a kite at Marina Barrage
