BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE/PRAY: We praise God for safe travel and good connections with the SIM South Africa Team. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would allow what Phil shared from Scripture to bear fruit in the hearts of those present. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to visit a variety of ministries in South Africa and to learn more about SIM’s work there. Please pray that our time there would have been an encouragement and that we can share with others in SIM and beyond the things we have learned. We are looking forward to meeting our first grandchild, due in 2 weeks (July 24). Please pray for Mackenzie’s continued health and stamina in these final weeks of pregnancy. Please pray for Liam and Merideth as they prepare for marriage (August 24th) and for Cara as she prepares for her Masters.
Gord & Heather Martin - July 2024
PRAISE/PRAY: On Monday the 15th our good friend MG will be returning to Asia to do ministry till Aug 26th. He is having a very fruitful ministry in Toronto. Ministry in that country can be dangerous. Pray for his safety and effectiveness. He became a believer in Waterloo in the mid nineties. Indy is still not well. He spent most of June in Winnipeg hospital. We are praying for his recovery and restoration to service. The Persian church in Ottawa is coming along quite nicely. For this we praise God.
Esther Frey - July 2024
PRAISE: My eye specialist is thankful for the dry stage in both of my eyes. 18 children attended DVBS. The seed has been sown. 15 attended the retreat. Had a nice time sharing with our teenagers. Over 50 attended the moment when Brian took responsibility as the new director for the Emmauis courses. We had 10 testimonies.
PRAY: For time spent in Ontario. My pastor and family will visit during my time there. Also looking forward to seeing family from Spain. Remember Brian as he works out all the logistics of the new responsibilities. He already has a new database program working. He will also be teaching for another year. He will be moving from my house the beginning of August.
Russ & Meredith Martin - Singapore
Six Highlights of 2024
WBC Friends, your partnership is enabling us to serve leaders all around the world through our work with Indigitous and the Lausanne Movement. Here are six ministry and family highlights from the first six months of 2024.
1. Russ speaks to Christians in Web3
Russ was asked to give a plenary address at the Christians in Web3 first global conference. His topic was "Redeeming the present and innovating with the change." (Here's the 20-minute talk.)
2. Calling the global church to declare and display Christ together
Meredith is guiding the creative direction for the Lausanne Movement's Fourth Congress in Korea. There's a lot to ideate on and a lot to create together with a global team.
3. Indigitous catalyzes Hallowed Code
Russ' team helped gather 60 technology and ministry leaders in South Asia for a special event seeking to re-engergize bringing the gospel to new people, place and spaces using digital strategies on the sub-continent. We were thrilled that the most common feedback was people asking, "What's next after this?" Participation in our global hackathon and follow-up events are now being planned.
4. Wyatt's Scholarship
While exploring academic options for Wyatt, a friend sent us a scholarship opportunity. Wyatt felt the Holy Spirit’s guidance during his interview with the Headmaster. He prayerfully navigated the waiting process, with his Grandpa encouraging him by email.
Wyatt was excited to be offered the scholarship but disappointed that the costs were still high, so we turned it down. Homeschooling seemed our best option. Two weeks later, the school called back with an increased scholarship, which we accepted. God's provision and confirmation were evident, teaching Wyatt that God is the source of knowledge, provisions, and opportunities. Blessed be His name.
5. Jet-lag the Game
We've been relaxing and laughing together while watching Jet-Lag the Game. We like the unique self-filming style, travel, logistics, strategies, and fun challenges the teams face. Inspired by this, Wyatt created a scaled-down version of the game for us to play with our family.
6. Meredith and Gwen’s skin healing
A few months ago, we traveled to a cooler place and noticed our itchy skin cleared up. Back in Singapore, Meredith prayed, "God, it doesn't make sense to live here if it means Gwen and I suffer. But you can heal us if you will.”
We got dehumidifiers, which brought unexpected blessings. One night, Meredith noticed how healthy her hands looked, and the Holy Spirit reminded her of her prayer and how good both of their skin looked. This confirmation came during a crucial week of deciding our plans for the year, assuring us we were meant to stay in Singapore longer.
WBC Friends, your partnership enabling us to carry out this ministry is so meaningful. Thank you for the part you play in leading the next generation of missions in a digital age.
Bonus - A few snapshots from the last month:
1. Welcome to our apartment buildling in Little India, Singapore.
2. Make your own Onigiri night with our community group.
3. Fun Sunday afternoon at the mall with Gwen's 'long-time' Singaporean friend
Ray & Carol Jones - July 2024
Praise: We continue on by the Lord's grace and enjoying all the various opportunities to serve Him. We are very thankful for the saints at WBC and enjoy praying together under Paul's direction on Wednesday evenings. All the kids camps are full with waiting list at Guelph. We are optimistic for the a good summer of blessing.
Pray: Please pray for all the camps, that the Lord will lead, guide, bless and provide. Both Carol and I have some health concerns at present. Mine is more recent but Carol's is the same that she has been dealing with for years. Now she is being told that they can't help. 'Our times, as always, are in His hand...'
Our warmest love and thanks for all you prayer and support.
Ray and Carol