Preparing People for Christ's Return
Mission in the Heart of God
“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” (Ephesians 3:8–9)
Read the latest issue online
Click on the picture to read this issue of TCM's magazine.
Menu
Donate About Us Contact TCM Contact a Missionary Read a Publication Find a Mission Project See Prayer Requests Read Missionary Stories Become a MissionaryEvents
Countries
Brazil Cambodia East Timor Indonesia Kenya Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore South Africa Thailand Uganda United Kingdom United StatesNewsletters
Gardner Improso - Sept. 2019 Padayhag - September 2019 Julia Liles - September 2019 Indino - August 2019 Team Timor: Arsino - August 2019 Team Taiwan - August 2019 Myra Omictin - July 2019 Team Cambodia - July 2019 Bermejo - June 2019 Maraat - June 2019 Team Myanmar - May 2019 Sanders - March 2019 Robby Heath - February 2019 Kilgo - February 2019 Kenya Coast Update - Feb 2019Current Issues
News You Can Use ... for Prayer International Harvest Philippines Prayer & Praise Notes Philippines Grace Ministries Digest Springs of Living Water
One of our new TCM Board members, David Kinkead, is lending us his technological expertise by developing a new website for TCM. We hope to have it operational by the end of September. The web address will remain the same, but it will have a different look. The news items below have not been updated recently in anticipation of this change; however, all the recent prayer letters, field reports and publications are available. Scroll through the right side-bar menu to find those items. TCM does have a Facebook page with recent updates. Several of our fields have also formed Facebook groups where they post regular updates. Contact the TCM office via phone, email or Facebook message if you are interested in joining those groups.
Pastor Titus Kivilu, Director of TCM-Kenya invited Pastor Jun Cadelina, the new Executive Director of TCM-Philippines, to be the keynote speaker for the Kenya Grace Bible Churches Pastors’ Convention June 13-15. The focus of the conference will be Church Growth and Church Planting. Pastors and leaders from Uganda will also attend. Last weekend the two Directors traveled to the Coast region of Kenya for ministry. On Saturday they taught a seminar for all the former and the current students of Berean Grace School of Ministry as well as regional Pastors and church leaders. The theme focused on mentoring and successful church planting. During his visit, Pastor Cadelina will also be speaking at several churches. Pray for safe travel and inspirational teaching!
TCM-Brazil missionary, Joe Campos, shares, "This afternoon we went out into the community around Jordão church to evangelize. We had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of people. We shared the gospel with a man who chose not to trust Christ at this moment, but guaranteed me that he was going to be there tomorrow. The highlight for me was seeing Pedro, who is a 12 year old adolescent from our ministry, going up to people and just sharing the Gospel with no fear. May the Lord bring a fruitful harvest as a result of our evangelism."
The Padayhags arrived back in South Africa May 10. Dean writes: "After patiently waiting for several months, we finally received our 3-year volunteer visa for South Africa. It has been a long process due to our new Non-Profit Organization registration, backlog on SA Police clearance application and series of holidays both in South Africa and Philippines. So excited and thrilled to know what God has in store for us ahead. A lot of opportunities and challenges waiting ahead but we are grateful that the God who called us to service is faithful and His grace is more than sufficient. Thank you, dear ones, for covering us with your prayers and blessing us with your financial sacrifices. There is no way we can thank you enough. But praying the Lord will continue to reward your faith in Christ and the works of your hands. We love you all!”
TCM-Kenya Director Titus Kivilu sends this update: The building measures 135ft by 31ft and has 5 rooms (4 classes & an office). The work started immediately after the school board held the ground breaking service March 29th. We got the required approvals from the National Environment Management Authority and the National Construction Authority and then commenced the work which has continued for the last 3 weeks. All trenches have been dug to the required depth, we have set the bases and column bars and have concreted the foundation all round. Today we started laying the foundation stones and will be raised up to ground level by Wednesday. After that, we will concrete the slab for the two classes that we intend to complete. Pastor Charles and myself are overseeing the work and we can gladly report that everything is going on well so far. We thank God that we got a responsible foreman who is supervising the work very well. Please continue praying for the project as we thank God for how He has supplied for this work.
TCM-Uganda, under the leadership of Pastor Philip Walendo, has planted a new church. Land has been purchased for Gwase Church and is now fully owned by TCM. Services have begun. Pastor Walendo writes, "We shall continue praising God for this great blessing for us in Uganda. Glory to Jesus Christ who reigns all times."
Bob & Beth Xavier, TCM missionaries with the Grace Martial Arts ministry in Florida, were shocked to learn Friday that Beth needed triple bypass heart surgery. The surgery was done the following Monday afternoon, Feb. 18. Bob reports, "Beth's Open Heart Surgery--Absolutely No Complications. The Great Physician guided the surgeon's hand for the very best results. The prayers of saints powerfully availed in behalf of my dearly beloved Beth.Our family is forever thankful to everyone for there interceding for Beth's total and complete recovery." Pray for Bob as he juggles helping Beth through her recovering, keeping up his busy martial arts ministries, and assisting with the leadership of Palma Sola Community Church after the death of their pastor several months ago.
TCM-Uganda National Director, Pastor Philip Walendo, was on his way to his grandfather's burial when the bus he was riding was involved in a deadly accident. He described it, "Indeed it was a very terrible experience in my life. Ever since I was born this was my first time getting involved in an accident that killed five people instantly. The worst part of it was seeing people I was with during the time of entering the bus for departure being cut in pieces by the bus's broken parts. It was horrible to see it! This greatly gave me a serious lesson that salvation is not a joking walk. Jesus saves. I will preach Christ forever. I am recovering. A well-wisher who is also a serious woman of God paid for my first round of treatment and I am on medication now. The doctor recommended some tests to be done next week because I still feel serious headache and terrible chest and back pain." Please intercede for Pastor Walendo as he processes the psychological trauma of the experience as well as his physical healing and the finances to pay for further medical treatment.
The TCM Board approved Robby and Tegwen Heath's request to be re-assigned to Kenya so they could get out to the mission field without further delay. They leave for Nairobi on Sunday, February 24. Pray for them as they pack up and transition to Kenya. They will be working under TCM-Kenya National Director, Titus Kivilu, who welcomes their participation in growing and strengthening the Kenya work. Tegwen grew up in Kenya but this will be the first visit to Africa for the rest of the family. Read more in the Heath's latest newsletter here.
Things to Come Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy Board as our new Development Director. His primary role will be to represent and promote TCM in the USA. Tim’s passion in ministry is to magnify the sovereign majesty of the Lord Almighty through the bold preaching of the Word of God, a robust Biblical marriage & family life, and proactive cultural engagement among all nations worldwide. Every generation of believers in Jesus Christ needs wisdom in order to have an intelligent understanding of the times in which we live, vision to see beyond what is to what ought to be, and courage to live on mission for Christ by intentionally making a difference for such a time as this. For more about Timothy Board and his family, click here.
House of Grace at Banthii opened today with a Christmas Evangelism. There were around over 60 individuals who came for the celebration. We sang Christmas carols, short video about the meaning of Christmas, and we did explain the purpose of Jesus coming into this world. Each one received a bag as a gift. We prepared a meal more than enough for everyone who came. We are praising God for the opportunity to sow the seed of the gospel of Christ during this Christmas Season.
TCM-Kenya Director Titus K. Kivilu and his wife, Jemimah, traveled to Bungoma in Western Kenya at the invitation of Pastor Robert and Augustine to teach the Grace Message. Pastor Titus reports: My wife and I are travelling back to Thika after fruitful church planting ministry in Kabuchai in Bungoma. We praise God for the opportunity to bring the Grace Message to this beautiful place and meet with such wonderful people who received us and the Word of God wholeheartedly. We had a very blessed time of fellowship, teaching the Word of God rightly-divided, and worshiping God together. We were thrilled by the eagerness of these people to learn and receive the Grace Message. Thank you Pastor Robert and the brethren of Kabuchai. May you continue to search the scriptures daily as you continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and may the Grace Gospel reach out to the entire county of Bungoma from you.
Every Christmas TCM-Brazil North hosts special children’s outreaches through Project ABBA. Missionary Joe Campos writes: This last Friday we had our Christmas Celebration at GBC - Jardim Jordão. We had 131 kids worship our Lord and hearing the good news of the Gospel. This coming Saturday we will have our second one at the Ibura church. Please, pray that many kids will give their lives to Christ and we will be able to follow up with them.
A commissioning service, officiated by TCM-Philippines Missions Director Gerson Bermejo, was held for TCM missionaries, AARON & NOEMI ARSINO and their children, John, Jirah and Jack as they plan to depart for East Timor this week. Pray the Lord will prepare the way before them and a suitable place to live. Most of all, pray the Lord will pour forth His love into their hearts for the lost people of East Timor. This will be Noemi and the children's first time to set foot in that country, so pray for a smooth adjustment.
TCM missionary, Joe Campos reports: "Last Sunday at Grace Bible Church in Boa Viagem, Ben Anderson (TCM International Director) shared one of the most challenging and penetrating messages about not taking grace in vain. We also had the recognition ceremony for those that have successfully completed our membership class and our maturity class. We pray for these graduates to take seriously the Grace of God!" Praise the Lord with TCM missionaries Gomer & Nene Indino for a successful MCP Conference (Grace churches of South Brazil) in Terra Santa. Thank you, Lord! Four souls accepted Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior! Ben Anderson was the closing speaker at the conference. Ben is now on his way back to Singapore with a stop-over to meet with the Grace fellowship in Dubai.
Jessie Palmer Easterly, who alongside her first husband, Herbert Palmer, founded TCM, entered the presence of the Lord on Sunday, October 7 at the age of 101. She and Herbert served as missionaries in Burundi and Congo before returning to the US and incorporating TCM in 1955. Herbert died in 1961. Jessie served with TCM in Kenya at our Bible school from 1989 to around 2003. During that time she managed the Bible correspondence course program and was dorm mother to the Bible school students. She is remembered for her faithful devotion to the Lord, her hospitality with meals, her memorization of Scripture and her generosity in giving to the Lord’s work. Ben Anderson will be speaking at the ‘celebration of life service’ in Grand Junction, Colorado October 19.
Conference coordinator and host, Pastor Peter Kagwi, reports: The National Grace Conference in Mombasa-Kenya ended Sunday. We were so much blessed. More than 200 delegates were in attendance. We thank you for your prayers for this great and historical event that brought together Grace Believers from all parts of our country. Our brothers and sisters from Uganda also attended in good numbers. Many thanks to all our guest speakers: Rev. Ben and Joyce Anderson, Rev. Paul Craesmer, Bro. Steve Chwinyaai and Pastor Philip Walendo. They eloquently shared the Word of God. It is my sincere gratitude to thank all those who participated in one way or the other.
Pastor Aaron Arsino arrives in East Timor today to open a brand new TCM work! His wife and 3 children remain behind in the Philippines until he has things prepared for them to join him. Here are his specific prayer requests: travel safety, visa, finding an immediate place to stay, make contacts with people in Dili (capital city) who can help him, all the details to come together over the next 2 months so his family can join him. Aaron has already begun studying Tetun, the local language—fluency will be needed to live and thrive in the country as well as share the gospel of grace.
Congratulations to the 12 graduates of Grace Theological Center for Mission (GTCM)! They have spent the past 2 months intensively studying missions. They’ve spent 8 hours a day in classes followed by homework. The program is coordinated by Gerson & Marietta Bermejo. Ben & Joyce Anderson, Nathan Killion, James & Agape Bermejo, and Genesis Maraat have provided instruction. This past week International Director Ben Anderson interviewed each student to determine their readiness and steps to becoming TCM missionaries. Pictured are students taking the pledge to be involved in mission, whether as mobilizes or missionaries. We trust the Holy Spirit will guide each student according to His will.
Our Team Vietnam couple arrived last week and are currently staying in a guest room of the university where J will begin teaching English in August, and commence her full-time job as a nurse instructor in September. They have found a furnished apartment nearby to rent and are just waiting on funds to be transferred to secure a contract. Please keep them in your prayers as they adjust to a new country, culture, language and job. Their 2 teen-age children stayed behind in the Philippines to continue their schooling—pray peace and comfort for all family members in this separation.
TCM was privileged to participate in the Berean Bible Fellowship's 50th Anniversary conference. We congratulate the BBF on 50 years of annual conferences dedicated to the proclamation of the Grace message. TCM-South Africa missionaries, Dean and Sheba Padayhag were given opportunities to present their ministry in South Africa. TCM Office Administrator, Valerie Wynalda, promoted the TCM Teams serving in five Southeast Asia countries. The Padayhags, Valerie and Darlene Anderson also did the missionary story each day for the children's program. We are thankful for the BBF and their support of mission work!
JOEL AND LEAH SANDERS have decided to delay their missionary service, and the TCM Board has put them on leave-of-absence status for up to 3 years. The Sanders were assigned as TCM missionaries to Southeast Asia and spent the month of May there, meeting with the Kilgos to explore potential ministries. During their visit, the Sanders discerned that this is not the time for their family to make a move overseas. They have two toddlers and are expecting their third child in November. After much prayer and time in the Word, they sensed the Lord confirming the decision to wait. After attending the Southeast Asia Grace Conference in Thailand, the Sanders returned to the U.S. where Joel has accepted the pastorate at Grace Gospel Church in Linton, IN. Joel served part of his internship at that church last year. Joel and Leah are still enthusiastic about missions. Pray the Sanders will be a blessing to the Linton church, and this will be a beneficial time to gain more ministry training and experience in preparation for future missionary service.
Robby, Tegwen and Vernon Heath welcomed Vesper Joyce into their family on May 7. Praise the Lord for a smooth delivery and healthy baby! Robby’s parents are enjoying the addition of a girl after 4 grandsons. Pray for the Heaths as they continue to make plans to move to South Africa as missionaries. Vesper will need a passport before the whole family can apply for visas. They will also need some official documents from the organization they will work with in South Africa. The Heaths have been encouraged to wait until their future TCM colleagues, the Padayhags, have returned to South Africa before they travel there themselves. The extra 2 to 3 months will also give time for all the paperwork to be submitted and approved.
Eldred Sidebottom passed on to heaven April 27th. He was 93 years old. Eldred joined the Board of TCM in 1958, the year the first TCM missionaries arrived on the field. Eldred served faithfully as Director of Things to Come Mission for 28 years (1962-1990). We remember his dedication to missions, his friendliness and hospitality to all those who met him, and his love for the Lord and His Word. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 25th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cope Community Church, Cope, Colorado. Eldred is survived by his 4 children, Phyllis Studebaker, Daniel Sidebottom (former TCM missionary), Ron Sidebottom and Linda Sackett.
Pray safe travels for Joel & Leah Sanders, especially with their 2 small kids, Enoch and Naomi! Pray for good health and a profitable time of discussing ministry plans with the Kilgos, their future colleagues. They will attend the Southeast Asia Grace Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the end of May, then go to the Philippines for 2 months of intensive training at Grace Theological Center for Mission (GTCM). Sanders return to the U.S. in August to begin their deputation.
An estimated 2000 people attended the opening night of the 4-day national conference to celebrate TCM-Philippines' 60th Anniversary. The conference is taking place at the new TCM Convention Center in Lupagan where TCM missionaries, Vernon & Darlene Anderson and Joe & Pauline Watkins began ministry in 1958. TCM Directors Don Sommer, Ben Anderson and Tim Heath, along with most of our TCM missionaries, and national leaders from other TCM fields have joined our Filipino brethren to celebrate God's faithfulness.
In TCM's recent International Harvest magazine, we advertised the need for an additional vehicle that missionaries could use while traveling around the USA to share about their ministries. The magazine was still at the printer when someone called to donate this perfect, like-new car! It's a 2012 Honda CRV with only 17,000 miles on it! The Lord knows what you have need of even before you ask! Praise Him with us for this wonderful provision!
Joel & Leah Sanders were commissioned for overseas ministry with TCM during the morning worship service at Grace Church, Indianapolis. Over the past year the Sanders served an internship at this church and Grace Gospel Church in Linton, IN gaining valuable pastoral experience. Later this month the Sanders head to Southeast Asia to visit the Kilgos and plan their future ministry together. They will attend the Southeast Asia Grace Conference in Thailand in May, followed by 2 months of intensive training at Grace Theological Center for Mission (GTCM) in the Philippines. In the fall they will begin traveling around the USA to share their vision and raise support before going full-time to work alongside the Kilgos.
Survey of East Timor (Timor Leste) is underway! TCM International Director Ben Anderson and new missionary, Aaron Arsino have arrived in Dili, the capital city. Later this week they will be joined by Gomer and Nene Indino. The Indinos have served with TCM in Brazil for 25 years so have the experience as well as fluency in the Portuguese language. Portuguese is one of the national languages of East Timor. The group will gather information on this country as a new mission field for TCM. Pray for good people connections, useful information and clear leading from the Lord about the potential for ministry here.
“The Heavens shout for joy today!” writes new TCM missionary Aaron Arsino. He is in Indonesia at the invitation of Ben Anderson, teaching for a week at the TCM Bible school in Manado. “The students were able to evangelize more than 80 persons in just 2 hours doing the evangelism of presenting the gospel! Thank you everyone for supporting with all your prayers! Glory to God.” After this week, Aaron and Ben, along with TCM-Brazil missionary, Gomer Indino, will proceed to the tiny island of Timor in southern Indonesia to conduct a survey trip of the Portuguese speaking country of East Timor. TCM plans to start a work in that country this year. Aaron and his family have been assigned to pioneer that work. The Indinos are praying about joining them since they are already fluent in Portuguese from their 25 years of ministry in Brazil.
International Director Ben Anderson and his wife, Joyce, are leading a survey trip to Vietnam this week. Survey trips gather information on the spiritual demographics of the country and receptivity of the people and government to gospel outreach, estimated expenses for a missionary living there, visa requirements, suitability for singles/couples/families from varying nationalities, and local contacts. Pray health and safety for the group doing this survey. Pray the Lord will cultivate hearts for the gospel and prepare His people for sowing the Seed effectively.
Darlene Anderson, veteran TCM missionary and current TCM-USA office staff member, is back at home! She was admitted to the hospital January 12 with pneumonia in both lungs. After a week on a ventilator, and having over 1.5 liters of fluid drained from around her lungs, she began to recover. After lying in a hospital bed for 2 weeks she needed to regain physical strength so spent another week in a rehab center. She is home now and is able to get around with a walker. The day she was discharged from rehab she came straight to the TCM office to help get the News You Can Use bulletins ready for mailing! Thank you to all who prayed for her! We are in awe of God’s healing power and praise Him for restoring Darlene!
James & Agape Bermejo, Julia Liles and Myra Omictin (pictured right) invite you to rejoice with them! "The FIRST Sunday Worship Celebration of Cambodia Grace Gospel Ministries - City Central took place February 4th. We PRAISE the Lord for the new opportunity of serving Him through this new congregation. On behalf of Cambodia Grace Gospel Ministries - City Central Phnom Penh, we would like to express our heartfelt "THANK YOU" to those who participated actively in prayers and in financial/material support. But the mission is not yet done. Let us therefore continue to work together as ONE CHURCH - the Body of Christ, in declaring God's glory and preaching God's grace to the regions beyond! Ephesians 4:16"
TCM-Kenya Director, Titus Kivilu, writes, "We praise God for the fruitful time we had with the pastors, and our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kirinyaga Region Central Kenya. On Sat we had a fruitful meeting with the three pastors (Daniel Muthee, Bernard Njuguna and Crispo Maina) deliberating on the ministry in the region. I was blessed for the fascinating reports and plans these pastors have for the expansion of the ministry. It was a blessing too to fellowship and worship in Karira GBC on Sunday and to participate in their mini fund-drive toward the completion of their church building project. How encouraging and inspiring to see the ministry there growing, with saints who are dedicated to serve the Lord and giving their lives and material blessings for the work of the Lord, and more spreading the gospel to the unreached people. We can only thank God for His doings to His people and the ministry they are doing for Him."
On May 24-28, 2018, Southeast Asian Grace believers will gather together in Chiang Mai, Thailand for four days of fellowship, discussion, planning, sight-seeing and challenge. First envisioned in the northern Philippines, this 4th Southeast Asia Grace Conference will have the theme "Committing the Grace Gospel to Faithful People" (2 Tim. 2:1–2). Previous conferences were in Bali (2012), Kuala Lumpur (2014) and Siem Reap (2016) with delegates from 12 countries. In conjunction with the conference, TCM has the Asia Adventure short mission trip visiting three countries. See more details at tcmusa.org/seagc. Why not take the trip of a lifetime to Southeast Asia this summer?
Ariel Mahilum of TCM Team Cambodia writes: “Happening Now! Bible Teaching Trainees practicum @ Cambodia Grace Gospel Ministries - Cheutiel, Takeo. Our core group members were saved by the gospel, trained in the gospel, preaching the gospel and now teaching the gospel. Please pray for them as they prepare to open 2 new village ministries next month. Are you willing to partner with them? They will need white boards, bond and colored papers, pens, notebooks, erasers, markers and God's power. Thanks for your prayers and support. This is week Number 29 [of worship and Biblical training in Cheutiel Village]. To God alone is the glory!”
TCM-Brazil missionary, Joe Campos, traveled to Aracaju to speak at a youth conference. He reports: “Last night we had the second session of our youth conference and it was amazing. There were a number of theatrical presentations sharing the Gospel and challenging the young people to live godly lives. I presented the second session of our Grace conference material and everyone was very attentive. This morning at the youth conference God blessed us in huge way. Six young people gave their lives to Christ as their Savior and 4 of them committed their lives to Christian service. Praise the Lord and keep praying!”
Janae Brown is a TCM missionary intern teaching and studying in the Philippines. She shares, "On November 20th, Ma’am Vrinily Fermantes and I shared a Joint Birthday Celebration at Apokon Grace Church with believers, unbelievers, students, faculty, and friends. The event was intended for evangelism. Pastor Fermantes, our IGBI Director, shared a message on salvation. After his message was sharing and praying time. My landlady, Ma’am Ester, and I grouped up with two older ladies. Shortly after, both women prayed and received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. They both will attend church this upcoming Sunday. Praise the Lord!"
TCM-Kenya leaders, Titus Kivilu and Peter Kagwi, completed a 10-day ministry trip to Uganda. Joining TCM-Uganda leader, Philip Walendo, they began with 2 days of leaders’ seminars in the eastern district of Kamuli, followed by preaching in a Sunday worship service. Praise God for Pastor Festo Wasuwa, his team of leaders and believers in Kamuli for warmly receiving them and the Grace message. There are opportunities of opening 2 new Grace churches in the district. Back in Kampala, they held the 3rd Module of Uganda Grace Pastoral Training (UGPT) with 15 trainees in Level 1 and Level 2 classes. The training was anchored on the principle of “Knowing, Being and Doing.” Pastor Titus writes: “Congratulations to the 15 graduates!!! It has been a joy for Pastor Peter and myself to participate in the process of equipping them for the ministry. It’s our prayer that the Lord will use each of them to spread the gospel in Uganda and beyond. The 9 graduates who have taken the 2-year course are now able to preach and teach the word of God profoundly and train others. We have challenged and encouraged the leaders in UGGCC to use them and we hope they will do so.”
TCM Team Myanmar missionary, Salvina Ulfindo, has struggled with ill health in recent weeks. She writes, “The past week had been tough! The English class I have with Seaman trainees just keeps on growing! The 19 students, which I thought to be the largest number, turned out to be 24 students last week. I'm making the most of every opportunity to meet with them as some will already be boarding their respective assigned ships by January 2018. In addition to my English classes with Seaman trainees and employees of one of the soft-drink companies here in Myanmar, I started a new class with a group of IT Personnel and children in the orphanage. BUT God's grace has been sufficient. Trusting that HE will continue to give me the strength in the coming days.”
Thirty-one people, most of them youth from the TCM-Philippines Grace church in Asturias, were injured Wednesday after a truck they were riding lost its brakes while going downhill. The truck hit a concrete barrier on the right lane, bounced to the other lane and stopped after hitting the base of a cliff. The young people were on their way home from a youth camp in Cebu City. Most of the injured are age 9-17. TCM-Philippines Pastor Jun Pielago said 13 remain in critical condition in hospitals in Cebu City. Please pray for these kids and their families! TCM is accepting donations to help cover their medical expenses. Click Donate in the right sidebar if you would like to help.
JAMES & AGAPE BERMEJO have been re-assigned to serve in Phnom Penh, Cambodia after exhausting all avenues of returning to Singapore. They arrived to a warm welcome by TCM's Team Cambodia on October 3. Julia Liles arrived back from a 2-month furlough in the UK a couple days later to complete the team. International Director, Ben Anderson and Joyce are meeting with Team Cambodia to establish an organizational structure for the work in the city and the rural villages. The Bermejos have been tasked with helping Julia and Myra Omictin develop national leaders and churches in the capital city. Pray for a smooth adjustment and fresh vision for ministry in a new country. Pray for effective working relationships within the Team and with the national leaders.
Today TCM missionaries to Thailand, Genesis and Verna Maraat, along with their son, Josiah, are flying to America via Seoul, South Korea. They will take Josiah to enroll in Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI where their daughter, Andrea is entering her junior year. Genesis and Verna will spend the next 6 months traveling in the USA, visiting friends, churches and partners of Things to Come Mission. Genesis writes: “We will appreciate your prayers for our travel. May God grant us his traveling mercies. May we truly be a testimony of God's grace as we speak to friends and churches. May many become passionate about reaching the unreached for Christ.”
TCM-Brazil missionary Joe Campos writes: Praise the Lord for another productive meeting with the leadership of the TCM work in the northeast of Brazil. Training modules were decided for the next trimester. A fund was created among the churches to finance new works, and we also discussed the best way to build a new meeting place for Jardim Jordão church. The highlight of the ministry is the new church plant being developed in São Bento do Una by Pastor Manoel. It is the 5th meeting and we already have 40 people attending. Please join us in prayer for these projects!
Praise the Lord for the completion of the church building in Cheutil Village in time for the 12th Sunday service! Srey Nap (in stripes) came to know Jesus in this center. She has been coming to serve and worship with us ever since. Her grandmother died a few weeks ago and last Sunday she ran to church, asking for an hour of break from her rice planting buddies, to worship. She was gasping while entering the building, praising God for His goodness. Pray that she will become stronger in her faith and will become one of the leaders of the church. Bibles have been distributed to the faithful core group of attendees who have committed to reading them daily. Pray entire families will be added to the church.
The Africa Safari group of 4 has been busy since their arrival in South Africa. They helped with a Bible school session and participated in youth services, Sunday services, Bible studies and a school outreach. It’s not all work as they have also gone deep into a gold mine, toured the Apartheid Museum, and eaten a variety of foods. Pray this will be a transformational experience for the Safari group and an encouragement to the Padayhags, Craesmeyers and the South African Grace churches.
TCM-Kenya Director, Titus K. Kivilu writes: Thank you for praying for our journey from Kampala where Rev Peter Kagwi and I had a week of fruitful and enriching training and ministry at Uganda Grace Church. We arrived safely though our bus had a little mechanical problem and we had to stop several times for fixing. We count it all joy especially when we see the fruits of our labour in the lives brethren we have reached with the gospel and much more in the lives of our UGPT trainees who are getting ready to do the work of the ministry in Uganda and beyond. We give God the glory!
South Africa missionary Paul Craesmeyer reports: Pastor Kekana and I had an early start this Sunday. His friend, Pastor Steve, who runs the "Morning Glory" community radio program from 4:00 to 6:30 A.M. had invited us to speak. What a great opportunity it was! Pastor Steve enjoyed what he heard and asked us to come back next Sunday for another radio program, and also to share at his own church service. Pastor Kekana and I are rejoicing with the opportunities and asking the Lord to give us boldness to proclaim the Grace message. Funny thing happened as we were leaving: the pastor who runs the following program arrived and after greeting them, also greeted me by name. Pastor Steve said, "Oh, you already know each other?" "No," he replied, and pointing to his cell phone and earphones, said, "but I was listening!" What an opportunity for spreading the gospel of the grace of God through existing leaders!
TCM-Kenya Director Titus K. Kivilu writes: It was an honor and privilege to grace and speak at the 5th graduation of the Berean Grace School of Ministry in Mombasa. Thanks to God for the faithfulness of these 11 graduates. Also glory to the Lord for unwavering commitment of Pastor Peter Kagwi to nature and to train such men and women for the ministry. May God use each of you to reach out to the world with grace message that is able to save people from eternal destruction in the lake of fire through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Congratulations!!!