July-August, 2011

Dear Pastor and Church Family,

Thank you for your faithful prayer and support.  The last two months here have been active and fruitful; thank you for being a part of it!

The children in our church had a mini camp in July.  Not only did it give the young children a treat, but the teenagers helped, giving them a valuable, fun, ministry experience.  Where did they camp out?  In the newly finished church building of course!  With the chairs removed, everyone brought tents, blankets, pillows, and a flashlight.  Since we were able to lock the doors and shut the windows, it made for a nice and secure ‘camping’ experience, out of the elements and rain.  It was wonderful to gather around the campfire outside and hear the testimonies of these precious children, and the precious young adults helping out too!

Shortly after this, Vacation Bible School made for one very busy week in August.  On Saturday, we prepared the building, with many volunteers working all day long painting and clearing construction materiel.  The following Monday, about 35 volunteer clowns from our membership descended on the city, clowning around and inviting children everywhere to the classes.  The next day was the first day of VBS, and we were delighted to find 58 children and some of their parents eagerly awaiting opening time.  More children came every day, until the final day when we had 106! There were over 40 professions of faith, and many contacts to follow up on.  The next day in Sunday services, two mothers who visited received Christ.  Since then, we have had three new families coming more or less regularly.

At the end of August, we dedicated the building God gave us to His service.  In a three-day conference, we dedicated not just the brick and mortar, but also ourselves to God.  Fruit of the sweet spirit and precious growth God has given the church is seen in one of our young people making the decision to go to Bible College during the meetings, even though classes started only one week away!  She is there now, and we are praying that God richly blesses her time there and does great things with her life.

More than a building; it's a spiritual battleground!

The members of our church are fighting the spiritual battles that Christians everywhere must fight.  While they get into the trenches and learn to trust in their commander, Jesus, support them with your prayers!  With all the victories we have had, we have also had many attacks.  In fact, every single family unit has received a trial, some quite grievous, and sadly, a few have become discouraged in their faith.  I thank God for those who have seen victory in their trials, and ask you to pray for your brethren here.

Pray for safety of our church members also.  Public transportation is becoming increasingly dangerous, and many depend on it daily.  We also have two drivers attending, and all have stories of assaults.  Two of our ladies who must go out alone every day were robbed at knifepoint during the last two months; one of them has been robbed twice in the past three months while she was waiting at a dark bus stop .  I know they appreciate your prayer.

Thank you again for your loving prayer and support!

God bless you all.

Sincerely Yours,

Missionary Ryan Case