Africa in Revival - December

 Burkina Faso
Ken Cantrell family

At the first Impact Crusade, there were many delivered, healed and converted. Many were also baptized during the three day evangelism push. The church followed the crusade with free language study lessons every Sunday.

Church property was purchased in a northern city that is predominantly Muslim.

The National Board has agreed on the 2012 theme of "The year of Growth, spiritually and numerically." A vision has been cast to teach a minimum of 500 Bible studies.

Burundi
Richard Smoak family

Bible school course had thirty-five students in attendance.

Equatorial Guinea
Regional Missionary Peter Mua family

Four received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Ghana
Nick Sisco & Colleen Carter families

One received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at a village church.

There was the successful launch of an extension Bible school in the eastern part of the country.

Church building projects are going on in the western, northern, and southern parts of Ghana.

The first extension Bible school graduation was a success in the northern part of the country. Eight graduates completed the Certificate level of the GATS program.

Kenya
Jim Crumpacker & Patrick Groves families

Throughout the country, a total of thirty-nine were baptized in Jesus' name, fifty-eight received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and thirty-seven were healed.

One new preaching point was established.

Liberia
Albert Stewart family

During regular services seventy received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and seventeen were baptized in Jesus' name.

Madagascar
Chris Richardson family

Local church revival reports twenty-eight received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and thirteen were baptized in Jesus' name.

Tanzania
Richard Smoak family

In one region, two repented and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a result of a miraculous healing at a local hospital.

After an evangelistic thrust in another area, a new church was formed with sixteen adults and several children. Nine were baptized in Jesus' name already.

A teen who had been missing for over a month was returned home after much prayer. Now, the teen and her entire family have been saved after seeing the power of prayer.

A new preaching point was started in the financial capital of the country.

Togo
Randy Adams & Mike Benson families, reported by AIMer Jaydie Johnson

Thirteen received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in a village church.

End of Year Revival Report--Barcelona, Spain

 2011: A Record Year of Harvest In Spain! 

Baptism in the River

 2011 has been a year of battles, but it has also been the biggest year of harvest that Spain has ever seen. This year Spain has seen a great harvest throughout this nation. In 2011 there was a record 691 that were baptized in Jesus' Name and 724 that received the gift of the Holy Ghost! There are now 5,256 consituents of the UPCI of Spain.

Los Pentecostales De Barcelona 

Altar Service

God has blessed our church this year here in Barcelona. This year we had 82 receive the Holy Ghost and 46 baptized in Jesus' Name. Our record attendance this year was 445, and there are now over 500 people that call Los Pentecostales De Barcelona "their" church.

God has also helped us start two new daughter works this year in the cities of Tarragona and Cornellá, each of these new works now have over 30 people each Sunday! We give God all the glory for what He is doing in this nation! 

Thank You! 

Family of Four

 Thank you for all your prayers and support. Together we are claiming Spain in Jesus' name! 

God Bless,
Nathan, Tanya, Alaina and Lincoln Harrod

PIM Newsletter-South Korea

December 2011

Dear Partners in Missions and dear friends,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I pray that this mail finds you well and enjoying the blessings from the Lord.

Today, we had our opening service for Guro Central UPC in Seoul. This church is a very special church. This church is solely supported by North Cities UPC in Garland, Texas. We surely appreciate Pastor D. G. Hargrove making possible for this miracle. WE THANK GOD for this special blessing added unto the work in South Korea.

General Superintendent Bro. Choi

Missionary Sis. Kim

Bro. M. J. Kang

New Pastor Bro. S. H. Se

I thank you, my Partners, for your prayers and for your support.  Without your prayers and support, it is not possible to do work for the Kingdom of God in South Korea.  I THANK YOU all VERY MUCH.

I pray you have a very blessed Christmas and may 2012 be the best year you have ever had!

Sister E. J. Kim, Missionary to South Korea

German Gazette

The sights and sounds and fragrances of GERMANY during the holiday season are almost magical. This bakery shop window declares - intentionally or unintentionally - more than good news about gingerbread cookies!  It reminds nominally Christian people in GERMANY that JESUS CHRIST came in the flesh to become our Savior!  We wish that all the window shoppers in GERMANY would see His star in the east and come to worship HIM. Many have come and tasted and found that the Lord is good. We believe that many more are yet to find that HIS aroma lingers through time and will last into eternity!

For reason of the harvest we have experienced in GERMANY, we rejoice all year round.  THANK YOU for helping us to bring in the precious fruit of the earth.  The pastors and believers in GERMANY extend their gratitude also.  Pastors Raymond Wey, Ernest Scott, ALexander Denk, Juan Negron (military church) and Andreas Denk carry the  heavy load of building up the Kingdom of God through our five UPC churches.  They are leading their flocks in our absence as we continue to request additional support throughout our fellowship in America for our ministry in GERMANY.  We intend to return to the field in the summer of 2012, to labor once again for the glory of God.

Deputation has taken us throughout the Midwest and further east as far as Tiverton, RI since June.

We are thrilled by responses from people in the pulpits and in the pews.  Pastors and believers alike are commenting on our ministry with words such as “refreshing, anointed, inspiring and interesting.”  They are responding in ways that humble us … at the altars with weeping and seeking for personal direction, in conversation with astute questions, in giving to finance our future needs on the field and present needs as we travel.  This deputation has been an amazing journey throughout our fine UPCI churches which have supported our calling for thirty-eight fulfilling and productive years.  Hundreds have been  reached and are going on with God following our pioneer work in GREECE and more recent church planting in GERMANY.  YOU have entered into our labors over many years and together we have won preachers, pastors and faithful saints from many nations.  We are thankful for every new PIM commitment, project offering, kind gesture of hospitality and all the heart-warming fellowship that have made this deputation more than wonderful.  

AIM worker Amber Crumbley arrived on location in northwestern GERMANY in October and is a great blessing in our area of responsibility.  She arrived just in time to join forces with the Paderborn church music team who planned and performed an outreach concert in November.  It was a  smashing success from all accounts, and we look forward to meeting new believers in that church next year.

Pastor Raymond Wey in Mannheim is making  excellent progress in renovating his new church building. Even better,  he has a growing congregation!  We thank all those who have responded to our appeal for funds on his behalf as we travel.  Pastor Wey is our senior pastor, and his church is the oldest UPC church in GERMANY.  He has been faithful and true and is being rewarded accordingly.  At a recent local church Gospel Music Concert, there were 265 attendees.  How wonderful is that?

For all the above reasons and more,
we thank you,
Alan and Valerie Demos

Merry Christmas from the Statens

 Merry Christmas
from Emma, Laurissa, Jaida,
Shiloh, Mom and Dad!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, and hope you have a safe, and fun Christmas time. We are so thankful those of you who give so that we can be here. You are a true example of this season. Jesus was the greatest gift of all, and through the giving of your prayers and support, you are giving that gift again and again. We love you all.
Mom and Dad say hi as well.  :)
     Emma and Laurissa

During this time of  year we often sit down and think about how much we have to be thankful for. Kim and I were talking the other day about how awesome it is to be apart of  an organization hat is really doing something to reach the world with the Gospel. Many churches talk about it, but very few actually ever do anything about it. Your support of  missions is a testament to the fulfillment of  the old adage "put your money where your mouth is." I am so glad that we are a part of  the fulfilling of  the Matthew 28:19 commission together. 

God bless you,
Jared Staten

Christmas Newsletter from the Bucklands

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!

“And he (Simeon) came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought inthe child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, .... mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:27-30). Spiritual blindness is a world-wide malady; and except for the illuminating work of the Spirit, coupled with His mercy and grace, there go you and I! Our prayer during this Season of Celebrating the birth of the King of Kings:  “Dear Lord Jesus, Cause your Light of the glorious Gospel to shine in the hearts of those who sit in darkness! Individuals, people groups, cities, nations, continents!”

Stateside Deputation Ministry

Without a doubt, this has been one of our best deputations ~ ever! 

Service after service, the anointing of the Lord has been upon us and the congregations.  We are feeling an urgency among our Pastors and churches to do all we can to reach our cities, our very own nation - America - and the regions beyond with the life-changing power of The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

To date, we have had the privilege to touch over 10,000 lives for the cause of Missions and The Great Commission through our Deputation Missionary Ministry ~ right here in America! 

Because of you, our Partners In Missions, we are steadily reaching our financial support goal.  Thank You for your sacrifice and sensitivity to the times we are living in!

We are expected to continue our travels through March 18, 2012.  We covet your prayers for our continued safety and anointing as we minister from church to church and state to state.

2012 January - March Itinerary:

Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ontario, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois

Prague Up-Date

Due to our absence, the past three months the Prague Church has been blessed by the wonderful ministry of our friends, Monte and Diane Showalter. Great things are taking place!

2012 - A Year of Expansion in Eastern Europe

With God’s help, we are targeting several Eastern European capital cities for church planting this coming year.

Please join with us in prayer for:

~ Bratislava, Slovakia                               
~ Budapest, Hungary and                        
~ Zagreb, Croatia.

The recruitment of AIM Workers and Prospective Missionaries is NOW taking place!  JOIN THE TEAM!  Contact us for further information on how YOU can become personally involved and used by God to reach cities and nations!

May His Blessings be Yours this coming year! 

Aiming for Holland: News from the Netherlands

Hello from Holland! We are thrilled with the things that God continues to do in this country. Our newsletters are to keep you informed of our work here and to help you feel connected to the church in Holland.

2011 

This year has been a year of Victory. Year to date we have baptized or seen 75 people filled with the Holy Ghost. The last seven weeks at least two people have been baptized in Jesus name every week! We are excited about what God is doing.  We are thankful for the many young people that have been added to the church in the last few months. Our youth group has tripled in number and is growing in God. To God be the glory. 

Sis Laura

There has been a great interest in Home Bible Studies by brand new converts and saints who are desiring to be taught more of the Bible. We had more people wanting Bible Studies than we had nights available to teach them all. This need along with the need to fellowship with the new converts brought about this evening of Bible Study and Volleyball. It has been a great way for us to teach more families the Word of God and build closer relationships with them. It is a very enjoyable evening!

Children's Church

This is our Wednesday night Children's Church. Sister Tuttle started this six months ago with four children, and now they average fourteen kids on Wednesday night. Please pray that God will fill them with the Holy Ghost.

Please remember these needs when you pray for Holland:

    Children  
    Church Leadership  
    The city of Ede.

George Thomas Sparks

1930-2011

Matthew's grandfather passed November 6th, 2011. Brother Sparks was a GREAT man and made a very big impact on our families life. Brother Sparks also gave several years of his life to the work in Holland as an AIM worker. Special thanks to Pastor Harold Linder for making it possible for Matthew to attend his grandfather's funeral.

AS AIM workers we are totally dependent upon the support of our friends and family back home. We have extended our stay in The Netherlands for another year and are in need of financial support. Please keep this in your prayers and if you are able to contribute to our ministry. Thank you!

Thank you to all who have joined with us in our burden for Holland. We see the effects of your prayers. Without your financial support, we could not be free to do what God has called us to do in The Netherlands.

Sincerely,
Matthew & Michelle Tuttle

Mexigram November 2011

CENTRAL DISTRICT CONVENTION. 

On the 20th of November 2011, we had our Central Disitrict Convention in Mexico City with over 4,000 in attendance; 159 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and 2 were baptized.  It was such a tremendous victory, to see how the Church in this central part of the country growing so greatly.  Here we share some pictures of the event; plus, below there are some links to some YouTube videos. Check them out:

Here you can also appreciate the crowd:

 We were so happy to have, visiting with us from New Brunswick, Canada, Brother Cole Price and Brother Jonathan McNair.  They were a great blessing - pictured below:

 Aside from the responsibility of General Superintendent of the UPC of Mexico, we also have the responsibility of Central District Supervisor.  The Central District is just Mexico City, where we now have 86 Churches and Missions and 112 Licensed Pastors and Ministers.  It is exciting to see how the Church is growing very rapidly in this Mega City of over 22 million people

During the month of October, our Pastors in this District reported a total of 257 baptized and 141 that received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

We want to thank everyone for your prayers. Continue to pray for revival in Mexico!

Rev. T. W. Drost
General Superintendent UPC of Mexico


Links to Central District Convention clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbo9GcmKgCs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcHEoODTQJU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfyUBSJLyq8

Africa in Revival

Burkina Faso
Ken Cantrell family

The churches have launched several evangelism campaigns across the capital city.

There were 300 plus children in attendance at a special service. What an overwhelming experience to hear Muslim children singing about Jesus.

The student pastors held a crusade, and 150 plus people attended. Many repented, and five were baptized in Jesus' name.

One pastor held a special evangelism event that resulted in several being baptized in Jesus' name.

In the Bible School, eight students received their Certificate degrees through the Global Association of Theological Studies (GATS) program. They are continuing their education with the diploma level. 

Cameroon
Terry Riddick & Rusty Riddick families

The Minister's and Wives Conference was blessed with forty-six ministers and their wives in attendance.

At National Convention seven were baptized in Jesus' name and six received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Congo (Brazzaville)
Regional Missionary,The Gistophe family

Recently, nine received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  

Gabon
Area Coordinator, Randy Adams - Reported by Pastor Désiré Rakotondratsimba family

One baptized in Jesus' name. 

Ghana
Jim Poitras, Colleen Carter, & Nick Sisco families

A total of ten received the baptism of the Holy Spirit during services attended by missionaries.

One of the local churches had an effective leadership seminar. 

Kenya
Jim Crumpacker & Patrick Groves families

Throughout the country, a total of forty-one Bible studies were taught, 118 were baptized in Jesus' name, sixty-two received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and ninety-one claimed healing. There were also three new preaching points established. 

Lesotho
David Kline family

Six received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the capital church.

The Global Association of Theological Studies of Lesotho (GATS-L) presented eighteen graduates their Certificates.

The evangelism teams have been going to an area of the country to promote revival. One sixteen year old convert brought eight new visitors for Sunday service. At this new work, five have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They are now averaging about eighteen in attendance. 

Liberia
Albert Stewart family

During regular services ten were baptized in Jesus' name and four received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Madagascar
Chris Richardson family

Local church revival reports twenty-two receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and ten baptized in Jesus' name.

New church plant reports thirty-one receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the first two months. 

Malawi
AIMers, Chris Gibbs family

At three District Conferences, a total of 107 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many were also healed and delivered.

A new church was opened in another district with twenty in attendance.

In two more District Conferences, 110 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and ten were baptized in Jesus' name. One child who was unable to walk was touched by the power of God, her legs were healed, and she began walking. Many others were healed of their diseases. 

Mozambique
Regional Missionary, Cezar Moreas family

After the scheduled Seminar on the Book of Acts, there will be the first baptism of about sixty in Jesus' name in the capital city.

Nigeria
Gerry McLean family

A new church was dedicated. It is the first UPCI church in the capital city of one of the states in the country.

At a Oneness Seminar where twenty-four Trinitarian pastors and church workers were present, eight were baptized in Jesus' name.

At a three day End Time Prophesy Crusade, fifty-five were baptized in Jesus' name and 70-100 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Uganda
Phil Tolstad & Steve Phelps families

Five new churches were started during the past month.

At a revival seminar in one region, twenty-two received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, fourteen were baptized in Jesus' name, and a new church was constructed.

In another region, thirty-six received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and thirty were baptized in Jesus' name.

Unquenchable Revival: Update from the Robinettes

We are seeing great apostolic revival 
in every church, city & nation!

It was such a joy to be back in Malawi along with A-Team leaders Bro. Garlitz and team members, Bro. Zimmerman, Bro. Hurley, Bro. Anderson, Bro. Ackah, Bro. Gordon & Bro. Wright. We were so excited to work alongside Bro. & Sis. Gibbs &; all the national leadership of Malawi for a great harvest of souls! God filled over 400 with the Holy Ghost; there were many baptized in Jesus name and many miracles. We thank the Lord for His mighty power!

We returned to Germany & Austria a few weeks ago for the UPC General Business meetings and were so happy to also be back with our church in Vienna! On Sunday, God filled 4 people with the Holy Ghost!

In our tent revival in Vienna a few days prior to our return to the field, God filled another 2 with the Holy Ghost in the park. We thank God for the hard work of Bro. Merritt & Bro. Ackah who did such an outstanding job!

In the last 3 weeks of service in the USA:

• God has filled over 60 with the Holy Ghost!
• 12 were baptized in Jesus name!
• A man who had been seeking the Holy Ghost for 30 years was immediately filled!
• A 10-year-old deaf boy was miraculously healed when God filled him with the Holy Ghost!

Thank you to every pastor that opened their church/pulpit to us, prepared for a harvest & gave so sacrificially to get us back to the German speaking nations!

Rev. & Mrs. Charles Robinette
UPC General Superintendent
Germany/Liechtenstein/Austria/Switzerland

www.u-p-c.eu
www.thecoa.at
twitter: REVCGRobinette

Update from O. Rodrigues, Missionary to Portugal

2011 is swiftly coming to an end reminding us that our first your of deputation was blessed. Because of your desire to see this gospel reach the uttermost parts of the world, we will close 2011 with 40% of our budget raised! From the plains of Texas up to Canada and back again, we have seen God's hand upon our life and ministry in a special way. He has filled many with the Holy Ghost; He has healed bodies, families, hearts, and lives; and He has renewed a passion and vision for winning souls in many churches. Thank you, Jesus!

We are so thankful for each of you who opened your doors for us to come share our vision and burden for the country of Portugal. The love and hospitality shown to us touched us deeply. We are excited to work together with you for the cause of 12 million souls. Your love, friendship, prayers, and partnership mean so much to us. Our family would like to wish all of you the very blessed of Christmas seasons as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King.

Merry Christmas, 
From our hearts to yours, 
the Rodrigues Family

Update from the Landaws

O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Psalms 136:1

What a mighty God we serve!
Freedom Crusade 2011

In spite of a State of Emergency that was restricting the time we could have for the Crusade , 60 people received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Several healings were reported.  The church in Trinidad really prayed and laboured to see this crusade take place. There were over 200 visitors during the three nights of meetings. We are thankful for the ministry of Bro. Felix Crowder who ministered nightly.

Yes, we give thanks to God for his marvelous work!

Caribbean Conference 2012

When you live on an island, you cannot drive to the nearest country to have fellowship.  In fact, is is very costly to travel from island to island , so it is always a delight to get together with leaders and saints from all over the Caribbean each year.  This year's conference was held in Barbados and was hosted by Missionaries Bro. and Sis. Henry Ritchie and the pastors of Barbados. Bro. and Sis Hibbert, Bro, Lloyd Shirley and Bro M. Papp were the day speakers, and Bro. Brian Abernathy ministered nighty. God spoke to all of us who attended.  

Thank you Lord for the opportunity to have fellowship and for all the wonderful brethren throughout the Caribbean.  

Thanks for 8 years of Service

Bro. and Sis. John Hopkins have been the Regional Directors of the CAC  Region for the past 8 years.  We give thanks for their labor of love in the region.   During the Caribbean Conference  the missinoaries honored the Hopkins with a plaque.

May Jesus bless them always.

Further Thanks!

We also give thanks for the little room we are using in Santurce to begin a work in the Metro area.  We visited a contact and, on the first visit, they asked us to have church services there. You have been praying with us for open doors. We are so thankful we serve a God who cares for lost humanity.  

Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Sincerely, 
Gary and Kristi Landaw 
Missionaries with the UPCI
Trinidad/Tobago and Puerto Rico

------

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. 

Psalm 7: 17

Hello from Korea & Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner--or feels that way. As I was shopping in E-Mart, I noticed little Christmas trees on display for the first time. Of course, that got my brain spinning in that direction: I wonder how Christmas Choir practices are going, I wonder where they will be singing, I wonder if this will be the year, I wonder what my family will do this year, I am excited that the children are doing a Christmas play this year, etc. As these thoughts flooded my brain, I confess to a bit of homesickness. I sure do miss your faces!

So, before I get too far ahead of myself with future holidays, I want to take a moment to say, "Happy Thanksgiving!" I am so thankful for each and every one of you that read this now. You are an important part of my life, and I am forever grateful to you. You have prayed with and for me, you have given of your time and instruction, you have chatted and laughed with me, you have rejoiced and cried with me, you have...you have been (and continue to be) a part of my life.

As I reflect upon my list of things to be thankful for, I comprehend again that it is a list I could spend a lifetime writing. During my time in Korea, I am keeping a gratitude journal. Whenever something happens for which I am grateful, I often pull this little book out and make a note. I do not pull it out as much as I ought, but the things on this growing list include magpies, English-speaking children so excited to just say hello, hearing a youth choir singing Dancing Generation in Korean on a street corner, many references to times of prayer and worship, and beautiful weather for a walk along Gapcheon.

Youth from Gwangmyeong Church, Seoul Churches & Beyond

Part of the Lottle World Group (Photo by KTY)

I am on a mission to connect the young people across the churches in Korea. As an initial foray into this endeavor, I and like-minded folks are scheduling fellowship events for youth in the Seoul area. Our first attempt was a trip to Lotte World, a local indoor/outdoor theme park. At this event, we had representatives from 3 different churches. I was surprised to discover that the groups did not know each other at all. For a next event, we want to choose a venue that is more conducive to inter-group interaction. Be in prayer as we continue to plan--for direction and for this mission to spread from person to person.

During the month of January, there is the annual youth camp/convention. This event unites youth from across South Korea.  I do not yet know whether or not I will be in the country at the time of this large meeting, but many of the young people from my Gwangmyeong church will. By that time and during the meeting, I am praying for a build in the excitement about connecting, praying, and working together with young people all over. The best is yet to come! And, of course, that includes a shift to broader purpose (meeting more than for fellowship). The goal is to engage young people in ministry--ministry that is God-driven.


THANKFUL!!!! A young lady with whom I just completed a Bible study will be getting baptized very soon!!!

Thanks be to God who does all things well! Thanks be to God whose love is without fail and without bounds! Thanks be to God who made a way for whomsoever will! All glory and honor is due unto his name!

Blessings,
Heather

Newsletter from the Republic of Georgia

United Pentecostal Church of Georgia  

Kiev Ministers Conference:
This month Pastor Kote, Rev. Irakle Toria, and I were blessed to attend the area ministers conference in Kiev, Ukraine. It was such a blessing to see all of our brothers representing the former Soviet Union gathered together in worship of the one true living God. Pastor Woodward of Canada ministered to our hearts, and God renewed our strength. We were deeply touched by the worship and ministry this year and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Faith Promise:
After  talking with Pastor Kote about trying to raise funds for building our new facility, I was surprised when he held a faith promise service the following Sunday. Pastor Kote knows nothing about faith promise, but he approached the church with the need and they responded in faith. Every person that gave in the building fund received raises or new jobs. God has multiplied the gift they gave in faith. 

Still building:
I would like to bring to you attention our building fund. Right now, we have been given 16,737 square feet of land to build on. Unfortunately, our building fund has about $900 in it the last time I checked. I am praying that God would move 400 people to give $100 towards our building fund. This would build our Bible school, as well as our headquarters church in Tbilisi. The church here raised an unprecedented $500. With 80% unemployment that is a miracle. Imagine what you could do without to see the kingdom grow. I pray that God would touch your heart again with the need of your brothers and sisters in Georgia. I thank you for being apart of what we are doing here in Georgia, and thank you for all of your support and prayers.

Sincerely,
Jared Staten

Latest News from Finland

As the time has come to submit both a newsletter and prayer focus, we chose to make this email a dual-purpose one as it will save all of us some time (smile). Thank you in advance for understanding. We have been praying for TEAM FINLAND, our family, and our friends, and hope that all of you are doing well and being blessed.

We appreciate you!

Mark, Glenda,
Miranda, & Candace Alphin
UPCI Missionaries to Finland

FINLAND'S INTERCESSOR TEAM

PRAYER FOCUS

Language Study - Tarvitsemme paljon rukousta. Suomen on vaikeaa. We need much prayer. Finnish is difficult. It is a goal that we will achieve! We know that it is possible, because other many foreigners have learned to speak the language.  Your continued prayers for clarity and understanding will go a long way in helping us get past some of the mental hurdles that we face on a daily basis. 

Bible Studies - We are continuing to teach those who are hungry to learn! Pray that all involved would have spiritual understanding and wisdom. Learning about God and His Word is eternally important, and we want to do all that we can to offer the right information at the right time.

Miranda - She is continuing to assist the church in Copenhagen, Denmark as AIM until mid-December. We are praying that God shows her what steps to take as she makes plans for the future here in Finland. Additionally, she has been sick numerous times since arriving in Denmark, and needs a spiritual covering from infirmity.

Candace - Her school load is very heavy. In addition to her 12th grade studies, Finnish class requires 4 hours of class time each week in addition to a 'pile of homework.' She needs a covering of peace for her mind in the midst of the stress she faces on a daily basis.

Holidays are approaching - As the time for year-end celebration draws near, one's heart and mind tends to drift towards family. We ask for your prayers as we make plans to celebrate our first Thanksgiving and Christmas in Finland. Additionally, this will be the first Thanksgiving that we will not  celebrate as a whole family, as Miranda will be in Denmark. Thank you in advance to those who understand 'distance between loved ones' and pray for this need.

Planning for 2012 - We are in conversation with a number of people regarding missions trips to Finland. We need wisdom regarding these activities.

BAPTISM + HOLY GHOST

In September, we were introduced to Douglas by Joe, a young man who experienced salvation in Germany. Joe had been talking to Douglas about the Lord, and revelation was received regarding baptism. They made the 2-hour drive to our home, where we were honored to baptize Douglas in the wonderful name of Jesus. Douglas also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit shortly thereafter! It was altogether humbling and awesome to experience this within our own home. Thank you, Jesus, for another soul added to the rolls of glory!

LANGUAGE CLASSES IN PROGRESS!

 As of this writing, we have just completed our fifth week of classes. It is an intense course that requires many hours of independent study. Thankfully, our teacher is patient and willing to answer any and all questions that we have for her! We have also enjoyed establishing new friendships with our fellow students. Thank you to those who joined with us in prayer regarding a viable option for learning - He answered! And, to those who support us in finance, thank you for enabling us to achieve this goal.

BOOK OF ACTS HOME GROUP

On Sunday afternoons, we have a group meeting in our home and enjoy a visitor about every other week. God said in His Word that where two or three agree, He is in the midst of them. We are grateful for His Presence, for it is always in our home, but during group meetings He inhabits our praise in such a sweet and gentle way. We are not dismayed that our number is small, for everything happens in His time and season, and our family is excited about offering opportunities for others to enjoy His presence with us.

A SPECIAL VISIT

At the close of September, we enjoyed a visit from Robert and Jerolyn Kelley, our Area Coordinator. It was truly a pleasure to become more acquainted and share a part of our beloved country with them as well. The time of fellowship revealed a past connection: Glenda grew up in the church that both Bro. Kelley's sister's husband (Rev. James K. Stewart) and Sis. Kelley's grandfather (Rev. George W. Chambers) pastored in Columbus, Ohio. Glenda's father had also taught Bro. Kelley's Sunday School class. It Robert Kelley-Mark Alphinwas fun to recount the memories of days gone by! The Kelley's intercessor team in Scotland has been upholding us in prayer since we arrived in Finland, and especially since we began language studies. It has been of immense strength to us! We are very thankful for the Kelley's and their ministry, greatly appreciate their support of our family, and look forward to working with them to reach our region.

EQUIPMENT NEED

Last week, Miranda's computer ceased to function and it appears that she will need to purchase a new one as soon as possible. Currently, the AIM funds available in her account will not cover this expense. If you are able to assist in defraying the cost, we know that she would appreciate it.

Thank you in advance for considering Miranda's need. It is urgent, as she is assisting Pastor Chris Brett in Copenhangen as Executive Assistant. Additionally, she volunteers for UPCI Associates in Missions as Managing Editor of their e-newsletter. It is impossible for her to complete either of these tasks without a computer.

AIM Report from Scotland

To my wonderful Partners in Missions and AIM supporters,

For over four years it has been my privilege to serve as your AIMer to the United Kingdom, in Scotland, and travel to some awesome congregations throughout the UK!  In the past few months, I have shared some incredible moments in the presence of the Lord in Glasgow, Scotland, where I serve on the pastoral team.  In Dublin, Ireland, during an outreach, 7 people received the Holy Spirit, and 10 were baptised! I was part of the worship team for UK General Conference 2011 in Llandudno, Wales!  God has been with us in a mighty way in services in Leeds, Liverpool and London, England, as always blessing hearts that hunger and thirst after righteousness.   

We held a Missions Rally in Kemnay, Scotland. We are starting an extension work in Hamilton, a suburb of Glasgow! We are seeing God bless His people with miraculous healings in an unprecedented measure in the United Kingdom!  Young people are laying hands on the sick, and they are being healed instantly; they are operating in the gifts of the Spirit, they are preaching the Word, and souls are being saved as they allow Jesus to use them!

Coming to the end of my current AIM term, I am scheduled to return to the USA in February, 2012 to renew my visa and raise funds for the next two years of service in the UK.  Due to economic situations, some of my sponsors have been unable to fulfill their pledges which affects my budget for the end of this term.  I have a need!  It would be appreciated if you would send an offering of $50, $75, or $100. It would make a huge difference for me, in allowing me to continue in the work of God in the United Kingdom for the remainder of my stay. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. It is my honour to be your Associate in Missions to the United Kingdom,

Sis Allison Mitchell