Global Partners

When the Standard Church of America merged with The Wesleyan Church in 2004, they brought with them mission works in Egypt, Ghana, and Mexico. The work in Egypt dates back to 1920, and from the 2004 merger until now, the Central Canada District has provided support and counsel. In Dr. H.C. Wilson's April trip to Egypt, a partnership agreement was signed involving the Egypt work, Central Canada, and Global Partners that provides further focus and refinement of operation.

The 25 Egyptian churches reach from Alexandria in the north to more than 700 kilometers south toward Luxor along the Nile River.  Dr. Wilson states, "This work is well led, has a strong corps of quality pastors, and offers significant potential for further expansion in both their country and region. I rejoice in the fellowship and partnership now in place with this fine group of Arab brothers and sisters. Add them to your prayer list and be watching for . . . opportunities of sharing."

God has answered the prayers that many have made on the behalf of the Wesleyan congregation in Munich! For months the church has been looking for a new location to meet. As of June 18 the church has rented space on the third floor of an office building. There is a big meeting room with four smaller rooms. On July 1 the congregation can begin moving into the new space. 

Jim is in the process of teaching his first membership class at the church at Mutotope. At this point all of our churches in the north have all provisional members. Classes about the history, basic doctrines, and membership commitments of The Wesleyan Church are starting. The two churches in Kutuni and Maganha, where Jim has been holding classes, are finishing their classes on basic discipleship and are starting on membership classes. So the Church in northern Mozambique continues to grow! 

Due to detours we were already one hour late for the Harvest service at the church at Trou de Nord.  But we made it for the last three hours of the service for this special day of praise and offering.

 

There was an overflow crowd at every door, but they moved people off the front pews for us.  Shortly after we arrived, Pastor Rigo introduced us, the band, and other visitors from Fauche.  We both gave greetings with Cory talking about the nice fruit laid on the altar for the offering.

 

There were about five groups that had special music, normal tithes and offerings were taken, and then the sermon.  Pastor Osias talked about making vows to God during times of trouble and then forgetting these promises when the trouble passes.  He urged people to ask forgiveness for unkept promises and to promise something to God since He has done so much for us, with the best offering being your own life.

 

The time of the special offering followed.  The money and gifts were to go for fans and sound equipment so that they can better serve the community.  The different churches, Sunday school classes, and visitors were called on to donate their gifts.  Pastor Rigo (also the hospital administrator at Fauche) even asked for expecting mothers to put in an offering for their unborn babies.  He asked that people give joyfully, which they did.

 

Gifts included popcorn, fruit, veggies, a bottle of Coke, as well as money.  We recently read that 80% of Haitians' wages go for food, so we knew that some of these dear people had gone without meals to have a gift for the church.  We really felt the Lord in that small, hot church on Sunday. . . .

 

If you ever get a chance to attend a Harvest service in Haiti, we recommend that you go!

With much excitement Anna* told me that she had had the opportunity to share her faith with a friend.  She explained that her mom and sister are usually the ones who share their faith with people, but she had never had the chance to do it.  She had been praying several months for God’s perfect timing to talk to her friend.  And one day, unexpectedly, God provided it.  Anna was able to tell her friend that she is a believer in Jesus and that she follows Him.  She explained why she believes in Him and talked to her about some of the differences between Islam and those who follow Christ.  Her friend listened with interest, although at first, she seemed a little nervous about Anna being a Christian.  As Anna continued to talk her friend became less nervous.  Anna's friend said that if her parents knew that Anna was a Christian, they would not allow her to be her friend.  However, her friend reassured her that she didn’t hold that against her and was happy to be her friend, even if she was a Christian. 

 

I was so excited to hear that Anna had shared her faith in Jesus with her friend.  I know that it is something she has wanted to do for a long time.  It was a big step of faith and took a lot of courage for her to do this.  I am so thankful that God blessed the conversation and allowed a positive outcome.  Anna planted the first seed and will continue to water it as she prays for God to provide more opportunities for her to talk about spiritual things with her friend.  Please continue to pray for Anna as she seeks God’s desires for her life.