IBPFM

The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions

One of the most important activities of our ministry is to help Christians, young and old, discover God’s will for their lives. This is our concern, because as Christians we feel that God has a plan for each one of our lives in the context of His sovereign will. Also, being committed to the commands of Christ, such as "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15), our concern is to help interested Christians, in this context, to discover God’s will for their lives. We encourage and support those in every way possible, who feel led to take the Gospel to those in other cultures.

The apostle James wrote, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we shall live, and do this, or that.”(Ja. 4:14b-15). The apostle Paul also wrote; “.....be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is....redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:17-16). Again, Paul wrote, “...be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2b).

As already stated, our sincere desire is to help Christians discover God’s will for their lives, who will accept the challenge, and who desire, Lord willing, to “make a difference” in this sin-sick world of misery, suffering and death. As someone has said, "Life is short, death is sure, sin the curse, Christ the cure!"

Life is truly short, and what we do for Jesus must be done in this present life. "Only one life, t’will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ, will last." The fact is, a person with a 70 year life span only has a total of 18,000 days of potentially useful service for the Lord, assuming his first 20 years, or more, must be spent in education and training.

If you feel God’s will for your life is to serve Him full time, with your gifts and talents, somewhere in this vast world of some six billion souls and spiritual needs, we invite you to please contact us for free literature, and more information, whether you are interested in short- term, or long-term service. We, also have a summer program of just a few weeks for college age young people, who would like to serve the Lord, share His love with others, get a good "taste" of "Biblical Missions" today, and use this experience to help them discover God’s will for their lives. We have a fully qualified staff to help answer your every question. If you want true spiritual excitement, deep spiritual satisfaction, and the joy of self-fulfillment, knowing that you "made a difference" in this world, for the glory of God, having shared the love of Christ with others, with souls coming to Christ, and having walked in His known will for your life, then please contact us for further information and guidance. Thank you for your attention, and for "clicking" on our Website.

Yours for "Biblical Missions",

Rev. William R. Le Roy, D.D.
President of IBPFM

July and August
1. Brazil – Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim thank God for the good results of the test done on Mrs. Kim, in that she will not require gallbladder surgery. Rev. Kim will be at the Fundamental Presbyterian Church in Recife for the inauguration ceremony of that church this Saturday. Pray for a 19-member youth mission team from São Paulo, ministering in Northeast Brazil through July 5; pray for lasting results.

2. Andes Mission – The Bjurs are thankful for the blessing the Lord gave Jim and Melody in attending a pastors’ retreat in Puerto Montt. Praise God for the provision for Becky and Melody to come to the US; Becky will attend the Wilds Christian Camp; Melody will be picking up school books for the year. Pray as they return (Melody on July 7, Rebecca on August 5). Pray also for a Youth Retreat in mid-July.

3. Kenya – The baptism for believers at Baalah BP Church was postponed due to the great needs for relief. Do pray that the church will continue to be a glorious beacon of truth in that region. Pray as the Lord works in the hearts of His elect, even for all who live in Baalah. Pray for Judith as she travels through August, visiting supporters and friends of the Outreach. Pray for the new Kenyan Constitutional vote tomorrow (August 4).

4. Independence Day – A special day in the United States, we remember the founding of this great nation, and are most thankful for the many godly men and women who laid the foundation of this country on godly principles. Pray for His mercy and grace to sustain this land.

5. New Missions – Opportunities continue to exist on the foreign field for those feeling the Lord is calling them to serve part or full-time. Home-school and Bible School teachers are only a few of the ministry positions now available. The Independent Board also seeks to open new fields as the Lord directs.

6. Brazil – Rev. and Mrs. Olson thank the Lord for the good CIEF meeting in Campinas; the messages and music were excellent. Pray that the Lord will use this meeting and the newspaper (The Fundamentalist) to strengthen Bible believers in Brazil. The Olsons are in the US now on a 6-month furlough; pray with them as they visit many of their supporters.

7. London – Rev. and Mrs. Ki thank the Lord for the steady church attendance in the Sunday services and Saturday prayer meetings. Praise God for the distribution of church brochures and invitation cards in their neighborhood. Pray for the university students home on holidays (through late September).

8. Cambodia – Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi remind us that a team of 9 from the Hochun Presbyterian Church of Sydney are in Cambodia (July 2-16), teaching and ministering at the Gospel and Glory BP Churches. Pray for the preparations to open the Kindergarten at the Gospel BPC in October.

9. Internationals – Judy Creamer is thankful for a safe and productive trip to Cincinnati, visiting friends, family, and the Arab church. Judy thanks the Lord for one who received Christ as Saviour through her witness at the pregnancy center. Pray for a new housemate of God’s choosing for Judy.

10. Guatemala – Rev. and Mrs. Ricker request that we continue to pray for the English and Personal Evangelism classes, which are equipping each church member. Pray for the aftermath of the eruption of Pacaya Volcano, as there was considerable devastation; cholera and respiratory problems have increased.

11. Kenya – Miss Bai is thankful for her ministry to the BCEA ladies as well as the children in the Sunday School department. Pray with her for her students during break time, that they will have profitable ministries. Pray also for the preparations each missionary has for the August EACA Conference.

12. Andes Mission – The Durands praise the Lord for faithful supporters, the earthquake relief donations, and for Edwardo’s graduation. Please pray for safe winter (in Chile) travel, blessings upon the preaching visits to churches, the distribution of relief funds, for Vivian, Paul’s seminary classes, and the Durands’ housing search.

13. Kenya/USA – Gary and Pat Johnson request prayer for Gary’s mother as she recovers from a stroke in June. They are thankful that Alan has completed radiation therapy and is recovering; pray for a complete return of strength for him. Pray as plans are made to return to Kenya in late August to expand a church and construct a pastor’s house, and teach at the Bethel Bible School. Pray for some who may wish to join them during this trip.

14. India – Dr. and Mrs. V. M. Gaikwad report extreme heat (113and#730;-117and#730;) has been with them for almost three months now. They are also facing electricity shortages of 6 hours/day. Pray as these servants continue in their medical/evangelistic outreach. We thank God for their faithfulness to serve.

15. Guatemala – Today (August 13) is the 3rd Annual CIEF Bible Conference; pray for the various speakers and that God will bless the people through the Word and fellowship. Pray for a proposed Teacher Training Course as several are interested and for preparations already being made for November’s VBS.

16. Kenya – Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon request prayer for the EACA Conference (Aug. 16-20), with close to 1,000 from over 15 countries attending. Pray for God’s blessing on all the preparations, as well as the messages and deliberations. Pray for the national vote on the new Kenyan Constitution on August 4.

17. Internationals – Judy Creamer reports that all but one of her ESL students passed the unit exam; pray that they will retain what they have learned over the summer. Pray for the plans for the Friends of Internationals, and that Judy will be able to meet with friendship partners this summer.

18. Cambodia – Rev. and Mrs. Luke Kim report that three local pastors graduated in June from their Medical Mission Theological School; having completed the one-year course, they request prayer for funds for local clinics for the graduates. The new term begins in July.

19. India – Mr. M. J. Eapen traveled to South India for his 6-month checkup for his heart by-pass surgery. Praise God for a good report. He has now returned to Kannauj to take up his ministry responsibilities once again. Pray for the success of this ministry, the village visits, distribution of Gospel packets, and visits with the sick.

20. London – Rev. and Mrs. Tim Ki leave for Adelaide (Aug.20-Sept.21) for the Hope BPC congregational meeting and election of a new session on Aug. 28. Pray for those who will fill the pulpit at New Life in their absence. They are thankful for this opportunity to assist Hope Church and visit their sons.

21. Andes Mission – Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Jara thank God for the progress made on the construction of their church building. They request prayer for Jonathan’s trip to Perú, the July Evangelistic Activity at the new property, and Children’s Day activities in August. Praise God for those who recently came to Christ through the ministry of a church member, Griselda Gonsales.

22. Guatemala – The Kangs request prayer for a secondary school in Patzicia, and the potential outreach through Bible teaching and discipleship. Pray for the students and the lessons that must be prepared. Debra and Joshua are in Korea visiting supporters. Pray for God’s watch care over Caleb. Finally, pray for Guatemala to recover from the damage caused by the volcano and tropical storm.

23. Missionary Support – Support for the following missionaries was short last month by the percentages indicated: Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim – 24%; Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Kang – 8%; Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi – 11%; Rev. and Mrs. Ken Olson – 11%; Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim – 61%; Mrs. Judy Creamer – 27%; Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker – 25%; Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Jara – 15%; Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon – 18%; Pray for the BCEA Work Loan Scholarship – $980; Silver Retirement Fund – $1,214.

24. Missionary Children – Remember in prayer those who have recently graduated, Luke and Christina Olson, that God will give them wisdom as to the next step in their lives. Pray for Rebecca Bjur as she seeks the Lord’s will concerning college next year. Praise God for the blessing and encouragement all our missionary children are to their parents as well as to us all.

25. Retired Missionaries – During these two summer months, let us remember with confident prayer, our retired missionaries: Mrs. Evelyn Cunningham, Mrs. Maurine Gordon, Miss Marion Willits, and Mrs. Dorothy White. Prayer is also requested for Dr. William Le Roy, recovering from heart by-pass surgery, and his wife, Jane, who continues with chemotherapy treatments.

26. On the Road – Pray for safety as a number of our missionaries are away at various times in July and August from their stations: Rev. and Mrs. Olson and Judith Collins in the USA; Debra Kang in Korea; Melody and Rebecca Bjur in the USA; Jonathan Jara in Perú; Rev. and Mrs. Tim Ki in Australia.

27. Kenya – Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim remind us that BCEA final exams begin today (July). Pray for a fruitful holiday for the students. Pray for Rev. and Mrs. Kim’s health. Pray for the New Reformed Constitution vote in Kenya (August 4). Pray for programs and activities over the break also.

28. Holy Land – Joan Davenport requests prayer for Nisreen to find work, God’s protection for the children during summer vacation, and God’s blessing on the Baraka and Beit Sahour churches. Pray that God’s Word will be honored as it is preached and taught in the various services.

29. Headquarters – During the summer months the home office responsibilities continue, so please pray for wisdom, health, and safety for our small office staff. Pray for the finances during the summer, as it has dropped considerably. Praise God for this vital ministry as it serves both missionaries and supporters alike.

30. Brazil – Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim request prayer for the construction permit for the Paulista Fundamental Presbyterian Church, which has been delayed many months. Pray for all the churches started by the graduates of the three seminaries, that each congregation will grow.

31. Our Mission Goals for the Year 2010 requiring your prayerful consideration:
1) A nurse for the Maasai Kiluani station in Kenya.
2) Home-school help for the Bjurs in Arica, Chile.
3) Someone to minister at the Clinics of Care property in Isovya, Kenya.
4) Sponsors for Baalah Primary School children at $15/month.

J. G. Machen's Profession of Faith

On Sunday evening, March 17, 1935, Dr. Machen preached in the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, Pa. In his sermon he said:

“Just before I stand before that Commission next Tuesday morning at ten o’clock in the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, New Jersey, I have a profession of my faith to make. I cannot make it before the Commission because the Commission has barred from discussing everything really relevant to the questions at issue and has thus refused even to hear my case. But I am going to make if before this congregation tonight, and I know that every real Christian will sympathize with me when I make it.

My profession of faith is simply that I know nothing of the Christ proclaimed, through the Auburn Affirmation, by the Moderator of that Commission. I know nothing of a Christ who is presented to us in a human book containing errors, but know only a Christ presented in a divine Book, the Bible, which is true from beginning to end. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly was and possibly was not born of a virgin, but know only of a Christ who was truly conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not work miracles, but know only of a Christ who said to the winds and the waves, with the sovereign voice of the Maker and Ruler of all nature, 'Peace, be still.’ I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not come out of the tomb on the first Easter morning, but know only of a Christ who triumphed over sin and the grave and is living now in His glorified body until He shall come again and I shall see Him with my very eyes. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not die as a substitute on the cross, but know only of a Christ who took upon Himself the just punishment of my sins and died there in my stead to make me right with the holy God.

I must be true to that Christ of the Bible, despite all efforts of the Auburn Affirmations and the ecclesiastical machinery to make me unture. I promised to be true to that Christ when I took my solemn ordination pledge as a minister, and I cannot break that promise now. I cannot support the anti-Christian propaganda now being furthered by the official Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. I cannot place the shifting votes of the General Assembly or any other human councils in a place of authority that rightly belongs only to the Word of God.

I have offered to defend my position about both these points. I have offered to prove that the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America is unfaithful to its great trust. I have offered to prove that the action of the last General Assembly requiring me to resign from The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions is contrary to the Constitution of the Church. The Commission has refused even to listen to my evidence. It has refused to listen to any argument by my council, Rev. H. McAllister Griffiths. It will of course condemn them. But I had rather be condemned for an honest adherence to the Bible and to my solemn ordination pledge than enjoy even the highest ecclesiastical honors and emoluments as the reward of dishonesty.”