IBPFM

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. Ken Olson thank the Lord that Christina, Priscilla, and Luke have completed school for the year, and that Rev. Olson’s classes at seminary were also profitable. Pray for “The Biblical Presbyterian”, a paper Rev. Olson wishes to republish (originally done by Dr. Le Roy). Pray also for the restart of the Confederation of Evangelical Fundamental Churches of Brazil (CIEF).

2. Internationals – Judy Creamer rejoices in the progress made by her ESL students. Let us pray with her for new classes being organized and that the problems over a new meeting place will be solved. Pray for someone to watch the children so summer classes can go forward and be orderly.

3. Kenya – Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim thank God for the recent rains in Kenya, for the 9 new students at BCEA and for the two graduations (BCEA Tanzania and B.Min at BCEA Kenya). Pray for the final exams (August 4-6) and for the dedication of the Lenkijape Glory Mission Church in Maasailand.

4. Prayer Partners – Thank the Lord for the individuals, Sunday school classes and congregations who pray regularly for our IBPFM missionaries. Pray that more will use this Praise and Prayer Network as a guide to intercessory prayer for missions. Remember, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

5. Andes Mission – Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Jara praise the Lord that Mrs. Patricia Muñoz received Jesus as her Saviour at the time of the church’s 6th anniversary. They are also thankful to have all the building permits in hand for the church construction. Pray that Rodrigo and his sister, Emily, will join in the young people’s group. Pray for the parents who may come to the Children’s Day program on August 9th, and for some of the young people to be able to attend the winter camp July 13-18th.

6. Kenya – The Johnsons thank the Lord for two good months in Kenya and for the eight team members who helped during that time. Thank the Lord for the completion of many projects, invaluable aid in teaching at the Bible School, and encouragement to the Technical School and area people. Praise God for the souls that were saved. Pray that God will continue to use this His work, in the bush.

7. Guatemala – Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker request prayer for many in the Los Angeles Church that have been sick recently. Pray for Stephen and Hal as they alternate preaching between the two churches. Steven’s wife Juanita is expecting their second child; pray for this. Pray for Steven as he supervises the construction of the Monserrat I church. Praise the Lord that the attempted robbery of the piano there failed.

8. Australia – Rev. Timothy Ki praises the Lord for journey mercies from the USA to Cambodia, Singapore and Malysia with good camps in the latter two locations. Rev. Ki will be ministering in London at the New Life Bible Presbyterian Church for three more months. Pray for this new ministry, the opportunities to strengthen believers and win the lost to Christ. Pray that the Kis will receive all the proper documentation.

9. Kenya – Miss Eun-Young Bai is thankful for her return to BCEA and the current term. Pray for the August VBS; for teachers, materials and the right program. She requests prayer for the ladies at BCEA that they will have good health and study habits. Continue to pray for the new students that arrived this term.

10. Cambodia – Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi request prayer for the three classes (Mon-Fri) held at the Gospel BPC, as well as the services. Pray for growth in the children’s Sunday School at Glory BPC; currently 30 are attending. Pray for the weak and poor church members, that their faith will be restored. Pray for Stephen and Lydia that they will grow daily in the Word. Pray for their new grandson James and his mother Valeryn.

11. Holy Land – Miss Joan Davenport remains thankful for God’s daily goodness and blessing, that the Samarah children finished the school year successfully, and that Nisreen has graduated. Please pray for a job for her in Bethlehem and for the summer course Ismael is taking.

12. Headquarters – Pray today for the staff: Rev. and Mrs. Keith Coleman, Mrs. Charlotte Faucette, Miss Marilyn Faucette, and Mrs. Irene Markovich. Pray that God will continue to bless the staff as they serve between supporters and missionaries. Pray for the prayer letters and other materials that are prepared and mailed around the world.

13. Retired Executive Officer – Thank God for His servant Dr. William R. Le Roy, and his leadership as Board President. Praise God for successful knee replacement surgery May 1; pray for his recovery and better mobility. Pray for guidance and good health for both Dr. and Mrs. Le Roy.

14. India – Praise God for the medical-evangelistic work of Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Gaikwad at the Louisa Lee Memorial Clinic and Hospital in Tumsar. Praise Him for the conversions every year. Pray for the Gaikwads and their Christian staff as they seek to win patients to Christ.

15. Kenya – Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon are thankful for the completion of the 2nd term at BCEA (July), and especially for God’s calling them to Africa. Pray for the activities scheduled during the August school break, and for the health of Haeun and Hajin during these cooler months. Continue to remember MiJung in prayer as she is expected to deliver their third child in September.

16. Guatemala – Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Kang praise God for His protection for their family. Pray for Caleb and Debra to have patience in learning the language (and enough funds for the tuition). Thank God that Debra is getting more interaction with the Guatemalan ladies through her Bible studies with them twice a week. Pray for Caleb to have more opportunities to practice Spanish. Remember Joshua in his new 6th grade school year.

17. India – Mr. Eapen gives praise to God for His care for them on their journeys for preaching the Gospel, and for those who listened to the Word of God with patience. Please pray that God may open new places where they may reach many others with the Gospel of Christ, and for good health to carry on this work.

18. Internationals – Judy Creamer is thankful that Magnolia’s husband was able to get employment. Judy also requests prayer for pain in her back. Pray for plans being made for the fall activities for international students, and that Dinara will come to the Lord before she returns to Kyrgystan.

19. Andes Mission – Rev. and Mrs. Paul Durand request prayer for the Ladies’ Bible Study, Pastor Hector Jara, as well as Jacqueline and Marcos. Pray for Carlos (salvation and deliverance from alcohol) and a separated couple that the Lord would bring them back together. Pray for the Sunday School teachers, vacation Bible Club, and a meeting of the youth of the CIEF (July 22-24), with a national meeting for everyone on July 25.

20. Cambodia – Dr. and Mrs. Luke Kim are thankful for the funds to construct the four clinics and for the four pastors. Pray for the new Basic Medical Class which began in June, including some Bible Classes. Pray for the seven pastors who applied, that they will persevere in their studies and bring long term spiritual fruit. Also pray for 20 students who, by government request, are going to study in a two-year theological school.

21. Retired Missionaries – Today let us thank God for our retired missionaries: Mrs. Evelyn Cunningham, Mrs. Maurine Gordon, Mrs. Dorothy White, Mrs. Jane Le Roy, and Miss Marion Willits. Please pray that their needed support will continue, and that their service to God will not be forgotten. Pray for daily strength and grace to meet their particular physical and spiritual needs.

22. Guatemala – Pray for future CIEF public meetings and for the Executive as they work on the legal requirements in order to incorporate. Remember in prayer the safety of the Trinitarian Bible Society and bookstore as they were robbed at gunpoint and told that “Bibles are garbage”.

23. Andes Mission – Rev. and Mrs. Jim Bjur request our prayers for new converts to grow spiritually and for their families to come to salvation as well. Remember the “winter activities”, especially for the Lord’s help, guidance and provision for the camp and the young men on the mission team. Pray for greater consecration of the believers in the church and that each one there would glorify the Lord in their lives.

24. Holy Land – Today we pray for the Baraka Bible Presbyterian Church, its pastors, teachers and the various classes and Bible studies that meet throughout the week. Pray that the young people will have a zeal for righteousness and growth in the Lord. Pray for God’s protection of His servants as they seek to serve Him.

25. Brazil – Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim are thankful for two leadership training meetings held on June 6 for the South Presbytery and June 28 for the Northeast Presbytery. The Bethesda Nursery now accommodates 65 children; pray for more good donors to support these children. Pray that the Paulista Church (Recife) may soon receive the needed building permit.

26. Kenya – Judith Collins asks God to “Help the believing children in Baalah Primary School in northern Kenya as they hold their weekly Prayer Club. May they know what to pray about, and how to pray through to an answer, and receive much heart-blessing from the Lord as they pray to Him.” Pray for rain that the famine may end and that the Lord will spare the people from cholera and dysentery. Keep praying the World Food Program will feed people at Baalah from now onward.

27. Australia – Today let us remember the Hope BP Church, their new pastor, and the church leadership. Praise the Lord for the good anniversary service (June 28). Pray for Mrs. Ki’s health, and the spiritual and physical needs of Samuel and Daniel while Rev. Ki is in London. Pray for this time of transition for the family, and the needed financial adjustments. Pray for a working visa and the ministry in New Life BPC in London.

28. Faithful Donors – “The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.” Psalm 129:8. During the summer months, let us pray that our ministry partners will faithfully remember the support of our missionaries. Let us also pray that God will raise up more supporters, for the challenge is great.

29. Missionary Support – Please continue to pray for the monthly financial needs of a number of missionaries: Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon - 6%; Miss Joan Davenport - 21%; Rev. and Mrs. Timothy Ki - 18%; Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim - 66%; Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker - 33%; Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi - 14%; Rev. and Mrs. Paul Durand - 10%; Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim - 11%. Pray also for the General Fund - $9,500; Bible College of East Africa Work Scholarship Fund - $980; Silver Retirement Fund - $260.

30. India – Pray for Mr. M. J. Eapen today. God has blessed him over these many years, and his heart continues to yield to His service. Pray for his safety as he travels the many back roads in India bringing the Gospel of Christ to the lost and dying. Continue to uphold the children of Hope Academy in your prayers also.

31. Our Mission Goals for the Year 2009; urgent requests to pray for:
1) Sponsors for 300 Baalah Primary School children ($15/child/month). Currently only 18 have support.
2) A home-school teacher for the Bjur children in Arica.
3) The completion of the sale of Beit El Baraka.
4) Medical personnel to re-open the Clinics of Care ministry in Kenya.

THE FEARLESS LIFE

Somewhere I read about a young fish that lived in the upper Thames River who worried because in his little mind he feared that there might not be enough water to supply adequately all of the fish, whereupon an older fish who had traveled extensively to and from her spawning fields, told the fearful fish about the great oceans, and so allayed his fears of a water shortage.

As a lawyer I am continually meeting people who have fears and dreads and suspicions, and, as a lawyer, I can tell them that it is not safe to act until we have knowledge based upon specific evidence. We are surrounded and beset by prophets of all kinds of future events, but in the law courts we are wary of all such, even including those who call themselves “experts” in some art or science and for a sum of money render their opinions for the guidance of judge and jury.

But the blessed thing about the Christian life is the fact that God’s Holy Spirit dwells in each of us to be our Advocate (I John 2:2) with our God, our Intercessor (Rom. 8:27) between us and God and men, our Comforter (John 14:16) at all times, our guide (John 16:13) in all places, our Teacher (John 14:26) in all matters where we must have knowledge of God’s plans for us, our Helper (Rom. 8:26) in every activity required by our Father, and our Energizer or Equipper (Phil. 4:19) for every thing within the purpose that our Lord has for us to endure or perform. I imagine that a soldier of the United States must feel great comfort in knowing that the power and resourcefulness of this great country are behind him to supply him, and how much more can we children of God rejoice in the fact that the wisdom, power, knowledge and love of Christ is in and around us at all times and we never can drift out of His love and care.

We are never in the dark for “God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all,” and “if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” God certainly does not worry, but committing everything to Him we press on under His guidance to the goal that He has set before us.

Our fearfulness and dread result from our littleness, but our fearlessness and faith and peace result from God’s greatness and His infinite love for us and mercy toward us. Our privilege is to live the Fearless Life his with Christ in God.

(The Honorable James E. Bennett served a Vice President of the IBPFM from 1938-1960. This editorial appeared in The Independent Board Bulletin, February 1943)