The beginning of work in Zone 9

So many things happened this week that I can't remember all the details. This was exciting to me because only one week before the team came we didn't even have an apartment. Cane Creek Stoddard Baptist Association (CCSBA) has promised to support the work in Zone 9. NOT just by helping to send teams but also with the financial assistance needed to rent an apartment. Only three days before the team arrived we secured this apartment. So this was the first time that we were able to actually BEGIN to put the National Bible Reading Plan to practice. This plan is to be led by nationals, expanded by SBC teams coming from Missiouri with an apartment rented by the CCSBA whose Director of Missions is Marshal Link. We are trying to build a prototype model that will start "cell type" churches in heavily populated areas. So this is like the fist step on the way to Mars...but it was a good one! Here Kim and Catalina are enjoying a little friendship. This was Kim's first mission trip and as the week went by she become stronger and stronger in the work and the faith. I was very proud of Kim as we have known her family for several years and also had the priviledge of leading her husband Kenny to Christ on "her birthday" almost ten years ago. Her daughter has a heart for missions and now that MOM has been on a mission trip.....we will see what God does with her!

These are precious photo's to me. I always have big dreams and hopes that what I am talking about all the time and planning will come to pass. I want to see a strong network established in Galati that will lead many people to Christ and leave a church behind at the same time. This group of people is what God used to confirm some of my hopes. We are SO FAR from where I see that we can be but AMEN for all that we see God is doing in Galati. Some will get to see it first hand and others will pray from far away but will also be a co-worker with Christ. This is one my pastors favorite thoughts as he mentions it all the time. God doesn't need our help!

The lady with her hands folded in this picture was the first person to do a lesson in the apartment. They met her on the street on Wednesday, made an appointment for 5 on friday. She showed up and was waiting for the lesson. Praise the Lord. It went well and she will continue to do the lessons.

Discounting the two new people on this mission trip the average age of the other eight was around 65 or so. I was absolutely amazed at this team. They have been coming to Europe for around eight years now. They are a medical team primarily and are the "example" to follow in exactly how to run a mobile clinic. This week though they came to help their brother and I deeply appreciate them. They talked to many people about the Lord and gave our national team a chance to work with them.

Mihia the tall guy in the red shirt is also a God send. He has a great heart to help me see this ministry come to pass. I didn't even know if we had ANY help at all going into this week. He delivered in a big way. He found people who were more interested in Evangelism then making money off the week translating for the americans. This is exactly what we need. It has become a big problem that those who speak the best english are the ones that the church gives us when the teams come. This hurts us in big way because they are normally very busy already with other duties or only come to make the extra money and will not help with follow up. I am not saying that I blame them but it can not be a part of this plan. I would rather just have those who want to see Galati come to Christ. This is a big prayer request but I know that God will honor this as you can not serve God and money!