Winter 2014
Preserving and Strengthening versus Restarting: The Ministry of a Furlough-Replacement Missionary by Mr. Steve Anderson
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t will probably come as a surprise to many churches to learn that the majority of missionaries consider the occasional stateside respite known as furlough to be largely counterproductive. This is particularly true for those missionaries who are past their first term, no matter their venue. While regular, well-written prayer letters and email updates keep the supporting prayer warriors informed, most would agree that there is no substitute for the missionary’s personal visit, including his testimony and colorful visuals. However, furlough frequently means that the church planter must leave his flock with precious little leadership. All too often, upon returning to his field, the missionary finds only a remnant of the group he left months earlier, requiring him to essentially “start over”! Brethren, these things ought not so to be.
An integral part of the church-planting process is the long-term training of national men with the goals of spiritual maturity and the ability to carefully exegete the Word. Over time, these men will become increasingly capable of consistently and biblically preaching the Word, while teaching the younger believers through their speech and exemplary lifestyle. The missionary’s furlough often interrupts this process. Although other missionaries in the area typically offer to “cover” the work of their colaborer, the constraints of their own ministries keep them from performing the task with an appropriate level of success. They simply find themselves “stretched too thin.” A generation ago, a church planter could establish a work in a village that would be essentially the “only game in town,” but those days disappeared through the worldwide proliferation of false teaching in many shades. Additionally, there are cults and fringe groups which seem to actually watch and target congregations where leadership is weak or temporarily absent. During such times, they will pique the interest of someone in the unattended flock by offering to “have a Bible study” with them—with the design to gradually pull these sheep over to their persuasion.
This tragedy is exactly what transpired during our own furloughs while serving as church planters in a West African country in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Our emotions on return to the field were a mix of grief over the fact that the believers had grown precious little during our absence and an indescribable angst over the loss of folks into whose lives we had poured our own hearts and the Word for months, and even years. As I spoke with missionaries from around the world, I learned that this was an all-too-common occurrence. The upside of these disappointing experiences is that God used them to burden our own hearts for a ministry specifically aimed at turning this situation around for God’s glory. We approached Baptist World Mission in 1997 with the plan to start a full-time furlough-replacement ministry. In the 12 years since our first coverage, the Lord has raised up six other families to join in this undertaking. Together these furlough-replacement missionaries have covered more than 40 furloughs. In nearly every case, the missionary has returned to a work that has grown or is essentially the same as he left it. To God be the glory for this high rate of success, which is no doubt partly due to the fact that all the furlough-replacement missionaries have years of pastoral experience, whether in the States or on the foreign field. It is more than appropriate to consider the furloughreplacement missionary as a church planter, since he is functioning in the place of the regular missionary. He has the unique task of maintaining, strengthening and preserving the missionary’s work until he returns. BWM’s furlough-replacement missionaries depend on monthly support from churches, just like other church planters. If your church does not yet support a BWM furloughreplacement missionary, we urge you to consider inviting one of these seasoned missionaries to present his ministry. We believe it is a wise investment of foreign missionary dollars. May God continue to bless this unique ministry throughout the Baptist World Mission family of church planters serving in 48 countries.
In This Issue
2 Meet Our New Missionaries Highlights from the Highways & Hedges
3 Mission Matters
4 Itineraries
Meet Our New Missionaries Amanda Baker - England
Amanda Baker grew up in a missions-minded, church-planting pastor’s home. As the daughter of Dr. Jim and Marci Baker, she learned, in the home and church, to have a heart for missions and missionaries. Amanda is sent out by Tabernacle Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she also teaches in the Christian school. The Lord has burdened her heart for England and led her to serve alongside BWM missionaries Jonathan and Angela Carl, also on deputation to England. Amanda served as a Mapper (short-term missionary) in England this summer and received a glowing report from the missionary pastor in England. Pray for Amanda as she prepares for and begins her deputation ministry.
Leigha (Reed) Carpenter - Cambodia
Jason Carpenter is on deputation for Cambodia and is sent out by Bethel Baptist Church in Tucson, Arizona. It has been a blessing to see how the Lord has led Leigha (Reed) and Jason together for marriage and missionary service. Leigha is from Calvary Baptist Church, Warren, Maine. The Lord has uniquely prepared Leigha for missionary service in Southeast Asia. She is a godly young lady, with very practical missionary language translation experience with Bibles International. She has already developed a love for the Asian people through her opportunities with Bible translation in several Southeast Asian countries. Jason and BWM are blessed by her addition to our missionary family. Pray for Jason and Leigha as they get adjusted to marriage and the deputation trail.
Seth and Lauren Champlin - Argentina
It is always a blessing to see missionary kids grow and desire to serve the Lord in missions, as their parents have. Such is the case for Seth Champlin. Seth grew up on the mission field of Suriname and has a heart to serve the Lord in Argentina with his wife Lauren. Seth and Lauren trained at Ambassador Baptist College and are sent out by Crossroads Baptist Church of Columbus, North Carolina. They have a sincere heart for serving our Lord. Please pray for them as they begin their deputation ministry.
Ben and Andrea Hamilton - Bronx, New York
We are blessed to have Ben and Andrea Hamilton join Baptist World Mission as church planters in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Hamiltons are currently serving at and being sent out by Bethel Baptist Fellowship in Brooklyn, New York. Pastor Jim Bickel has mentored the Hamiltons and is excited to send them to plant a much-needed church in the Bronx. The Hamiltons trained at Ambassador Baptist College and have already proven to be faithful servants of our Lord and will make great church planters. Pray for the Hamiltons while they begin deputation to raise support, as well as make their plans for the church plant in the Bronx.
Maria (Bouder) Pieri - Italy
Larry Pieri is one of our longtime, faithful missionaries to Italy (sent out by Bay City Baptist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin). He has been admittedly handicapped since he became a widower. Over the past several months, the Lord has been leading Larry and Maria together for marriage and missionary service. Maria was born in Belgium to Italian parents who immigrated to Canada. Having been reared in Quebec in an Italian home, she learned to speak Italian, French and English. Recently, she immigrated and became a United States citizen. Maria was saved as an adult widow, and the Lord has given her a zeal for souls and desire to honor God’s Word in her family and ministry. Maria is a member of Ft. Lauderdale Baptist Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is uniquely prepared and burdened to join Larry in missionary service in Italy. Larry and Maria were married on December 28.
Highlights f r o m
t h e
Highways & Hedges
Access to furlough-replacement missionaries is another great benefit BWM provides for its missionaries. Since furlough-replacement ministry is the theme of this issue, we felt some testimonials from our missionaries would be a fitting complement to Mr. Anderson’s feature article. Mr. Anderson oversees BWM’s furloughreplacement ministry.
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e have used furlough-replacement missionaries twice during our ministry in Japan. What a blessing it is to know that the church is being ministered to and will grow in our absence. This ministry is a vital part of the worldwide missionary effort, and we praise God for those who labor in it.
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e have been blessed to have two different furlough-replacement missionary couples help us. Both did a fine job of holding things together. Without furlough-replacement missionaries, it would be nearly impossible for us to take a furlough, because like-minded Baptist preachers who can do the job just are not available here in Australia. We are grateful for couples who are willing to do this.
Matt and Sachiyo Starin, Japan
Scott and Melody Childs, Australia
Mission Matters: by Dr. Bud Steadman
From Dan to Beersheba
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rom Dan to Beersheba” is a phrase characterized by a significant graying. While A Ministry Well used nine times in the Hebrew Bible in a well-balanced local church ministry will Served reference to the geographical areas of always appreciate the stability and blessing Miss Sharon Clark the tribes of Israel between Dan (in the north) of the biblical hoary head, there is a great was appointed as and Beersheba (in the south). The phrase need for many of our churches to return to a missionary to historically contributed to the posture taken a biblically aggressive evangelism and disUruguay on April by politicians during negotiation of the British cipleship ministry in order to avoid churches 17, 1963, and was Mandate for Palestine following World War going into decline. While the motivation for honored at the AnI. Among many of God’s people, the phrase biblical outreach must never be the rescuing nual Meeting of the has become somewhat synonymous with of the numbers in our churches, but rather Board of Baptist World Mission on October potpourri—a mixture of many to make a whole. 14, 2013, as the first BWM missionary to biblical obedience and love for Christ, there is an urgent need in many congregations reach the service anniversary of 50 years. for a return to a generational balance of Over the past half century, Sharon has been In this article, I am compressing some very important information because of space limi- a key member of the BWM Uruguay team to attendance. When evangelism and discipleship are coupled with biblical separatism in facilitate church planting across that nation. tation. Please recognize and be assured that a vibrant local church context (obedience We thank God for her faithful and effeceach of these items has great significance must never be sacrificed on the altar of tive ministry as she has reached this historic beyond the words allotted to them. growth!), the scenario for advancement is milestone. greatly improved. A Life Well Lived A Challenge Well Heeded Ruby Whitley Parker To the praise of the Lord’s grace, Baptist The testimonies of the two ladies above entered the presence reflect a challenge confronting most funda- World Mission has had the joy of appointing of her Lord on Novemmental Baptist mission agencies—the aging 14 new missionaries to service around the ber 1 of this year. She world during the 2013 calendar year. While of the ministry force around the world. and her first husband, maintaining our strong historic stand on In 2008, a national survey of mainline Joseph Whitley, were congregations in the United States was con- the Word of God, the Lord has blessed us charter members of with new servants of Christ. Please join our ducted by the Cooperative Congregational Tabernacle Baptist mission effort by doing your part in evanChurch in Wilson, North Studies Partnership and published in an gelizing and discipling, through your local article entitled “Faith Communities Today Carolina, where Ruby made her home in church, and then praying that the Lord of recent years. Some years following the death 2008: A First Look.” This survey revealed the Harvest would send forth laborers. This of her first husband, she married Dr. Monroe that in 60 percent of mainline denominais the biblical plan for growth at home and tions, one-quarter of the members are 65 Parker, longtime General Director of BWM. for recruitment of missionaries for a needy As a helpmeet to Dr. Parker in his later years, or older. By comparison, in 24 percent of world! she wonderfully facilitated his ongoing travel evangelical churches, one-quarter of the members are 65 or older. While we might of the world to proclaim Christ. Her value be tempted to discount this survey as not to the cause of Christ around the globe will representing Fundamentalism, the reality is only be revealed in that day when our Lord that our independent Baptist churches are says to Ruby, “Well done!”
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thank the Lord for our furloughreplacement missionary couple. They replaced us for four months with wonderful results—seven people were baptized in our absence, and the church was confirmed in the faith. This is a wonderful ministry! To have someone come and preach what you are preaching and teaching reinforces the truth of the missionary’s message to the nationals.
Areobaldo and Nilza DeCarvalho, Cape Verde
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e have had furlough-replacement missionaries cover for us three times. It was a blessing to have seasoned missionaries caring for our people and for our home while we were away. Many missionaries just cannot leave their works for as long as they would like, because they simply don’t have anyone trustworthy to take their place. I am very thankful that BWM makes these opportunities available to their missionaries.
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ur furlough-replacement couple was a blessing to our family. We needed to spend a full year in the States so our daughter could attend an American Christian school and we could report to our supporting churches. We adopted Alli at five years of age from Ukraine, so at age fourteen, she had no idea about American culture. Our church plant was only a couple of years old when we left it in the hands of a furlough-replacement missionary couple. It would have been impossible to leave our ministry for a year without an experienced pastor. Furlough-replacement is a wonderful ministry and service to us who are planting churches on foreign fields.
Bob and Tina McKinney, Poland
Les and Jen Hill, Ireland
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little over two years ago, a furlough-replacement missionary couple came to Victoria, British Columbia, to fill in for us while we visited our son and the people whom we led to Christ and pastored during 28 years of ministry in England. This couple was a great blessing to our congregation at Capital City Baptist Church in Victoria. Our people found our replacements to be God- and people-loving folks. We were glad to have them and are planning for them to come again. If you need a godly couple to fill in the gap for you, we highly recommend a BWM furlough-replacement missionary couple.
Bill and Norma Carter, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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aptist World Mission has a team of missionaries working together in the country of Kenya, laboring in separate church plants and together in a Bible college ministry. We have called upon BWM furlough-replacement missionaries on two occasions. Each couple stepped in and not only held the ministry together, but actually advanced the ministry during the time they were here. Of special note is the personal connections they forged with some individuals, helping them in their personal struggles, while supporting the absent missionary and contributing to the unity of the ministry. Our experience with BWM furlough-replacement missionaries has convinced us of the great benefits of their worldwide ministry.
Brent and Karolyn Halstead, Kenya
Itineraries
Steve Anderson
March 23 Spring Lake Baptist Church, Sebring, FL
January 12–17
March 31–April 4
Baptist College of Ministry, Menomonee Falls, WI
Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, IA
Kevin Brosnan
Pat Delaney
No meetings scheduled at this time.
No meetings scheduled at this time.
David Canedy
Jesse Garza
January 12 Westside Baptist Church, Greeley, CO (a.m. service)
January 12 Front Range Baptist Church, Fort Collins, CO (p.m. service)
January 19
No meetings scheduled at this time.
Bud Steadman January 15–28 Haiti
February 9–12
January 25–29
February 16
Fellowship Baptist Church, Taylors, SC
Fellowship Baptist Church, Watertown, WI (a.m. service)
Ambassador Baptist College, Lattimore, NC
February 16 Faith Baptist Church, Decatur, AL (p.m. service)
February 17–21 BWM Family/Relationship Seminar, Decatur, AL
March 2 Open Door Baptist Church, Lebanon, PA
March 5–9 First Baptist Church, Elmer, NJ
March 16 Lighthouse Baptist Church, Newark, DE
Craig & LeAnna Comstock (New Zealand) 90% ccomstock@baptistworldmission.org Dan & Dee Kowach (South Korea) 91% dkowach@baptistworldmission.org
Harvest Baptist Church, Castle Rock, CO (a.m. service)
February 13–14
Ready to Go These missionaries have almost reached 100% support. They are READY TO GO! Perhaps the Lord of the Harvest will enable you or your church to help get them to their fields of service. Contact them today!
Faith Baptist Church, Davison, MI
Jim and Myra Wright (FurloughReplacement) 72% jwright@baptistworldmission.org
February 16 Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown, WI (p.m. service)
February 17–20 Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Watertown, WI
February 22–23 Morningside Baptist Church, Greenville, SC
March 1–2 Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN
March 5–9 Carleton Community Baptist Church, Carleton, MI
March 23–26 Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, MI
Executive Committee Meeting
Schedule an Administrator or Director at Your Church!
All administrators will be attending the BWM Executive Committee Meeting on February 3–4, held at the BWM home office in Decatur, Alabama.
BWM administrators and directors offer a wonderful blend of passionate preaching and current field experiences. Please contact the mission if you would like to schedule one of these men for your next conference.
This publication is available at baptistworldmission.org. Canada Office PO Box 51 Milton ON L9T 2Y3 Phone (905) 876-9936 bwmission@bellnet.ca
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