2016 September Capsule

September 2016

General Baptist International Ministries

CAPSULE “Christ tasted death for every man.” Hebrews 2:9

VBS O ering 2016

The Summer (VBS) Offering this year is designated for Saipan playground and library rehab after typhoon Soudelor. The cost to place playground equipment that can withstand typhoon strength winds is considerable. General Baptists have ministered in Saipan since World War II, and we were the first Protestant group on the island. Ed Stevens opened this field for General Baptists.Thank you for your help. To date GBIM has received $8,135.00. The offering goal is $20,000.00

Ed Stevens 2016

The Ed Stevens offering will help the Jamaica Association of General Baptists celebrate their Golden “Jubilee” Anniversary.

We will partner with Jamaica Association to purchase a prime church property along a major Jamaican highway. Offering goal is $50,000.00 and the date is September 18, 2016. Much of this issue of the Capsule is dedicated to our Ed Stevens Offering for World Missions.

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Ed Stevens Day 9/18/2016 Ed Stevens was a General Baptist missionary and church planter who served on Guam, Saipan, and Chi Chi Jima from October 1946 to September 22, 1952, when he died on a ship en route to Guam for medical treatment. In his short ministry Ed Stevens served three mission fields, planted two churches, and evangelized many including a young man who would pave the way for our present work in the Philippines. Ed Stevens - Church Planter, Missionary, Evangelist!

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September 2016

General Baptist International Ministries

Missionary Transitions

Phil and Cindy Warren - Phil and Cindy will be under contract with GBIM through September 2016. They have returned to the states and are serving as the pastoral family at the West Side General Baptist Church in St. Ann, Missouri. We would encourage their share partners to move their shares to the Yeomans or some other family of your choosing.

Becky Coomer - will transition to one of our ministry partners to a delicate part of the world.

You may continue to support her through GBIM.

Mission Share Updates

Rodney and Teresa Walls have a budget need of 580 mission shares and currently have 155 Shares.

The Yeomans family has a budget need of 455 mission shares and currently have 214.

The Slater family has a budget need of 300 mission shares and currently have 6.

A mission share is a commitment of $10/month or $120/year to support a missionary on the field. Call the GBIM office at 573-785-7746 to learn more.

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Jamaica Association Celebrates Jubilee The Jamaica Association was organized on November 29, 1963. Delegates from the United States included Rev. and Mrs. Marlin Dossett (representing the Foreign Mission Board) and Dr. and Mrs. W. N. Gibson (Board of Religious Education). On September 11 the Jamaica Association formed their articles of Association and was officially recognized as an incorporated religious body, The Jamaica Association of General Baptists Limited. Starting with the annual meeting of the association in August 2016 the Jamaican church is planning a year long celebration in honor of the 50th Anniversary of its articles of incorporation.

Early key players in the Association were Rev. Roger J. Cazziol, a British subject, who came to Jamaica via Ghana, West Africa in 1958 where he began a ministry of missionary evangelism in the rural areas of central Jamaica. The most prominent Jamaicans in the early days were Rev. and Mrs. Alexander DeCosta and Rev. Thomas.

Throughout the years the Association has seen several projects come and go.

GBIM also has deep roots in Jamaica. Faith Home had its beginning in Jamaica as did the Mission One (MVP) program. The association also has maintained a camp at Mt. Forest for several years although its campus is currently closed due to asbestos issues.

In 2015 the association reported nine churches, 521 members and 104 conversions. They have an active Brotherhood, Mission Board, National Sunday School Board, Youth department, and Womens Missionary Society.

Despite Mt. Forest being unusable due to asbestos issues, the association still has an active camping program and also supports Windsor Lodge Children’s Home.

After the departure of Faith Home to Honduras, GBIM became less involved in Jamaica. Johnny and Teresa Hibbs served as missionaries, but for the most part GBIM has been involved mostly in an official capacity and in short term missions.

Three groups within the General Baptist movement have remained actively involved in Jamaica. The Henderson Church, where Charlie and Lavon Linhart served after their time as missionaries, has been actively involved as has Pastor Terry Howser and his organization Rippling Hope Jamaican Missions Teams have also been heavily involved. More recently the Jamaican Kingdom Partners have been very active with the Jamaica Association.

This year GBIM and the above partners are working in cooperation with Jamaica Association to purchase a new lot along a busy highway for the Heavenly Highway General Baptist Church. Our goal for this offering is $50,000. We hope you will join with us as together we help Heavenly Highway position themselves for greater kingdom impact. Of course we know that kingdom impact requires faithfulness and prayer as well as givers and goers.

So how can you help? Make sure your church in involved at some level with the Ed Stevens Day offering. Give through your church or send gifts directly to GBIM labeled Ed Stevens Day. Pray for the ongoing success of the Heavenly Highway Church, Pastor Phillip Pusey, and Jamaica Association.

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September 2016

General Baptist International Ministries

Heavenly Highway Church History, Growth and Vision

by Rev. Phillip Pusey

To God be the glory for the things He has done.’

The power and presence of the Lord has always been evident at Heavenly Highway.

The history of the Heavenly Highway General Baptist church is one that is rich and changing. Its history dates back to the time of Reverend Albert Russell and his wife, First Lady Louise Russell, in the year 1965. Initially the church started out with a small congregation. The physical structure was that of wooden walls with a thatch roof and small board benches. Rev. Russell lived on the Heavenly Highway Congregation church grounds with his wife. He was a skilled baker who specialized in baking spice buns, ginger bulla and ‘kuup kuup’. These he sold from time to time by a place called Pen Gate in the community. The community personnel gave him their support.

However, as time passed on, a transition was made and Reverend Lloyd Hall was sent to continue on the foundation that was laid by Rev. Russell. Rev. Hall with the help of his wife, First Lady Donna Hall, Deacon Wendell Ford, sister Gloria Campbell secretary and sister Sonia Mignott treasurer, the church was led into another phase.

Mention must also be made of the involvement of the missionaries such as Brother John Hibbs and his wife and Brother Terry Howser and other missionaries from America that were pivotal in further establishing and assisting this denomination here in Jamaica.

The ministry continued to build and grow, and its membership grew from the thirties to the sixties.

The church was also re-roofed courtesy of Brother Terry and his team. This was a huge blessing for which the congregants were extremely grateful and appreciative. As time advanced Rev. Hall was called upon to pastor another General Baptist church and so he handed over the reins to Phillip Pusey, Terry Howser, George Williams Rev. Phillip Pusey.

Rev. Phillip Pusey and First Lady Sis. Pusey were given the mandate to lead Heavenly Highway into the 21st century. Rev. Pusey’s first stint began in the year 2003 as Minister Pusey, when he was under the tutelage of Rev. Hall. Then in the year 2006 he became the pastor of Heavenly Highway General Baptist. They took over when the church was in transition mode from having a pastor of over twenty years and also when the world itself was shifting from the nineteenth century into a new dispensation-the 21st century. As they embarked on their new responsibilities they sought to build on the foundation that was laid spiritually,

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GBIM Volunteers You Should Know

Pete Leija serves as special projects coordinator for Honduras. Pete volunteers 6+ months of his time each year to serve General Baptists in Honduras. He receives no salary for the time he spends coordinating projects on and off Faith Home and serving as host for the vast majority of our teams. Pete works to establish estimates of project costs, works with team leaders to select projects and with Christina and the Walls to prioritize projects that need to be accomplished. Pete’s field travel and expenses are underwritten primarily from Mission One (MVP) funds. His time however is voluntary.

Tania Willis serves as Faith Home sponsor coordinator. If you sponsor a child with Faith Home or receive information concerning new children at Faith Home then it very likely came from Tania. Tania and her husband David served at Faith Home for a time and continue to be burdened for the ministry there. Since Tania has taken on sponsorship, Faith Home Director Christina Massey reports that active sponsorship has dramatically increased. We are very thankful for Tania and her willingness to serve this important ministry. Faith Home children’s sponsorships are $20/month.

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September 2016

General Baptist International Ministries Bob and Sherry Weatherford serve as new sponsorship coordinators for the Matigsalug Bible Institute (MBI). Bob and Sherry served as missionaries to the Philippines for several years, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to help coordinate sponsors for our students at MBI. MBI at one time had a very healthy sponsorship program that has fallen into neglect over recent years, but MBI continues to be the financial responsibility of GBIM. For those not aware, MBI trains indigenous pastors and Bible teachers throughout Mindanao at its campus in Sinuda in the heart of the island of Mindanao. Please contact the Weatherfords with your MBI sponsorship questions.

Cecil and Velda Cook have volunteered in Honduras many times over the last several years. Most likely, if you have been on a team to Honduras in the last two years, you have tasted some of the delicious meals they have prepared for our fortunate Honduran team members. Cecil and Velda served as a pastoral family for many years and continue to serve the Skyline Church as part of their hospitality team. They have spent over six months in Honduras serving teams in the last two years at their own expense. We are extremely grateful for volunteers like Cecil and Velda Cook!

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numerically, structurally and socially.

Heavenly Highway has always been a ministry that was an indicator of the power and presence of the Lord. Our Bible Studies have seen an increase in attendance and an improvement and infusion in technology. We are now able to have the use of a laptop, projector and a screen to assist in the delivery of the content of the word of God in our Bible Studies. To further assist with the mandate that has been given to the general church to go ye therefore, a special Mission Initiative program was instituted.

The Mission Initiative is a means by which we seek to minister to the unsaved among us whether in our families, at school, work or in the community. Then every first Sunday we set aside special time to reach out to the unsaved who have been invited to attend our services.

Our praise and worship ministry has been impacted in that it is now more vibrant and dynamic. There is also the infusion of technology to assist in our worship via our projector, laptop and screen. A dance ministry has also been attached to our worship arm.

Numerically, Heavenly Highway has seen an increase in membership. When Rev. Pusey took over the reins, the membership was in the sixties. Currently, our membership is that of over 100 and is consistently growing.

The church has also been impacted structurally and socially as many developments have occurred. The church has a perimeter fence, which was constructed in partnership with other contributors. We have further established a kitchen that allows us to continue to provide sumptuous meals for the indigent in our community. The ministry is now blessed with proper bathroom facilities and an office for our pastor. All these were done in partnership with our faithful contributors. This allows the church to cater to the social needs of the people it ministers to on a regular basis. It also gives the church a facelift and enhances its professional outlook.

Heavenly Highway is now prepared to further cater to its growing numbers as there is a challenge to comfortably house over four hundred people that may attend one of our special services. We are therefore envisioning constructing a facility that will facilitate the growth and development that we have experienced.

This vision has potential of evolving into something massive. It is not just limited to the physical structure but also encompasses that of our social, educational and economic needs. We are hoping to have a holistic ministry that is well equipped and advanced. This will further aid in propelling us to new heights as we broaden our horizons and our borders.

Socially and economically, the proposed complex will seek to meet the needs of its members and community by offering first class standards in the form of business opportunities. Jobs will be created that will assist persons to meet their own personal needs and thus be able to make further contributions to the ministry.

This will also give rise to the ministry being able to better aid in sustaining itself financially. We also have in mind to house a gym, pharmacy and restaurant. Of course Rev. Pusey will also be in a much better position to offer various forms of counseling and guidance to the members and community personnel.

Educationally, we are also hoping to house an educational center- Heavenly Highway’s School of Excellence. The idea of a school is of paramount importance as it will provide for the needs of those who are weak in literacy and numeracy and also seek to help propel those who need the extra push to achieve further educational success.

Heavenly Highway is gearing up to becoming all that God has it to be. Thus, to Him be all the glory for what He has done and will continue to do.

Just Two Years or a Lifetime?

by Jessey Vemula

We are very happy to send you this update and remind you that God has bigger plans for us than we can think. We want to let everyone know that it has

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September 2016

General Baptist International Ministries been two years since we responded to God’s calling to move to India to be missionaries. Here is the question, are the two years of our missionary work enough, or are we tired of carrying the cross already? Have we finished what we came to do? Is there a need for us to stay longer in India? The answer is WE WILL NOT STOP OUR SERVICE IN INDIA! Our calling and burden is to reach people and preach the Gospel. This is the reality of God’s calling in everyone’s life.

Since the day God has called us to ministry, India has been in our hearts.

It’s not just because Jessey is from here, it’s because this country needs Jesus more than ever. Not only is the population of India growing daily but ignorance, arrogance, fearlessness, and godlessness are also growing rampantly.

Is it easy, safe, or fun to be an Ambassador of Christ in a country like Jessey and Brittany Vemula (Left) India? No, it’s not. Can you reach and change everyone? No, we can only reach some. Not only do we hear these questions from people, but we often hear them from Satan just to disappoint us and stop us from doing God’s work. Many things come our way to try to make us quit, but we don’t want to sit quietly and wait for the Lord to return. No, there’s something more we all need to do before we see Him face to face. The thing that we cannot do in heaven is preach the Gospel. Is there anything that we may regret in heaven?

Yes, not taking time to reach out to people with the gospel.

Many Christians have a burden for the lost souls of India, but not everyone can go, live and preach the gospel in India. Recently, many visitors have encountered problems in obtaining a visa. We praise the Lord that this situation will not stop us from traveling to India and staying, because we just received our OCI status (kind of Dual citizenship). In the future, we neither have to apply for visas nor leave the country within six months.

Since we are burdened to be lifetime missionaries in India. We want to pray and encourage you to not give up on being by our side, praying, supporting financially and encouraging us. Because ministry is the greatest thing in this world to have a partnership with. It is God’s calling and your prayers and financial support that keep us moving forward, seeing many lives transformed, and accomplishing great things for God. Brittany and I are appreciative to those who have prayed for and supported this ministry. It is an honor and blessing to serve as God’s missionaries and yours.

During these 2-3 years, great things have been happening for the kingdom of God. We have baptized 6 people in the past seven months! Most recently, we graduated a group of 26 ladies from the Lydia Sewing Center, and 12 of them gave their lives to Christ! The school season has started, and we started our Good Shepherd’s Children’s home kids in an English medium school. This will improve their chance for a better future, and it will benefit the families later on in life.

When you support us financially you are supporting so much more. If God is in something it will not be in vain. India is one of the neediest countries when it comes to the gospel. There are no missionary visas, and to come here and preach the gospel can mean death. However, Brittany and I are committed to God’s work and are willing to spend the rest of our lives here.

We, your missionaries, need your prayers and financial support to continue to do what we are called to do. Please join us to reach the unreached and be willing to support us and ministry. We hope you’ve liked our Ministry Facebook page, Calvary Grace General Baptist Churches of India, and are following our updates, viewing our photos, and seeing various ministry videos. Please send in your $10/ month share support or MORE today to support our ministry in India!

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Ed Stevens Information

Ed Stevens was a General Baptist missionary, church planter, and personal soul winner. He served as a missionary on Guam, pioneer missionary and church planter on Saipan. During his time on Saipan he was visiting the local hospitals when he led a man from Chichijima to Christ resulting in a new mission work there which he helped pioneer.

After a service on Saipan one day he led a young man named Vince Silencino to Christ. Vince would later become the first General Baptist missionary to the Philippines. Ed Stevens accomplished all of this from October 1946 to September 1952 when he died en route to Guam seeking medical treatment. We remember his heroic example of faith and evangelistic commitment with the hope that we will be inspired also and challenged to heroic service for the Lord.

Highlights: January 23, 1917, Born September 29, 1945, Ordained July 15, 1946, Appointed as missionary Sep. 8, 1946, Departure for Guam Oct. 6, 1946, Arrived on Guam April 4, 1948, Led first Protestant service on Saipan.

Jan. 22, 1952, Transfers to Chichijima Sept. 22, 1952, dies on way to Guam Page 5

Yes, I want to further the spread of the Gospel in Jamaica by helping the 2016 Ed Stevens Offering reach its goal of $50,000 Name: ________________________ Amount Enclosed: _______ Address: _______________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: _________ Zip: __________ Email: _________________________________________________

Mail to: General Baptist International: 100 Stinson Drive: Poplar Bluff, MO 63901