Burgess Road Baptist Church

February 2014

Dear Ministry Partners,  

“Sanctification involves the concentration of thought, of interest, of heart, mind, will, and purpose upon the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and the engagement of our whole being with those means which God has instituted for the attainment of that destination” (John Murray). The Apostle Paul noted to the church in Corinth, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1:30). May God help each one of us to grow in Christ who is “all in all.”

We had wonderful and well attended ministry activities during the month of February: Sunday School Teacher’s training on February 2, 2014, Youth and Children Fellowship on February 16, 2014, Men and Ladies Fellowship on February 22, 2014. During the month, four adults did share their testimonies and communicated their desire to be members of Elgon View Baptist Church. We do continue to receive new faces on weekly basis and we pray that God would minister to their spiritual needs through the preaching of the gospel truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to air the word of God through a local Radio Station and this has been one of the reasons for visitors as we reach out individually from house to house. Please pray for the church growth as well as spiritual maturity as we reach out to the unsaved and teach the saved. It is our prayer that we all “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Please pray for effectiveness in reaching out to children and their families. Pray for our family to be strengthened in doing ministry and meet family responsibilities. Pray for our parents and the special attention they need in life. Pray for wisdom and knowhow to meet financial challenges needed for such special demands besides final touches on our ministry home which has been an experience in life. Rena was privileged to be part of their School tour to Kitale, which is to the west of Eldoret and they had a great time and experience in a zoo and an animal orphanage farm. Ian and Regina too were part of their school hiking and camping tour for three nights in the Kerio Valley. They have been a blessing to see these kids learn and take responsibilities in their lives. Please pray for us “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

We have been working hard with the architecture and the builder in making sure that all due process is up to speed in regard to the Church Building Plans. We believe that most part of this year will be spent mainly in the building program. Pray for the success of project and effective summer ministries this year. We do trust God for His will, even our sanctification as Apostle Paul states, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Thank you all for your ever present support in life and ministry.

In His Work,
Stephen & Edna Muindi
Ian, Regina, Rena

January 2014

Dear Ministry Partners 

We thank God for your faithfulness in the agreement that exists between you and us in the matter of giving in partnership and participation in our common goal of spreading the gospel. We do also express our gratitude for your recent Christmas cards and gifts as well as your pattern of generous support for us and the missionary work here. It is our Christian mandate to reach out to the unsaved and be born again and to teach them to grow spiritually. We do appreciate your efforts, support, and understanding of the pain and agony that involves the process.

As we begin the New Year, 2014, we thank God for the opportunity and privilege to serve Him in the 2013. We look back at the things accomplished in preaching, teaching, Bible Studies, Fellowships, VBS, activity days, special days, positive response to biblical counseling as well as negative responses, financial constraints, pressures of life from within and without, national as well as international fears and challenges, etc., and we praise God for His strength and help throughout the year. We have been able to see changes in peoples’ lives toward maturity, salvation, baptism, and membership.

We have been privileged to present the word of God through a local Radio Station and it has been effective and encouraging. The growing children ministry demands for more room and we are thankful for the facilities we have at the moment, hoping for a better tomorrow with God’s help. 2013 ended on a high note with Children’s activity day, seven being baptized, and Christmas special service that were all well attended.

We began this month of January 2014 with evaluation of our opportunities and ministries and we are overwhelmed with what can be done. We are trying to spread out ministry work as we face the New Year hoping to see more involvement and commitment. This month has been focused on Sunday school teacher’s Training which ended on Saturday, February 1, 2014. We have seen the effectiveness of this ministry in reaching out to children and families.

Please pray for family strength in dealing with normal family needs and ministry needs as well. Pray for our aging parents as we trying to encourage and offer support in their late years of life. Pray for the process and the foundational work for the building projects this year. Pray for effective summer ministries with different groups joining us on a short-term basis this year.

Obtaining a work permit now in Kenya is becoming difficult and complicated with a list of demands. If one is issued  for two years, it is not renewable and you must demonstrate that no national can do what you will be doing and must be here to train someone to do that work after the two years. Also, one must prove with relative documents that he/she is an expert in the area of concern. Foreign missionaries and other non-government organizations are finding it hard to renew their permits. Please pray for God’s guidance as we seek and call for more workers in our field.

We thank you all for such a massive support in ministry despite challenges faced and obstacles of which God has triumphed on our behalf and for His glory. Your Christmas and family Cards were of great encouragement to us and your Christmas gifts met our family financial needs that have been pending for some time. We love you all and we do cherish your ministry support.

In His Wings,

Stephen & Edna Muindi
Ian, Regina, Rena
Ruth 2:12

January 2014

Dear Friends,

2014 has come in like a lion. We’ve had multiple car problems, a strange insect infestation, big ministry disappointments, periods without water and/or electricity in 90-100 degree weather, and unresolved health problems, to name some of the challenges. We understand that our situation could be far worse – we’ve read Adoniram Judson’s and Corrie ten Boom’s biographies. And we are definitely thankful for the blessings and victories God has granted in the midst of trials. But sometimes when you are in a pit, it is hard to recognize that the sun is still shining above and you must call out for help. So we come to you humbly asking for your prayers to God in our behalf. Our families, colleagues here and mission board, among others, have helped us tremendously already. As I said 2014 has come in like a lion – I suspect that behind many of the things that have happened there is the influence of a lion – a lion that walks about seeking whom he may devour. But we know that there is a greater Lion – the Lion of the tribe of Judah who is also our sacrificial Lamb, and nothing escapes His control.

Notes of Praise:

▪ Pastor Jose and I have been meeting with a couple (Antonio and Dalva) and studying the book of John. Some weeks ago they both bowed and trusted in Christ as Savior.

▪ One of two trucks was moved from the future church property. When the second truck is moved, we can begin construction of a wall around the property. We are still well short of the $30,000 Building Fund goal but we are encouraged by those who have been able to contribute.

Prayer Requests:

▪ A young man named David Forbes has been with us for about three weeks for a mission trip before his last semester of college. He’s definitely not getting a sugarcoated view of missionary life! His flexibility and help during these times has been a blessing. His messages have ministered to my heart even as I translated them for some of the churches in Rio and I know they have ministered to the people here in Brazil. Pray for God’s future direction for his life.

▪ Pray for Rio’s Annual Youth Summer Camp that will be held at the end of February.

Love in Christ,
The Holmquists