Rev. Roy Russell Honored for 50 years of Service
Superintendent Bill Millinor went to the Elk Valley Advent Christian Church in Charleston, W.Va. to present Rev. Roy Russell with a 50-year medallion, honoring him for 50 years of service. Rev. Russell last served at Walton Union AC Church in Walton, W.Va. Pictured below are Elk Valley Pastor Rev. Roy Boyd, Rev. Roy Russell and Superintendent Bill Millinor.
Prayer and Fasting Lead to Child Dedication at Agape House Mati
Philippines
After a day of prayer and fasting at the Agape House in Mati (Philippines), the Lord led the staff to dedicate to him four children who are part of the orphanage. Three of the children are siblings. The staff takes very seriously the responsibility of raising these children before the Lord. Agape House Director Rowena Cabrizos wrote, “We are unsure how long they are going to stay with us, but at least while they are still in our care, we have done what God wanted us to do for them.”
Advent Christians Abroad Battle Covid-19
India – Fellowship of Blessed Hope Churches
Rev. Prabu Manuel and his wife Hema Malini were confined to the hospital, receiving treatment for COVID-19 in Chennai, India. However, we received a report from Missions Manager Immanuel this week that Prabu Manuel and his wife are now safe and back at home.
Nigeria
Elder Daniel Udosen was hospitalized with COVID-19 and we are awaiting an update on his condition.
Malawi
Coronavirus has now taken the lives of three of our church members, including the following: the wife of Pastor Manthenga in Chicwawa, the son of Pastor Kombe and a member in Nsanje.
Tanzania
After being hospitalized for COVID-19, Pastor Johnson Odoyo and his wife Illene have recovered well and returned home.
Shortage of Funds Threatens Survival of Children’s Home in India
India, YJM Ministry Partners, Emmanuel’s School and Children’s Home
Emmanuel’s School and Children’s Home in Chandel, Manipur State, India has approximately 450 students, in classes ranging from lower Kindergarten to Standard 10, taught by 18 teachers. Students receive quality education and also hear daily about Jesus Christ and his love for them.
Recent shortages of funds have meant that student numbers have declined, and some teachers have resigned. We need prayers to our Lord that he will provide for their day to day running costs – salaries, equipment, food for the students, and much-needed maintenance and replacement of their buildings.
Funds were recently sent from ACMissioNZ, our ministry partners in New Zealand that aid AC ministries in southeast Asia, to help with the financial shortfall. The school has also applied for government recognition which will enable them to have their senior students sit important government examinations. Please pray that this application will be approved promptly by the Indian education authorities so that the school may advance.
Pastor Joseph Receives Nearly Half of Budget to Build Orphanage
ACMissioNZ reports the following:
Pastor Joseph cares for a total of 72 orphans and underprivileged children at his compound. Many of you are aware that he has begun construction on a larger building that will provide the housing and facilities that he so desperately needs. The staged project’s overall cost will be approximately $116,000 (NZD). Pastor Joseph has prayed fervently that the Lord would provide all that is needed. We are thrilled to report that our Lord has provided $53,800 (NZD) – nearly half his budget! They will now be able to move ahead. Join us in praying that the Lord will continue to provide for all his needs.
COVID-19 Restrictions Press Pastors to Cross Borders Furthering Reconciliation
Mozambique
In February, Area Director Bryce Whiting and Pastor Travis Hutcheson (Shiloh AC Church) travelled to Malawi to engage with pastors from the Mozambique Conference who had separated from one another. Their goal was to help bring about reconciliation. It became apparent that the conflict centered around the corruption of the former president. After hearing from all parties, the president resigned.
Pastor Samuel Kasakatira was installed as the new president and has already taken huge steps in bringing healing to the conference. Due to COVID-19 in Mozambique, all recent meetings have been capped at 10 people or fewer. Because of this, last week some of the pastors traveled across the border to fellowship with their fellow Christians in Malawi. One of the visiting pastors was even invited to speak! They have come such a long way toward reconciliation and we praise our Lord for that.