2021 and Beyond
Dear Prayer and Financial Supporters,
It is a new year with new challenges, along side old and reliable promises. “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” In addition: “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…. And lo, I am with you always…”
I am reminded of Joseph who victoriously served in a less than democratic administration:-). It was through Joseph that God preserved the people who became Israel, from whom the Savior came. I also think of the Apostle Paul who ministered under the tyranny of Rome. It was this, the Apostle to the Gentiles, who by the sovereign hand of God, was taken as a prisoner to Rome. From the geo-political center of Rome the Gospel was able to travel globally. Finally, it was the faithful Baptist missionary, Adoniram Judson, born not long after the Revolutionary War, who served the Lord during the time of the War of 1812, dying not too many years before the Civil War, who served under a Nebuchadnezzar-like ruler in Burma. He lost two wives, several children, and many missionary colleagues while serving there. Burma also claimed Judson’s life, as well. Yet, he was instrumental in opening Burma to the Gospel, a place missionary William Carey advised him to forget, believing it was beyond hope.
Joseph, Paul, and Adoniram Judson, did not allow the politics, plagues or hardships of their day to stop them from faithful and victorious service. Instead, they joined God in His sovereign dealings in order to accomplish His will.
By God’s grace and almighty power, Deb and I are endeavoring to follow the example of Joseph, Paul and Adoniram. Below you will find some to the ways in which we believe God is leading us:
- We will continue to ask God for wisdom to discern how He is working to build the body of Christ in the city. One thing we are sure of, God is working His plan. Therefore, exciting days are ahead. It is our responsibility to discern His plan and join Him.
- We will be aggressive, but wise, as we minister in a pandemic-laced world. Health hazards will be taken under consideration, but trusting the Lord with discipleship opportunities will take first priority.
- We will add to our online meetings/ministry additional online written material to evangelize not-yet-believers, to disciple young, not fully formed believers, and to mobilize individuals to serve in cities. (The Lord willing, Deb and I will write more about this in a future prayer letter.)
Praises and Prayer
The Boston and Beyond team is on the move: Our colleague, Jean Tsen, is finishing up her deputation ministry and is now working towards moving to Boston. Please pray for the many details as she does so. Megan Mullins is raising support to come serve with Boston and Beyond as an intern. Andrew Eddy is getting married in February and will hopefully start deputation soon. The International Baptist Church is small but with an abundance of leadership potential. We are in regular communication with those international individuals who were once in Boston. The church continues to minister to them as well. I (Bill) will be speaking to students interested in missions at Faith Baptist Bible College on February 8.
There are other important strategic ministry plan adjustments that will be shared in future communications. But for now, our most important prayer request is for wisdom and discernment to serve effectively in a Covid-filled and geopolitically-challenged city environment.
As we seek to join our Savior, we are hopeful our most fruitful ministry years are yet ahead. Thankful for you, to be serving with us,
Bill and Deb |
