Nathan and Ellie were appointed with Reaching and Teaching late last year. They are going to be heading to a training center in West Asia for 8 months before heading to Japan. The past 5 months have been full with travel, the Immanuel Network Summit, school, transitioning from full-time work to full-time fundraising, and being first-time parents. They are very eager to get to Tokyo and begin work on the church plant with the Castros. They began praying about going to Japan over 3 years ago, and God slowly drew their hearts to the need for the gospel in Japan.
Ellie has recently graduated from Boyce; however, she still has a few tests to complete to finish school. They are enjoying raising their daughter, Heidi, who is around 5 months old. She has had some severe eczema, but praise God, He has healed much of it. They have loved fundraising and sharing about the vision for Japan with others, but there is still a long way to go to be fully funded.
Praise God their congregation unanimously voted to receive Clint Joao and Shawn Kiesel as deacons! They join Chris Robinson, who's been serving as their sole deacon since 2020. John (the landowner) decided to sell the building they've been praying for to another buyer at a premium price. This was pretty discouraging, but there are still two other 3-acre lots John's attempting to divide and may make available to WCC. Although God's providence is often painful, they praise God that He always has their best in mind.
There have been some heavy counseling situations in their church family. Please pray God gives Rocky and the elders supernatural love, wisdom, patience, and clarity so that they care exceptionally well for these members. Please pray for repentance where necessary and restoration. Praise God WCC has graciously given Rocky a 3-month sabbatical this June, July, and August. Much of Rocky and his family’s time will be spent off-island resting from pastoral ministry, enjoying time with family and friends, and making memories with their children (Ka'i, Haddon, Miah).
The Prisoner’s Hope is a Christ-centered ministry reaching out to those incarcerated and their families. Mentors build relationships before, during, and after incarceration and assist with basic needs to equip them for successful reentry into society. Other areas of ministry include support groups, as well as children's and parents' hope ministries.
Location:
Sumatra
Population:
211,000
Ev. Christian:
0%
Main Language:
Lintang
Spiritual Beliefs:
99.5% Islam
Bible in Heart Language:
No
The Lintang are an unengaged, unreached people. They are notorious for plundering strangers. It is an accepted cultural practice for men in financial need. They live along the Lintang River in South Sumatra.