Drew and Steph are wrapping up their time in Louisville before heading back to their home in Central Asia. They have both been encouraged by the work the Lord has been doing through their ministry. Much of their time is spent laboring for the health of two local churches in their area. Their goal is to provide mentorship and resources so that these churches can walk in holiness and grow in maturity. One of their ministry focuses is to translate solid gospel resources (books, articles, pamphlets) into the local language. Drew has also had the opportunity to start a podcast in which he is able to dialogue with leaders on important matters in their local context..
Drew and Steph both desire to see the men and women they are investing in to grow into mature disciples of Christ. They have recently wrestled with seeing some of the individuals they care for stumble with habitual sin and walk away from a meaningful commitment to the local church.
The Friesen’s are praising the Lord for growing their biblical counseling ministry at Vine Community Church (VCC). They have one sister with three counselees right now who is nearing completion of her counseling certification (ACBC), and another sister who has just expressed interest in pursuing certification as well. VCC has multiple members who are married to unbelieving spouses. One of the unbelieving husbands (Bob) has been diagnosed with cancer, and the church was able to visit with him. His wife (Lonnie) said that he has recently been listening to resources by R.C. Sproul.
VCC is thankful that they have been experiencing growth in their community and small groups. This growth has led to a need for more small group leaders to be raised up. This past summer, the elders preached through a sermon series on prayer. They desire to see a greater passion for prayer throughout the church body.
Speak for the Unborn (S4U) is a sidewalk counseling ministry started out of Immanuel that seeks to walk alongside women considering abortion, plead for the lives of their infants, and share gospel hope. The Lord has blessed S4U with significant growth, and the ministry is seeing churches join the S4U network across the United States and Canada. Over the coming years, S4U plans to launch two new trainings aimed at equipping believers to winsomely and clearly articulate the biblical position on life and share gospel hope with those considering abortion.
Location:
Indonesia
Population:
200,000
Ev. Christian:
<1%
Main Language:
Lampung Nyo
Spiritual Beliefs:
99.96% Islam
Bible in Heart Language:
No
The Lampung Abung are a large group with a social structure that is strong and separate from other Lampung peoples. Over 99% are Muslims and—out of cultural precedent—are not allowed to hold any other religion.