September hit, and the Keatings hit the ground running and haven't stopped. Valarie continued homeschooling the kids at the beginning of the month. With Callaghan joining the homeschool ranks this year, it has been extremely busy for her. They are getting into rhythms and are very thankful that Valarie has the freedom to educate their children in a way that highlights Christ and the Scriptures.
Steve has had a very busy month. He preached on the last Sunday in August, and then they started studying 2 Samuel during Friday Night Bible Study. He taught the church's first membership class and a two-part baptism class. They had eight in the membership class and five in the baptism classes. Over a year ago, the Keatings asked for prayer that God would provide the funds needed for a home office in their backyard. The Lord provided those funds in six weeks. It is also now an office, a regular meeting place for elders' meetings, discipleship meetings, and a counselling space.
There are four men in a cohort going through a study on the biblical role and function of deacons. The meetings have been very encouraging to Rocky as he seeks to raise up brothers for that office. Recently, WCC had around 20 unbelieving friends attend their ku'i kalo workshop. They taught them how to ku'i (pound) kalo to make pa'i 'ai and shared a brief gospel message with them. Pray that God uses these workshops as a means not just to celebrate Hawaiian culture, but to advance his gospel in the community.
Rocky and the elders have been attempting to build better structure and organization. Pray especially for the new setup/breakdown structure—that every member would be eager to help in this weekly ministry. Pray also that they'd acquire the property next door. Praise God for adding a large number of newer and younger believers to WCC membership over the last couple of years. This massive encouragement also brings unique challenges. WCC has been working with Kahului Baptist to hold services once a month on the east side of Maui in Keanae.
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 for successful reentry into society. Other areas of ministry include support groups, as well as children's and parents' hope ministries.
Location:
Cameroon
Population:
17,000
Ev. Christian:
<2.5%
Main Language:
Kwakum
Spiritual Beliefs:
Unknown
Bible in Heart Language:
No
Several different religions can be found among the Bakoum, including Christianity, Islam, and Animism. Due to the lack of a Bible translation in their language and the lack of discipleship, the Bakoum church is weak.