Raised Up!

Dear friends,

There are many things that we do in the realm of mobilization (challenging the next generation of missionaries to go into harvest). We do a lot of conferences and classes and coffees. We spend a lot of time sharing stories, sending emails, and strategizing. But with all of these good and necessary things, there is only one thing that Jesus specifically commanded us to do in regard to seeing more laborers raised up: pray.

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ ”

Recently our rep team has been putting renewed emphasis on prayer as we see shortages of missionaries on the various fields where Ethnos360 works. There are still many tribal groups in Papua New Guinea, for example, asking for missionaries to come and share with them, but we do not have enough to send. And there are critical shortages in support roles that help keep our missionaries able to minister in remote locations. As another example, recently two grade levels were cancelled at Numonohi Christian Academy because of a teacher shortage. Therefore, we must keep praying that the Lord would supply these needs!

Hudson Taylor, a pioneering missionary to China, once said, “We have to do with One who is Lord of all power and might, whose arm is not shortened that it cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear; with One whose unchanging Word directs us to ask and receive that our joy may be full, to open our mouths wide, that He may fill them. And we do well to remember that this gracious God, who has condescended to place His almighty power at the command of believing prayer looks not lightly on the blood-guiltiness of those who neglect to avail themselves of it for the benefit of the perishing…” Wow! May we not neglect to avail ourselves of God’s mighty power available through prayer.

Please join with us in regularly praying that He would raise up laborers!

Spring Activities Locally

As we have done the past few years, we once again helped lead the local Perspectives class in College Station. We had 100 students registered this year, and it was a fantastic class. Besides doing much of the class administration, Neil was able to teach one of the weeks’ lessons both locally as well as other classes in Houston, Waco, and El Paso. We also had our Ethnos360 CEO come down and teach another week. We wrapped up the class last Monday night and nearly 70% of the students said they were committing to going long term to the Nations! Praise God!

PNG food potluck!

Neil sharing about tribal religions

Besides Perspectives, we repeated a couple of events we did last Spring with new groups of students. Once again, we did our “Into the Buddhist Mind” cultural event. We also had our Director of Mobilization, Mark, come down to help us put on “Night in the Tribe.” We served PNG-style food and Neil shared about tribal religions. Then Mark was able to talk about church planting and Bible translation in PNG and challenge the students to consider the needs in this area. Both of these events were great opportunities to share with students about unreached peoples around the world and specifically present opportunities to serve with Ethnos360.

From these events we spend time following up with students who want to know more. This year we have several students interested in our trips to Papua New Guinea where they can see much of what is going on firsthand!

Neil also continues to disciple a few young men who have missions’ interest. This has been a great way to build deeper relationships with these students and encourage them in the Lord. Thank you for your prayers for our ministry!

National Ministries

While part of our role is local, part of it also encompasses leadership within the broader Advancement Department in Ethnos360-USA as a whole. For several years now, Neil has been overseeing our USA Representative team. Recently, he was asked to step into the role of Advancement Director for Ethnos360. This is a coordinating role between our Communications and Mobilization departments, working with the Directors of those departments and coordinating their efforts, as well as acting as the liaison to the Executive Leadership Team. Doing this remotely rather than at Headquarters will be challenging so your prayers are appreciated as he seeks to fill this role from a distance.

Six Grandchildren?

Grandbaby Number 5!

It’s hard to believe but we’ve gone from 3 grandchildren a year ago to 6 grandchildren now! Our last letter we spotlighted little Davis (Andrew and Katie’s 3rd child). In April, Coby and Katie had their first daughter, Lily Joy, and then two weeks later Ben and DakotaKate had their second child, Elijah Grant. Lucy will enjoy being a Big Sis to this new little one. We praise the Lord for all these blessings in our lives!

Thank you

We do not tell you enough how grateful we are for you all. As we said above, prayer is key to this ministry and so we value your prayers that God would enable us as we disciple and encourage young people to consider their role in reaching the unreached. A big part of our lives continues to be caring for Becky’s mother (who lives with us). As she declines, that part becomes more challenging, especially for Becky. Your prayers for Ann are also appreciated. Please let us know how we can be praying for you as well.

Gratefully in Christ,

Neil and Becky