David and Marilyn Middleton returned to the Dominican Republic last week. They had been on a short furlough in the states. They had traveled extensively and held several services. Continue to pray for their efforts in this island country. They need the Lord’s help to overcome the pagan and voodoo forces that are prevalent.
Our building in Jalapa where the Rickenbach’s live is receiving a new roof. The old roof was an unusual type of corrugation made of a composite material with deep valleys and peaks – each corrugation was about a foot deep. The ongoing project has presented many challenges which has included a long drawn out construction project literally above the Rickenbach’s heads. The life of a missionary is always filled with variety but it has really been varied for the Rickenbachs. Bro. Lee writes the following: “Receiving beams were installed and opening cut in old roof over both living room areas and covered at night with tin and plastic. This is the worst phase for vulnerability to rain and wind and more patience needed by all of us to put up with the mess and disorganization in our apartment…. engineer gave the green light on all the installed beams and set us up for their installation to begin Nov 2…..Had my 4th class of Bible Greek from 5-10 in the evening” Now that is variety.
Please pray for the Rickenbachs during this trying time. Imagine trying to prepare to teach a Greek class while the plastic is flapping in the breeze over your head!!
We appreciate all the donors who make these necessary projects possble.
Hispanic Supervisor Steve Hight has returned from Guatemala safely. He had been teaching the advanced theology classes. He writes as follows:
……..we had a pretty good class session in the morning. I’ve been teaching them an effective, yet simple, method of Bible study, and one of the guys has commented that it’s the best he’s been shown. I hope that means he and others will put it into practice! One thing’s for sure — If they do their assignments, they have to study at least two scripture portions using this system and write a sermon outline for each, so they use the system at least twice more.
Steve Hight is in
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Steve Hight writes about Monday October 5
I went to the academy for their opening exercises and wore my travel vest. They gave me a few moments to speak to the kids, and I told them about the vest and how handy it is when I travel because of all the stuff I can carry in it. They were a great bunch to speak to. One interesting thing: They pledged allegiance to the Bible and to the Guatemalan flag in Spanish, but to the Christian flag in English.
Theology Classes
We got off to the usual slow start. Some pastors are a distance away and it’s hard for them to get here by
The afternoon session was very so-so and the session tonight wasn’t a whole lot better. Part of it was what I chose to do in trying to connect with the class last year (Theology I — this year is II). I probably should have just said, “Okay, open your books and let’s study theology.” I’ll do that tomorrow.
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Steve Hight writes about Tuesday October 6
Classes today went somewhat better, for which I’m grateful.
Residence classes are also in progress, so there are chapel services each day and I don’t have to worry about planning for them. Today one of the pastors who is taking my class spoke from Isaiah 6 about the importance of “making the first things the first things” and making sure that our hearts are prepared for serving the Lord.
I ate in the dining hall with the students at
News today from our missionary Daniel Melton is good. After the unrest that occurred when ousted president Zelaya snuck back into the country, the situation has normalized. Businesses are running normally and the there is no evidence of violence in the San Pedro Sula area. The military is not permitting the roads to be blocked. We are thankful for this stabilization. Please continue to pray for the Meltons since they are working there by themselves while the Robberts are in the US for furlough.
Hispanic fields supervisor Steve Hight is currently in Jalapa Guatemala this week teaching advanced theology classes. He has reported back on trips on Sunday which included services in Mongas. He has been eating an assortment of ethnic food as well as special food prepared by the missionaries. Please pray for him this week. He no doubt needs the Lord’s help in the theology classes – especially since he no longer lives in a Spanish speaking environment. Also pray for his safety and return this Saturday. From the sound of his emails we might need to pray that he does not overeat.
Sept 2009
Dear Friend of Missions,
We have been to Egypt and are back again! Thank you for your prayers and support!
It was hot in Egypt. We traveled across a little section of the Sahara on an eight lane highway. Since we were running late, our driver pressed the pedal ever harder until we were doing 150 kph! That is 93 mph. We did make it to church in Abu el Matameer—a little late, and the people were singing when we arrived. God helped us to preach from the Parable of the Soils (The Sower). After three days of services in Abu el Matameer, we got back safely to Cairo. Our room temperature was running between 83 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. To limit the heat we closed the windows and drapes during the day. Myrtle was sick the first week, but God healed her fever and diarrhea so she could accompany me.
The reason we were in Egypt was to speak at the Pastors’ and College Students’ Conference. We were at Prayer Mountain, named after a Korean Prayer Retreat. We stayed in charming little igloo shaped rooms prepared for two or three people each. The meetings were in a big building made of steel frame and thick canvas roof and sides. There were 27 ceiling fans going at high speed. The Chairman of the Evangelical Council of Egypt spoke the first night. Then the Lord gave me the other four services with Brother Barti translating. The message on the Price of Success compared the words of King Jereboam of Israel and the words of Jesus. One said, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem.” The other said, “I must go up to Jerusalem.” It seemed to be a new idea to a few of the pastors. Some of the students told me they needed the Holy Spirit in their ministry. Pray for them.
Among several churches where we ministered was Pastor Harby’s in Ameria. With a permit from the Muslim government and help from the homeland, the old church was razed and a new four story edifice built. A good number of people, old and young, gathered for Sunday night service and Brother Barti and I were on fire. After the service a young lady asked me to pray for her to receive the Holy Spirit as I had preached. Others were also seeking earnestly. Please pray for them. The very small church at Ezbet el Nakl (grove of palm trees) is ready to dedicate their new quarters in early October. Pastor Magdy and his congregation have been working very hard.
We had a very interesting time with a Catholic family in the guest house. The young banker son was very sorry to see us leave to return to America. Actually we flew all night going westward, racing against the sun. Time zones allowed us to see the morning only after almost 10 hours in the air. After Egypt, it seemed cool in America. In fact, when we walked in the door of our house that night the temperature was exactly 70 degrees. After the heat of Egypt, we put a big blanket on our bed to keep warm!
Thank you for your prayers as we get back into the schedule of writing. God answered your prayers for Egypt. Now we look to Him for the days ahead.
Your missionaries,
Pictures (down): Arriving at Prayer Mountain for Conference Leroy and Myrtle Prayer Mountain on the Sahara