February 2010: Grace Ministries Around the World


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Great Loss in Tanzania - It was with sadness that we learned Pastor Pearson Simtowe, senior pastor of the Grace Churches in Tanzania and father of missionary Kennedy Simtowe (Malawi), was killed when a motorcycle hit him while he was riding his bike in Sumbawanga. Pastor Pearson was a faithful leader of the church for over 50 years. He began his ministry with missionaries, Otto and Gladys Deming and Carl and Joanne Moyer. His funeral was attended by over 3,000 people. He leaves behind his wife and eight children and their families. (Editor's note: During my last visit in their home in August 2008, they expressed their thanks to the Lord that all of their eight children and families were walking in the ways of the Lord.) Pray especially for the family and the many who were touched by his life and ministry.

Activities in Uruguay - PTL for the opportunity that a number of our church members had to attend the South America counterpart to Urbana. After the conference the participants from our church were divided into different mission teams for two weeks of ministry in six countries of South America. Alex and Deltha Gulart went to Bolivia to help Talo in camp ministries. Pray for Alex and Deltha as they will begin their second year of seminary in Montevideo the end of February. On January 16 eight teens from the church attended the two-week Teenstreet Camp and Conference in Montevideo. Pray that what they learned will impact their lives spiritually.

Bolivia Update - Over 30 youth from our churches in Bolivia traveled with 270 other youth from churches across Bolivia to Cordova, Argentina, where they attended the largest youth missions conference in South America. Pray that God will raise up a generation of South American missionaries from among these young people.

World Cup in Africa - The soccer world cup will be held in South Africa starting in June of this year. Dan Moyer has requested prayer for the preparations being made to minister to those attending the games. Pray especially for the leadership of Things to Come Mission and churches in South Africa. This event will draw more visitors to South Africa than any other event in the past.

Missionaries on the Road - Please pray for Cory and Kim Hodgson, Aimee Johnson, Dan and Mary Sue Reed, and Brook Seekins as they travel all across the country to visit friends and churches. Pray for safety and the mutual encouragement that comes from their visits.

News from Costa Rica - Chuck Befus asks for prayer for Abel, one of the four main men he is working with in the new church plant in Alejuela. Abel was diagnosed with cancer and is awaiting surgery as soon as there is an opening. PTL for the excellent turnout on December 27 when over 200 from the neighborhood came to see, eat, and participate in a Christmas/New Year event. Please pray for plans to continue to reach out once every other month with an event for the community which will reveal the love the church has for each other and for those in the community. Pray also for the first missions conference that the church will conduct February 19-21, the Lord willing. Sam and Becky Vinton will be the featured speakers.

Update from Holliers in Australia - PTL for the good response Andrew had when he spoke at the North Entrance Church Fellowship, two hours north of Sydney. Please pray for their ministry team as they make plans for new outreach for 2010 at the Northside Grace Church.

Gablers in Bolivia - We are thankful for the safe arrival of Steve and Lorene Gabler and their daughter, Sharon, in Bolivia on January 14. Sharon is a junior in high school. Please pray for their ministry focus of working at the Buena Vista camp. We are praying for work teams that will be able to go to Bolivia and invest time working with Steve in repairing existing buildings as well as constructing several new ones.

Camp Counselors Needed - Brook Seekins is in the States for a six-month home assignment and will be looking for those who will be willing to work with her this summer in the camps she conducts in Tanzania. If you are interested, please contact Don Ten Hoeve at the GMI office and he will put you in touch with Brook. Thanks.

Reaching Congo Students - As schools started a new semester in January, the evangelistic teams began traveling into villages to reach students in our schools with the Gospel. Please pray that many will respond.

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