In March, our ministries had the privilege of hosting Caleb and Emily Christiansen for their survey trip. On their first Sunday, I preached the closing service of a Hausa Fellowship Meeting at one of our church plants, and during the next two Sunday evenings, Bro. Caleb preached at both churches in which my family is involved. Bro. and Mrs. Christiansen also witnessed a special meeting that we had with SMITE graduates about the future of our Nigerian youth camps. Please pray for them as they prepare for deputation.
On Good Friday, our SMITE Africa staff, Pastor Adewale Adesina and Evangelist Babatunde Ajayi, completed the 2nd Student Missions Institute for Training in Evangelism at Fundamental Baptist Church International in Kumasi, Ghana. There were 80 youth from 5 church groups that conducted 16 clubs, with a total of 1,109 children enrolled and 577 saved. I had the privilege of preaching the morning and evening services on Sunday at FBCI, and Sabrina did a Bible Club demonstration on Monday and taught a class on Tuesday. We’ve been happy to hear immediate reports of the youth in Kumasi conducting weekly Bible Clubs on Saturdays and three missionary and pastor families starting clubs with their youth who attended the camp. We are looking forward to three Nigeria SMITE’s in August and a first-ever one for Kenya in November.
In May, Truth Baptist Church will celebrate its 13th Anniversary, and most of those years, the ministry has been self-supported by God’s grace, strength, and provision. However, a few unique challenges have hit the work recently, and I wish to call out for help. Two of our staff use a motorcycle for visitation, soul winning, and follow-up. That bike was stolen a few months ago, and a new motorcycle will cost about $600. Also, after several years, our church chairs are getting old and breaking. We are in need of around 100 chairs at about $8 apiece. We would appreciate any assistance at whatever amount.
We have several other ongoing projects for which we need prayer. Grace & Glory Baptist Church has started building an auditorium on land that we’re leasing. The City of Refuge project has completed its second housing structure, has welcomed in over twenty persecuted Christians, and is ready to begin construction on a building for a kitchen and bathrooms. Our assistant pastor, Justin Mathias, for whom many of you prayed after his accident, has written an autobiography and is hoping to print many copies soon. Lastly, Truth Baptist Church still desires to add a second floor to the rooms that we currently use for dormitory space; this would allow us the capacity to open a Christian day school. Thank you for your intercessions.
Believing God,
Mark Holmes, written 20 May 2019
