Our family had a wonderful time in the States updating churches and being with family and friends. We were inspired by all who told us of their prayers for us. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are so loving and supportive. Here are some highlights from the last month and a half.
July
Mid-July, we were at the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. We were there so that Joy could attend Youth Conference and so that Maria and I could attend FBMI’s Missions University, a refresher course for us missionaries. We were encouraged by the teaching and fellowship. The Saturday after, we enjoyed the beautiful wedding of James Speer to Kelly Kirchmann; James is the son of our team leader and pastor, Missionary Ted Speer. The next morning, Bible Baptist Church of Prairie du Chien gave a huge offering that went toward our team’s radio frequency/TV channel purchase. Then in the evening, we were at Midwest Bible Baptist Church in Rochester, Minnesota. We thank God for their new auditorium! Pastor Doll and Pastor Hanson are doing an incredible job leading their people to reach their world for Christ.
After the service Sunday evening, Maria’s long-time friend, Chris Nelson, took us out to Culver’s for dinner. After the meal, I was heading to the parking lot, and I saw a man standing by his car. I offered him a tract and encouraged him to visit Midwest Bible Baptist. This man named Jonathan received the tract and asked me, “Would you pray for me?” He and his mother had some pressing health needs. After praying, I took the opportunity to share the Gospel with him. He listened well, asked questions, and decided to call upon Christ for salvation. It was such a blessing to hear from Midwest several days later that Jonathan had indeed visited their services!
We were back at First Baptist that Wednesday to give a ministry update, after which several thousand more dollars were given towards our radio station project. As of this writing, $102,000 has been given/committed towards this need.
August
We received a warm welcome back to Ghana. We are very happy to be back to our church and Sunday school class and to be sowing the seed of the Gospel in this fertile field. As an example, my assistant, Brother Peter, took me to visit the home of a man who had started coming to our class in our absence. (He was invited by fellow team missionary, Larae Hoff.) His grandmother had recently passed away, and about a dozen family members and friends had gathered at the home. (See photo below.) I preached the Gospel to them, and at least 7 of them professed their faith in Christ.
Also, earlier this month was our church’s annual Pastors’ and Workers’ Conference. The conference was about the importance of Christian love in the ministry. Pastor Speer and the FBMI Director, Dr. Mark Bosje, preached in the evenings and taught in the day sessions. Hundreds of delegates from across West Africa attended, as well as many of our church members. We had over 1,000 on Tuesday evening and over 500 in the day sessions. I taught several times. Maria taught in the ladies’ session.
Prayer Requests
As I explained in our last letter, our son John will be here on an internship for two months; pray for him to learn much about missions. Pray for the financial situation here in Ghana. Our missionary families and our team lost about 30% of our buying power several months ago due to a drastic drop in the exchange rate. This also affects the purchase of the radio frequency and equipment for the station. Pray that the Lord will provide all that is needed!
Your servants and His,
Mike, Maria, John, Joy, Faith, and Ben Sarver
Missionary Mike Sarver shared the Gospel with friends and family of a newer church member recently.
