Global Christian Ministries
Thinking globally, ministering locally
God at Work: around the world, around the corner. Fall 2009
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:17 ESV)
Mornings ago, the Lord spoke to me powerfully from these verses. I am once again reminded of what should be the normal disposition of a follower of Jesus. Certainly the Lord is not saying that the Kingdom automatically belongs to children per se; nor is he saying there is any higher virtue in childishness. The Lord is certainly saying something about the nature of Christian faith—the frame of mind, attitude and spiritual posture cultivated by those who would live the Kingdom lifestyle in a world filled with fear, doubt and uncertainties. It is a life characterized by total dependence, full trust and confidence in God, frank openness, uncluttered simplicity and complete sincerity.
We humans—including those among us who would wish to deny or ignore it—are all people of faith. Because of our finitude, there is just so much we would never know with absolute certainty. The question is not whether we would exercise faith or not. The real question is who or what we might choose to trust—who or what would be the ground upon which our ultimate security rests. Myriad and tempting choices jostle for the centre stage of our hearts—self, power, position, possessions, etc, etc. Would God that we choose the Eternal Rock of Ages. Would the Righteous One that our hearts be purified from all unrighteousness. Would God that we receive the kingdom of God in faith like a child would of a loving caring parent. Would our confidence in the God of justice liberate us from the vengeful, spiteful, conniving and scheming tendencies of grownups. God help us appropriate grace to follow God with a clean heart, trustful spirit and sincere faith.
Praise God with us…
Fall found me at home with family, friends and supporters here in the US. We have so much to thank God for, this fall season, for the great happenings at GCM on both sides of the Atlantic. My time here has been great—incredibly useful, strategically fruitful and thoroughly refreshing. Family time has been especially wonderful for Ivy and me and our kids. I am thankful for the opportunity once again to attend church together with family, go to all of John’s games, take Yvonne to and fro afterschool events and church youth groups, celebrate birthdays and events, drive Ivy to and fro work, prayer meetings and do some fun things together. To God be all the glory!
· Thank God, and thank you for your continued goodwill and thoughts for us, for your prayers support and contributions.
· We are very thankful for the love and support of the incredible group of friends God has put together to shepherd the vision of GCM here in the US. Since the summer months, the group has continued to meet regularly in prayer, strategy and business sessions for the revitalization of our US board and forward move of the vision God has given us. Thanks HB for your leadership.
· Family is doing great. School is going great for the kids. Arinze’s freshmen high school football season went real well—7/2. Yvonne’d made the honor role and continues to keep her junior year grades up. Ifeoma and Fyne Jr. are both joggling school with new jobs and relocating.
· We give special thanks to God for continuing progress in Nigeria. God’s hand is clearly evident in all spheres of our ministries. SAIACS Christmas Trimester is in progress. Our Microfinance program is going well. The next unit of loan beneficiaries is ready to take off. And our LivingWater well continue to provide fresh clean portable water for many families in the rural communities we are currently serving (despite electric power hiccups). Praise is good on God.
· Our Declaration Ministries-Nigeria continues to grow. By end of summer God has increased the number of ministries under our care to 123.
· Above all, God has continued to watch over all us—benefactors, administrators, faculty, staff and leaders-in-training—protecting us, providing for our needs, and guiding us. To God be all the glory!
Pray with us…
Our able and willing God is still in the business of answering prayers. So please join us in prayers.
· Thanks for praying for our US board. God is doing a great deal reinvigorating our board. Please continue to pray for unity, wisdom, and direction. Pray that God will continue to work in and through each life and continue to deepen our relationship with God and one another.
· Our board is working through a major decision about the future trajectory of our ministry and the possibility of joining forces with other ministry of like goals. Please pray for clarity and discernment of God’s will, divine guidance and leading through the consultations and discussions.
· Thanks for continuing prayers for Ivy and me, for our marriage and our children
· Pray for our donors, board, administrators, staff, their families and personal work with God.
· Please continue to pray for our leaders-in-training new and old. Continue to lift them and their studies up to the Lord that they would receive and give all that God has destined for them.
· Reba A. McDowell, 95, mother of our Declaration Ministries GS, Dr. George McDowell, Jr., has gone to be with Jesus. Thanks for your prayers for the immediate & Declaration Ministries family.
· Thanks for prayers for divine supply of the financial and other needs of the ministry.
· Pray for partners and partnerships as listed below.
· Please let me go out of my way and ask you for something somewhat personal. You would have probably sensed that Ivy and I need to be more together than our present ministry circumstances dictate. We can and need to remedy it a great deal by more regular visits—Ivy to our Nigeria field and I over here. To that end, would you please pray for Gods provision of travel money for us—air fare, frequent miles, etc. We would also like for you to contribute to our travel fund. Meanwhile, we have immediate need for airfare for me to travel back to the field. (Our hope and desire is for Ivy to visit in the first quarter of next year).
Partner with us…
We are as convinced as ever that God is at work with us in GCM. As we continue to experience God’s blessings on the work that is going on, we gratefully invite you to prayerfully consider joining us. If you would like to join in on the good works there are many opportunities!
· Please remember that we are eagerly looking for more people to partner with on our LivingWater project. Many persons and communities are asking for a similar borehole in their villages. Want to help? Check out www.livingwaternigeria.
· Remember we are still looking for contributions to raise the $5000 matching fund for our Promise Keepers microfinance program.
· You may also prayerfully consider making a substantial financial donation to enable GCM meet its need of a new home.
· We continue to invite medical teams to come and minister to the sick in our community.
· Seminary Profs, pastors, or skilled lay persons could volunteer for shorter or longer teaching time as adjunct faculty.
· Books for the library, Bibles, Gospel materials and equipment are always welcome.
As always: the best of all is God with us!
C. Fyne Nsofor, Ph.D. (Rev.)
(President)
In the US, and for (tax-deductible) donations:
(Attn: Gail Pazdur -847-362 2036)
Global Christian Ministries, Inc
P. O. Box 6733
Libertyville, IL. 60048-6733
847-295 2480 (Ph/FAX)
224-515 0447
In Nigeria
6, Oduobi Crescent (Plot 91), Ikenegbu Layout
P. O. Box 3687
Owerri-Imo State, Nigeria
234-806-825 1705
234-805-483 3644
E-mail: president@globalnetinc.org
Web site: www.globalnetinc.org
The mission of GLOBAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, INC. is
to glorify God and disciple the nations for Christ;
to promote life and advance human development; and,
to catalyze a free and virtuous society characterized by transformed relationships and sustained by scriptural ethics
