August’s basketball outreach was a success as we offered full Bibles to the 40 young men who participated this time. After Pastor Jono Millar preached on the need for God’s Word in our life (especially in pointing us to salvation) the attendees voluntarily picked up Bibles before beginning the tournament. Residual seeds are being watered from the gospel message through connections in the local college (high school). God providentially prepared enough Bibles the evening before this event. Once again, with Bibles extremely difficult to source here, this was a great blessing.
“Every Christian a servant, every member a minister” is a phrase I heard recently which sums up the philosophy of this church and Lord-willing future church plants. One of the questions I love that our church family asks someone when they join the membership: Where do you want to serve? You may remember that back in June we had a focus on the Christian’s relationship to the local church, specifically in the areas of church membership and serving. At that time we had 18 individuals that I could count who were involved in areas of service within our church. We released several resources to help foster a culture of serving along with the messages each Sunday. Then late in August we began developing some technology to help grow the organisation side of serving within the church. Before hosting our first servants’ meeting earlier this week, I tallied 38 who are now involved in serving (plus a few more who volunteered in the meeting). To God be the glory! Several key positions were filled including HBC’s first treasurer.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen two regular attendees accept Christ. Adriel is a teenager who has come faithfully with his family since January. His mom was saved and baptised earlier this year and his parents joined the church in June (two of those actively serving now). Adriel raised his hand during a Sunday morning invitation and gladly accepted Christ! Another testimony is from a lady who has attended since January of 2025. She has heard the gospel many times, but moved it 45 centimeters from her head to her heart during a visit in her home! She is excited to get baptised and also join in serving within the church. A few days before accepting Christ she said, “When I get in I want to get all in.” We know God is at work as “no man can do these miracles.”
On September 5, Limuel Daisa was ordained into the ministry. A council of his pastoral mentors gave their recommendation to HBC and roughly 160 people witnessed the milestone. He is well respected and supported by our fellowship of churches. It was exciting to see a number of young men in the audience who have their own ordinations on the horizon within a few years.
We are looking forward to a short trip to the States from September 15. Our purpose is two-fold. First, to join Pastor Dan Fraser and his family as they visit our sending church in Elgin and preach a conference there at the end of September. Second, to allow space for Pastor Limuel to spread his wings in the pastoral role at HBC. This will also give opportunity for many to step up in responsibility and function independent of American involvement, which is the goal of church planting missions. Several key men have already volunteered extra time and effort while we are away. Our time will span to October 23. From that point, we will seek to form a more tangible timeline of pastoral transition and future church planting endeavors.
We appreciate your prayers and faithful financial support. Please pray for safe and simple flights on September 15 for ourselves and the Fraser family. Pray also for stability and growth of HBC while we are away and many new servants acclimate to their roles (including Pastor Limuel and his wife, Caitlin).
Thank you for praying!
Josh, Alyse, Bentlee, Raelynn and Ellie Szwarga
