(a recent prayer letter received from Paul & Ellen Byars, Philippines)

It is always a joy to write to you and share the blessings and challenges of the ministry. It is comforting to know that folks like you are back home praying for us here in the field. We are confident that your prayers make a difference in the work over here. II Cor. 6:1 says it all, “We then as workers together with Him.” Thank you for the loving support and faithful prayers. We strive to be faithful stewards and your co-labourer in the harvest.

The Lord has given us over 50 adults and young people to enroll in either our Bible Institute or Bethany Bible College. In April of 2022, we will see seven of our students graduate from the 3-year Bible course. Those students who have surrendered for local church planting or foreign missions are already serving on staff but after graduation will be given a one-year intern position to establish a mission preaching station in the Tanza area.

Let me share with you a story of a soul winner’s joy. The Bible Institute students are assigned to pass out tracts and witness as the Lord opens the doors. One team went to the city park area and gave a tract to an 8-year-old boy walking with his mother. The boy started reading the tract and soon turned to his mother and asked, “Mother, am I a sinner?” The mother, who was a believer, answered, “Yes, you are a sinner.” The boy became emotional and started to cry. The mother asked what was wrong. Her son said, “This says that sinners go to hell. I don’t want to go to hell.” The mother wisely told her son to continue reading the paper. Later at home the boy came told his mother that he wanted to ask Jesus to be his Savior. She was able to lead her son to Christ. The mother saw the address on the tract and came by to thank us and let us know her son was now saved. I thought that story was so wonderful. That’s just the way God works. Simple obedience leads to simple faith.

One of the 3rd year Bible students was praying for one soul that would not only get saved, but would also start attending, go through discipleship and get baptized. God answered her prayer in triplicate. Three cousins were invited to church and all received the Lord. After a month of faithful attendance, all three ladies were baptized. The choir gained three lovely voices to praise the Lord.

The Lord has given us so many blessings with new families being won to Christ and joining the church. Our area still is under some restrictions, but the church remains open. Our people are attending and by God’s grace visitors are walking in. This 3rd quarter, we have seen 49 first time visitors, 29 professions of faith in the services and 12 following in baptism. Pray with us as we disciple these new believers.

Ellen and I want to say thank you for all you do in reaching your area and around the world for Christ. It is a joy to serve a Living God with you.