THE KINGDOM WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Across Evangelical Friends International, every day we see strong evidence that the Holy Spirit of our God is at work building the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in our world. Whether it is through the work of Evangelical Friends Mission or in the communities across America. Certainly your Home Mission Board leaders believe that we must be about multiplying healthy disciples and churches across our region, and that it will take all kinds of new churches to reach lost people. With that challenge fresh in our minds, we also know and believe our Holy Spirit of God is out there working ahead of us to accomplish our Great Commission.
On the last deputation visit to America by Nepali missionaries John and Sangi Vanlal, they cast the vision of planting Asian Refugee churches in the states. I had opportunity to gather with their daughter, Georgina Tiak who works professionally in a social work organization, and a group of existing refugee leaders from the Kansas City, Kansas area to hear their vision and to pray for guidance. As the Vanlal’s returned to their work at home, they agreed to make us aware when capable church planting leaders received their visas to relocate here in the states. In early April, I received an email from Georgina, communicating the news that a family from Bhutan who had worked with her father in new church planting, would arrive from Kathmandu, Nepal to Houston, Texas, and were currently planning to settle in Ft Worth, Texas near a brother who sponsors them. She gave me names and contact information and I followed up making connections.
Through a phone conversation, I met Pastor D.B. Tamang, who introduced his wife, Sangrita, daughter Nema age 22, and son Silas age 19. Pastor D.B. had completed his theological education in Nepal and had planted three new churches working with John Vanlal in supporting the church-planting ministry. Both of the young adults had completed their high school education and speak English fluently, although the wife, Sangrita, does not. Through the U.S. Government Refugee Relocation program, the Tamang family found a residence in a large apartment complex in southwest Ft Worth, where many refugee families from all cultures find refuge.
In early April when the Home Mission Board had scheduled our regular Spring meeting over webex video conferencing, both Texas Area Multiplication Leader David Byrne and I were able to travel to Ft. Worth, Texas to meet this family in person. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience to hear their spiritual journeys and calling to plant a Refugee Church in the apartment complex, and also to meet Pastor D.B.’s mother, who received her visa and traveled here to Texas about two years ago, where she now resides with her other son. The Tamang family was introduced to HMB during this meeting, and later I found out other urgent information about their visa requirements that makes me aware that they have only three months scholarship on their residence before they have to begin to pay rent. During this relatively short period, they are all currently seeking secular employment, and also attempting to furnish their apartment to get settled. I communicated their needs during this time with my son-in-law Brad Martin, who currently pastors a Southern Baptist church in Hurst, Texas nearby, and they were able to provide some home furnishings to the Tamang’s, and are considering joining our local oversight team, or Partner Church team for this new plant. Additionally, Dave Byrne’s daughter Andrea and her husband live in Ft Worth and also made connection with Tamang family.
I have communicated regularly with Pastor D.B. and have established a coaching relationship. They are gathering with several new acquaintances from the apartment complex each week so far and are very excited about what doors God may be opening for further ministry. The Tamang family will join us this year at Sabbath Retreat and are looking forward to meeting others in the Friends community in the United States. Please pray for this new work and please challenge your local congregation to consider partnering by connecting with me.
– Randy Littlefield, Associate Superintendent of Multiplication Ministries
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