BABY WRITEUP UPDATED

Dear Friends,

I am writing on behalf of Baby, a beautiful 11-year-old girl, born October 8, 1998 and living in Pune, India.  Baby lives in the same orphanage that Riley Vishal, our 8-year-old adopted son, used to live in. Baby has been in this orphanage for most of her life and still awaits her forever family.  She has asked the adoption worker who visits the orphanage to please help her find the family that she longs for.

Baby is very sweet and has a gentle spirit and warmth that radiates when she smiles.  Although born with cerebral palsy, she is healthy and well adjusted.  Baby has moderate developmental delays and some difficulties with balance when she walks – but she is able to walk on her own and to take care of her personal needs.  She attends school and her reports indicate that she continues to make notable progress in areas such as speech, language skills, and writing skills. There is no question that Baby would benefit greatly from the specialized orthopedic and developmental resources that would be available to her in the United States.

One of Baby’s favorite things to do is to help with the younger children in the orphanage and to play with them.  I know that Baby would thrive with the love of a family, but because of her age, the window for her adoption is coming to a close.  If Baby is not adopted soon, she will be placed in a government facility in India and will live out the rest of her life in an institution.

This precious child is full of life and love.  She will be a great blessing and joy for her adoptive family.   Would you please join me in praying for this sweet girl who awaits her family?

Time is of the essence.  If you believe that Baby may be your child and would like more information, please contact

Lisa Adams-Reese at 503-971-7018.

Thank you so much for your prayers for Baby,

Sue Merkel for Baby

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’                                                                  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Joe Feely Prayer Update

Below are two updates from Pastor Bob Green on Joe, Family needs our prayers.


Dear Praying Partners,

We would like you to join us in praying for some dear friends to many of us at Bible Fellowship Church of Newark.

Joe and Karen Feeley's oldest son, Joe, has been suffering with back pain for some time. He has had a number of tests to determine the cause of his pain. He recently had a scan of his spine and the results came back today showing a form of cancer. They have an appointment with Dr. Martin at the Helen Graham Cancer Center, Thursday morning to determine what type of cancer it is and how advanced the cancer is. Dr. Martin was Kaylyn Warren's doctor.

Joe was a star baseball player during his years at Red Lion Christian Academy and has showed great promise the last two years at Liberty University. Joe is certainly a fighter! But we need the Lord Jesus to fight for him.

Of course keep Joe, Karen and the family in your prayers as well. This was a complete surprise to Joe and Karen and I can't imagine receiving such news about one of your children so unexpectedly.

Thank you for praying for the Feeleys during these days. We will keep you posted. I spoke with Bill Warren and he and Laurie are going to get them set-up with a CaringBridge site. We will pass that information on to you as soon as we receive it.

Thank you, Pastor Bob Green

Update on Joe Feeley-

Joe has a form of lymphoma, of which there are many different forms. They don’t know if it is Hodgkin’s lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They need to do more testing. Joe is really sick and God’s people need to pray.

Jim here, just want to thank you for your prayers for the Feely family. Don't be afraid to approach the throne with a Holy Boldness never forgetting Gods hears and answers. Please also bathe the Warrens, Bill, Laurie and Andrew in prayer. My mind flooded with memories of Joanne when I heard, There is no doubt it has hit them much harder. Pray for the Lord to really wrap His Holy Arms of love around the Feely's and Warrens at this time.

16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is -Eph.3:16-18

Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27

2010! We made it! What's next?

Happy 2010 Saints!


As we embark on the adventure God has for us in 2010, Just wanted to first of all thank all of you who helped in making this such a special Christmas for our special needs families, foster kids and kids around the world. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.

My son, Matt, continues to miraculously improve. Four doctors visits this past week along with 3 PT visits and we all stand amazed! A month ago we weren't sure if he'd make it through the night; looking at multiple surgeries and etc. Today with NO surgeries he is walking with a cane and could have his neck brace taken off in 2 weeks. Thank you Jesus and thank all of YOU so much for your prayers, cards, meals and etc. Please continue to bathe him in prayer these next weeks as he continues to heal and look to the Lord.

As 2010 begins, just wanted to share a prayer with you that a Pastor encouraged me to pray 30 years ago. Should warn you, it is a dangerous prayer. First year I prayed it was cut to part time in my job, the next year after praying it, 3 weeks later was laid off from that job and a second I had gotten, by the end of January the end of that year while working odd jobs and still unemployed with three small children took my first trip to India as the Lord provided miraculously for my family and for me to go. That year prayed the Lord would use me to minister to children in India and around the world.

Am praying this prayer again this year and would ask all you to join and pray this with me, corporately with your, churches, families, ministries and individually. As you pray this prayer, to quote my Pastor then, "Duck! God will answer" to which I say Amen!
*PS, guys don't be afraid to pray big prayers; we have a big God who can do ALL things.

My prayer:

Lord use me in 2010, I pray this with all my heart; do whatever it takes to free me from any attachments to this world. Use me/us like never before; no matter the cost.

Lord the world is in turmoil, 1.2 billion children orphaned or at risk with no hope; so much pain. A hopeless situation, but Lord I know with YOU all things are possible. Use us/me Lord, use us/me to make a difference for these children, our churches and our world, one child/person at a time. Free me from all that hinders and help me to walk with a Holy Boldness in faith. Do whatever it takes Lord, whatever it takes. Use my life Lord, use me to make a difference.


Help us to be always praying with our gaze focused on You; not letting anything stand in the way of the task You have for us Lord. Don't let us be "realistic or practical" just being willing servants to do what You command and trust YOU to As You've promised Lord give us wisdom, Keep our paths straight and help us to not be afraid but to walk courageously. In your name, Jesus, I pray; use ME to reach these precious children; no matter the cost! Amen,

Again as you pray this, please know God does answer and He will work, not something we'll necessarily like as HE helps us throw the trash out of our lives but as I look back after praying this prayer for the 30th time. I'm nervous but can't wait to see How God answers for 2010 as we continue to walk boldly with Him.

In closing, below is an E-mail that recently came in from Dave and Shawn Smith in the Simbai Valley in Papua New Guinea. (BTW, Bill and Lori found out last week that they are going to be grandparents! Yes, a 4th generation of Smiths to work with, can't wait!) In Dave's E-mail is an update on the Bomai Village. This past Christmas was the 3rd they have celebrated there. The youth camp update and village church update just thrills my heart' can't wait to go back.

As you read this, parents please read this to your families, as you read this I have a question for all of us and please write me back with any thoughts you have.

If you were helping guide and lead the new church, how would you guide them in celebrating Christmas with the goal of keeping it Holy? Knowing how secularized it has become to where in the States today, we mostly don't even say Christmas but Happy Holidays, What would you do to help in guiding this young church as they celebrate our Lord's birth? What can we do in our own lives to step off the treadmill and keep it Holy?

God bless all. Shine brightly for Jesus and have a great, blessed and Holy 2010.

I can't wait to see what God does in 2010 and beyond!

Don't forget to check out Dave and Shawn's E-mail.
Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27


Dave & Shawn Smith Christmas Prayer Update:

As all of us are remembering the miracle of our Lord and Savior coming to earth to save mankind, we wanted to share with you some exciting things that God is doing here in Simbai. During this Christmas season, our family is reminded of how great God is and that He continues to do wonderful things among mankind.

Gutch/Bomai Update

Yesterday (Sunday) was one of the most exciting days of this term. Two and a half years ago the Lord opened the door for us to begin teaching God’s Word and ministering to the Bomai village. The Bomai people were trapped in animistic beliefs and traditions. They had mainline religion but had never heard the Gospel taught to them clearly. Despite the challenges, God has kept the doors open as we and a few Simbai pastors continued to share God’s Word with them. Many of them placed their faith in Christ and began to take small steps of growth. Over the past few months we have taught on baptism and becoming disciples of Christ. Yesterday, our family and missionary teammates made the long, challenging and very muddy trip to Bomai. It was well worth it as 42 Bomai believers were baptized in a mountain river near the village. Along with baptizing the believers that we have worked with for some time, it was also a special blessing to assist 2 young Simbai preachers (Obet and Fabian) in doing some of the baptisms. This was the first time either of them had baptized others. A large crowd of over 200 witnessed the baptism and came to the service afterwards. Thank you for praying specifically for the 4 Bomai leaders. Levi, Grayton and little Simon were all baptized. Please continue to pray for “Big Simon.” He continues to ride the fence and has not put his faith and trust in Christ. Please also pray for this church. We know there will be many challenges, but we are excited about all that God will do.

Simbai Youth Camp

Thanks also for praying for the Simbai youth camp in early December. The Lord blessed and gave a great camp! There were around 320 campers, which was one of our largest youth camps. Our missionary teammates (the Wagner Family) and our Simbai youth leaders did a great job conducting and overseeing the camp. We had 2 guest speakers, another missionary teammate (Dan Thyng) and a young national pastor (Vincent). God blessed all of the hard work and 36 Simbai young people made decisions to trust in Christ as their personal Savior during camp. A lot of young people made other decisions as well. Please pray that they will remember the Biblical principles they learned and stick to their decisions. Shawn and our girls enjoyed helping to host the Thyng family during camp, and I enjoyed teaching a class and helping wherever needed.

GNBM-PNG Update

We are encouraged and amazed at how God is blessing the small and young mission board that the Simbai churches have started. Over the past several weeks, Simbai people have regularly come to me shyly putting money in my hand and saying that they want to give to support missions. One man donated 600 lbs of coffee, which is about a $500 value. We have been so encouraged to see churches, men and women all giving from the very little that they have to support their own mission board. Last week, the mission director (Pastor Moses) and GNBM’s first missionary (Pastor Mark) along with a few others went on a survey trip to Deno, a village on the banks of the Ramu River. It took them 2-3 days to travel one way. This village is a different people group from the Simbai. We began surveying this area a couple of years ago. There were some obstacles that came up last year, but it looks like the Lord has removed those obstacles and we are praying that Mark and his family can begin their ministry at Deno next year. Pray for a young man, Zebedee, who also went on the survey trip last week. We led Zebedee to Christ and discipled him during our first term. He graduated from Bible College last year and is prayerfully considering being a missionary in this area.

Mumbai & Alunk Churches

In our last couple of prayer updates, we shared about opportunities we had to minister in special meetings at churches in two separate villages: Mumbai and Alunk. In the last few weeks, I have been able to visit and follow-up at each church. Since the meetings at Mumbai, there have been a few adults who have trusted in Christ for salvation. Others are starting to come and attend. A couple of weeks ago, I visited and preached at the church. There were over 80 in attendance. I was amazed – there hasn’t been that many in a regular service at the church for several years. Some similar things are happening at Alunk. People in the community are starting to come to church and a few of them have also trusted in Christ as their personal Savior.

Thanks & Merry Christmas

Thank you for your prayers, your gifts and your encouragement this past year. We have so much for which to thank and praise the Lord. We are also thankful for those who gave to help us purchase sets of chronological Bible picture cards for our pastors and churches to use. If you would like to help with this project ($40 for each set), you can send a gift to our mission account (acct #: 013048-002). Please designate your gift as “Chronological Bible Picture Cards for Pastors”. The Lord has also provided an additional $1000 towards purchasing our airline tickets for furlough. We appreciate your prayers for the remaining $2000 needed.

Finally, as you celebrate and remember our Lord’s birth our family wants to wish you a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Praise the Lord with us,
Dave, Shawn, Abby, Sydney & Hayley Smith
Missionaries to the Simbai People of Papua New Guinea
Email: simbaismiths@abwe.cc
Home Church: Morningside Baptist Church 1115 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615
Mission: ABWE PO Box 8585 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585

Special invite

A reminder Bill Smith, Papua New Guinea, will be sharing on Friday Evening at Mt. Zion UAME church on Rose street off Cleveland Ave at 6:30 PM


Then, on Saturday morning at 8 AM at Crossorads Church off Vance Neck Rd (Turn left on 13 at first light past 301 light then first right). This is a Men's breakfast but women also welcome to come, meet and hear Bill share. Am also making multiple copies of Bill and Lori's ministry DVD, anyone desiring one let me know; they are powerful as you see what the Lord has done during their decades there.

A personal testimony here. It was through Charlie and Charlotte Smith ministry that I met Jesus. Charlotte is my wife, Joanne's, Cousin and they contacted a church here to visit me.

When helping Charlie and Charlotte met Bill Smith Sr., Charlie's brother and a young teen, Bill Jr. Bill Sr. was/is a missionary with New Tribes Missions serving in a place called Papua New Guinea.

This was in the 70's; had no idea what a missionary was or where this place called Papua New Guinea was.

First thing we ever sent anywhere for kids was a shoebox full of stuff to PNG. Today loading cargo containers; tomorrow ships. As a result of the Smith families love of Jesus; I met Jesus and today have the privilege of ministering to children in 20+ countries with more to follow.

In 2007, after 30 years of prayer, had the joy of going to PNG and ministering there with the Smiths, and yes, while Bill Sr now is at headquarters in Sanford, Fl. He was there when the Lord opened the door for me to go and yes am planning on going back; 2011.

Thanks again for your prayers for Matt and praying you have an opportunity to meet Bill this weekend.

Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27

Greetings All,
First off thanks so much for your many prayers for my son Matt. He is continuing to heal. Please be praying for this evening and tomorrow morning. pain level has been really high and he goes to doctor tomorrow at 11. Doesn't have enough pain meds to make it until then. Please pray for the pain to lessen and for him to be able to rest.
The Lord provided a special coat for Cassie today; Pic attached. When I dropped it off early this afternoon, she literally jumped for joy and put it right on, finally taking it off around 8PM. As she put her coat on she excitedly shared that the kids wouldn't laugh at her now.

Talk about a drink of cold water in Jesus name. James 1:27 being lived out.

We're still praying for boots (Size 4 children) and youth gloves.

Cassie was really disappointed she couldn't go and make snowmen with her friends last Saturday. Next snow she will.

Below is a list of things we are collecting for the Noltings including a few special gifts each has asked for. Please really be praying for them. Mom, Louise, widow with 5 special needs kids; all adopted. Neat strong Christian family lives on social security trusting God for all needs.Times when texted and asked if needed tp and response was praying for it.

One quick note here, yes their church does help, but no church I'm involved with can care long term month after month for folks. That is where we, The Church, come in to minister in love with kindness and compassion.

Thank you again for your prayers for Matt and for the Noltings. Girlie is doing pretty well, and health wise holding her own for now. Amazing that 2 years after knocking on deaths door, she is still with us.
Below is what we are collecting for the family. I will keep you updated as things come in.
Special gifts:

Cassie: Happy Harry's gift card; roller blades; white cheez-its

Girlie/Stephanie: Booklight; Happy Harry's gift card; amazon gift card

Nick: Frito's; Happy Harry's gift card; modeling clay

Sonny: I tunes gift card; Psych season 4; Happy Harry's gift card

Mike: Verizon wireless refill card; Happy Harry's gift card; Visa gift card

(FYI, Happy Harry's block away, kids love walking there and getting things.)

Family Items

Gas gift cards

Goodwill gift cards

Food gift cards

Basically any and all kinds of gift cards

General Food Needs

Due to food allergies some items you'll see brand names

Toilet paper

white rice

chicken broth, progresso or swanson

chicken

beef

laundry detergent

cheez-its

spaghetti sauces

oodles of noodles chicken

cup of noodles chicken

kraft mac and cheese

coffee

whole milk

fruits all

canned green beans, corn

chef boy r dee canned beef ravioli

creamy peanut butter

strawberry and grape jelly

soups, especially chicken

mayo and miracle whip

diet pepsi (sorry Jen)

grape juice

orange juice

cookie dough

brownie mix

honeynut cheerios

saltines

ritz

club crackers

bacon

eggs

sausage

frozen eggos

butter

cheeses

love ham

turkey

tuna/water

hot dogs (kids love)

ketchup

breads and english muffins

nestles morsels

grands biscuits

toothpaste

pepperoni

lunch meats

hot choc

marshmallows

If there are other things you'd like to get, feel free to contact me, and I'll let you know if they can use it.
BFC folks can drop in my Sunday School classroom.

Thanks again Saints. I can't wait to see what the Lord does as we pray seeking His greatest blessings for the Noltings.

Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27

Good Morning All,


Some of you are aware, I left church early during second service yesterday; they took my son Matt back to the ER. Intense pain; headaches. After catscan and etc, was determined he was having "brain spasms". His brain bleed and etc is healing really well. They gave him much stronger pain meds which should help as this healing process goes on.


Had long talk with the doctor and she very kindly explained things to us going the extra mile to put us at ease.


Keep having to remind myself, this is Matt not my wife Joanne; he is stronger and prognosis is good.


Did find out that Matt's broken neck is the same that Christoper Reeves (Superman), unlike him, Matt's first c vertebrae is fractured, Christoper's was compressed.


FYI, what they do, is give you Perkiset? hoping it will be enough, instead of giving the stronger pain meds to make sure. Been down this road personally with leg. Not sure if government guide line but is how it is.
Matt is back at his apartment now and we will be spending most of today talking to doctors and setting up appointments. Has long road ahead but amazingly, looking at him riding his bike again in a few months or so.


Thank you for your continued prayers. Please also continue to pray for the driver of the car who hit him and for us as we begin to deal with the insurance companies; most important that our witness be pure and everything said is Glorifying to God.

We will be having a Zambia Orphan Care Trip informational meeting this Tuesday at 7PM at my home church, Bible Fellowship of Newark in my Sunday School Room. Please note, this is not a BFC sponsored trip and is open to folks from our various area churches. Pic of room below; tkx Tab for doing such a wonderful job.

Please be praying for us as we meet and for the cargo container we are seeking to load to sender to our folks there at the Village of Hope in Zambia.

You have all heard of Bill and Lori Smith and the ministry in Papua New Guinea. Bill is in town this week and we'd love for you to meet him.


He will be speaking at both Grace E-free and BFC men's breakfasts; Crossroads Diner, Kirkwood Highway on Wednesday (Grace), then at Friendly's on 896 Thursday (BFC); both at 6:30 AM.


He will then be speaking at Mt Zion UAME Church in Newark, off Cleveland Ave. on Friday Evening at 6:30 and doing a PowerPoint presentation of the work and then the same on Saturday at Crossroads Presbyterian Church off Vance Neck Road in Middletown, for their monthly Saturday Men's Breakfast at 8AM.
Bill and Lori are very special and dear friends, mighty warriors of the cross. Please make every effort too hear him; You will be blessed!


Please also be in prayer for Bill as he seeks to raise up prayer warriors for the work there in PNG.

Anyone needing more info on any of the above, fell free to give me a call or E-mail me.

Shine on for Jesus all and have a great day with Him.

Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27

Greetings Saints Here and Around the World!!


First an update on John. Surgery was successful. Long recovery time is expected, please continue to bathe him in prayer.

Please join us in praying for a miracle for a young orphan girl named Baby. She is 12, in process of being adopted from Pune, but there have been some complications on her end and the adoption is not going to go through; family wanting to adopt her is heartbroken. Please pray boldly for hearts to change and for her adoption to go through.

Matt was released from the hospital on Thursday. Hit "hard" by a car on Sunday, in ER for over 24 hours, ICU for little more than that and sent home in a little over 4 days. To be honest we were not thrilled with the hospital sending him home, still in need of professional help, but is doing well! Thank you so much for praying.

He is using walker to get around, fair amount of pain and headaches from the concussion but we just thank God for allowing this miracle.

Matt has a long hard road ahead but God is guiding us through as only He can.

The Lord has even provided a place to stay where he is being pampered, getting good meals and better care than I could ever give. Thank you for your many prayers.

One thing folks this case Matt was spared, but no matter what the outcome was, I had no doubt God is sovereign.
We need always to look at things through the perspective of eternity; knowing our time here is brief; there will be hardship and suffering here but soon folks, soon we'll we with Jesus, in a Paradise beyond anything we could ever even begin to imagine.

Thanks again for all your prayers, please continue to pray for John and Matt and for our little girl, Baby. We'll keep you up to date.

Please pray also for the girl who hit Matt, we have not seen her but know she can use our prayers.

Shine brightly all; pray boldly and have a great day with Jesus.

I can't wait to see what the Lord does next!

Until Every Child Knows,
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14
James 1:27