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
