“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I am in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)
ICCC
The ecumenical movement likes to use the above verse to justify joining with all churches and even with pagans. Yet, this verse is actually talking about true Bible believers. The International Council of Christian Churches (ICCC) is one way to have the unity of Bible-believing Christians from all over the world for mutual encouragement and a united witness. Here is a copy of a poster advertising the next Congress of the ICCC in Chile in January 22-29 of next year. The program and speakers’ schedule are being finalized at this moment. We would like to invite all who read this letter to make plans to attend this Congress. Many churches in Chile are coming together to support this Congress, along with delegates from all over the world.
Brazil
This year makes 10 years that we have been sending out our paper, “The Fundamentalist.” Unfortunately our agent in Brazil has had troubles distributing the paper. As a result, we have had to skip sending out a couple of editions. We ask you to pray for us as we try to work through these difficulties.
We have decided to visit Brazil in January on the way to the ICCC Congress, and also on the way back at the beginning of February. Our plane tickets for the trip have already been purchased. We will probably send out some or all of “The Fundamentalist” ourselves during this time in Brazil, and will also visit some of our friends and churches there.
Cameroon
Praise the Lord, we are happy to report that the EPCO church in Cameroon has now been reunited after a long and bitter division. Ken’s visit last October played some small part in this encouraging the leaders to make the effort to get back together. We have heard that some of the Gospel tracts we sent recently have arrived in Cameroon.
US
Ken continues to preach in the Marcus Hook BPC once or twice a month. We help in holding services at a local nursing home on Sunday afternoon as well. A door-to-door witnessing program has also been started, going out on Saturday morning once a month in the church’s neighborhood.
Ken taught a couple of nights in Marcus Hook Summer Bible School in July. The Summer Bible School movement (not Vacation Bible School) is always a special ministry for two reasons: 1. All the Summer Bible Schools (from Dr. A. L. Latham) have their origin in the Bible Presbyterian Church of Chester (Marcus Hook) 2. Ken was saved in a Summer Bible School when he was 7 in Ohio.
Ken also has had and will continue to have opportunities to preach in a couple of other churches. The Bible studies in the Delaware state prison continue to go well. There was a spirited discussion at the last study on the subject of Christian perfection.
Ira has finally submitted her application for US citizenship, after 34 years with a green card. In the past we had learned that it was not possible to have dual citizenship, but that has now changed. Also, we were so often out of the States that we could not apply before this. One advantage of applying when older is that there is a much abbreviated civics test.
During the past summer months we were able to spend a good amount of time with all of our five children. Here is a recent picture: (right to left) Ira, Christina, Mark, Luke, and his wife Moira. Thanks again for all of your help that makes this ministry possible.
In His Service,
Ken and Ira Olson