September, 2024
Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“…and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” (Hebrews 11:4b)
Living in a foreign land, especially as missionaries, we hardly ever attend the home-going of our loved ones. Sometimes, it is really painful to miss such a moment, but we are not discouraged since we have a lively hope in Christ. On the other hand, we do have the privilege to witness the testimony of missionaries as they depart from the mission field due to their retirement or His calling to home.
It was 3:50 am on 7 June that the Lord took Judith Collins to heaven. As the assigned “next of kin”, we had to rush to the funeral home to confirm her death. We have to say that it was not very pleasant to witness Judith’s last moments. For months her health had not improved and she was struggling physically. But when we arrived at the mortuary, we praised the Lord – she finally found peace and rest. We remember her legacy and the legendary testimonies throughout her life. It was a blessing to serve with her, up to the last moments of our senior missionary’s life. Sadly, our family couldn’t attend the funeral due to a previously scheduled church camp. Thankfully, we had enough friends there for the funeral, and they were the fruits of her mission work. We thank God for the graciously-done funeral. Though most BCEA families could not join the service in Baalah, about a hundred students joined the memorial service at BCEA Nairobi, when Rev. Jim Blizzard visited Kenya. Also, our sincere thanks to those who prayed for Judith’s health and ministry, and to those who encouraged us as we assisted her. Our God will continue His work through His people, as her testimony follows her through those fruits. (Revelation 14:13)
We also want to update you on Rev. Stephen Omweri. After the operation earlier this year, the Korean hospital where his first surgery was done, offered him Gamma-knife treatment for the complete removal of the remaining cancer. The doctors said that he would have the tumor problem again in 10 years since the part of the tumor next to the artery was not able to be touched with the machine in Kenya. When Stephen visited Korea earlier in September, the doctor did several tests and scans. Then, surprisingly, they concluded that the tumor was not removed successfully during the former surgery this year! That was such discouraging news. But God moved the hearts of people. The hospital offered one more operation that was not in the original plan. We thought it could be worse, but the Lord made the situation better; Praise the Lord. Just last week, doctors successfully removed most of the tumor. Now, that pastor is recovering. In a few weeks he will receive Gamma knife treatments (about thirty times) and be in Korea for the next two months. Please, pray for his time in Korea and his health.
August was one of the busiest months of the year. Although it was a time for the vacation for BCEA students, the campus was very busy with several activities. The first week, we had an Alumni Conference (pictured right). With short notice, more than 80 former students attended. It was the first official alumni gathering in five years. We thank God for the fellowship, testimonies, and ministry of BCEA graduates who have been serving the Lord in various corners of Africa. In the second week, the Campus Church had a 3-day VBS, led by Shermain, a missionary from Singapore. Over 100 children came and learned from the parables of Jesus. Thank God for the children’s ministry. Pray for fruit in their lives as they grow.
In the third week, we had a pastoral conference with pastors who work in our missions. More than 25 pastors came and spent some time in learning and fellowship. Eben shared the Word of God at the opening meeting, and taught the sacraments for the Presbyterian church. Although they are working with our missions, some are unfamiliar with Presbyterianism.
And on the fourth week, we had visitors from Tabernacle BPC in Singapore. They conducted a daytime Bible School with the campus church, two churches at the Massai stations, and one at BCEA Tanzania. The children loved the program that was offered on the Gospel. What a joy to see the preaching of the Gospel to children! When our Singapore visitors left the campus to return home, the third term of BCEA had already begun. What a month! It was really fast. Although all of us could not enjoy “rest” over the vacation, we were encouraged by the fellowship, worship, and words. It was especially a joy to see the fruit of the ministry! We thank God for opportunities; we thank God for His works.
Now, the following are particulars for the prayer request. Thank you in advance.
Pray for the BCEA (Bible College of East Africa)
- For all colleges in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania
- For graduates in the ministry
- For visas for international students to enter Kenya for studies
- For our teachers’, wisdom and strength
- For the graduation on 23rd November
- Pray for Eben as he teaches: Christology, Eschatology, the book of Revelation, and the Tabernacle
Pray for the BCEA Campus Church
- For worship services every Lord’s Day
- For the choirs and fellowships
- For the church members
- For the baptism service in December
Pray for …
- Rev. Stephen Omweri
- The ministries in Maasai land.
- The church in Rwanda many churches, including the campus church, are closed due to the regulation of the government. Pray for re-opening of the churches.
Pray for the Yoon family
- For God’s provision and protection
- For our children’s studies and their spiritual life
- For Haeun, our first born, and her studies in the US
- For Hajin, the second born, in his plans for college
- For Eben and Mijung’s spiritual and physical strength
Thank you for your laboring with us in missions. Thank you for your supporting prayers and kind support. One day we shall see and rejoice for fruit that will be produced through these ministries, when we stand together before the Lord. May the Lord bless as you serve Him for the missions in the foreign land.
In Christ,
Eben, Mijung, Haeun, Hajin, Hahyun, and Hael