The Bonilla Family ABFMS Missionaries & MKs to Chile

"His Disciples" Part I     

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:8 was basis to the commissioning/ordination service at New Hope Baptist Church in San Carlos of the new deacon and new deaconess, and the leaders in the different ministries the church has prepared and empowered in recent months. This church in San Carlos was planted in 2000 and Rolando and Evangelina (our Institute graduates) have been with them almost from the beginning. Now, after almost eight years, and as they prepare to continue their church planting ministry, key leadership was established to continue ministering the needs of the neighborhood. For the past four months they were blessed (and so were we) to have Kim Kushner in their midst. facilitating their discovering gifts and talents, and setting goals for the future. It was a very special service as we saw the fruits of these years of service of Rolando and Evangelina, and the possibilities that this church has because many of you supported them during their first years and as they embarked in the construction of the sanctuary. These are the disciples who have come, have grown and continue to grow, and have changed and continue to change through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Four young men and women, three homemakers, three men for a total of a team of 10 brothers and sisters, 10 disciples willing to bear much fruit, and show themselves to be His disciples, to the glory of His Father. It is their challenge now to share with others that which they have seen and heard, lived and experienced. It is their challenge to be stronger disciples, willing to pay the price while caring for the spiritual needs of one another. It is their challenge to bring New Hope to their community, out of the four walls and in service to others.

On our next journals we will continue introducing you to more surprising people who are preparing for ministry and are following Him. They came, they are growing, and they are changing...their lives and that of those around them.

Together pressing toward the goal,        

Mayra for the Bonilla-Giovanetti Family

From Thailand, Chris and Esther Hoagland

God continues to show us how to lead. We are currently reading through Father's Embrace by Jack Frost and watching God transform us and our staff by healing and renewing our minds. We continually review our purpose statement which states that, "We exist to reach non-Christian elementary and junior high school students for Jesus, edifying and equipping them to grow in their faith by honoring God, caring for one another, discovering their gifts, and demonstrating God's love by serving other. AMEN

We are in need of a broader support base. The price of many things has increased. We want to encourage you to join our team of financial partners. Your support really does matter and provides us with the opportunity to share the Good News of our Father's love to students who have never heard about Jesus.

Prayer Matters Humility be God and man, Family times, Personal and Ministry Finances, Salvation for each child.

From Anne F

We've all heard about being called OUT of our comfort zone, but to do it is really relying on faith. At one point, there were a whopping total of seven CMFI missionaries in our little N.E. African country, however through time, the government threw out half. George, Pam and I continued on as God kept doors open, and as He promised, He protected and blessed. Through the nine years we were there, who saw how God did amazing things with believers and unbelievers--amidst the oppressive Communist dictator and his crafty regime. Most Americans don't have the experience of living in a war torn country nor under the throes of Communism. I can tell you that the three of us looked to God first and each other second as we maintained our belief in God and had what we needed. What we didn't like experiencing, however, was watching our believer friends suffer the down-spiraling economy when they were already desperate, being jerked out of society and into a shipping container prison cell, literally stand in milk and bread (and other) lines, and attempt to let the roars of the saliva-dripping Satan roll off their backs and rely on the God of their salvation. In the midst of tribulation, they had all-night prayers, they rotated coming in and going out, they met secretively, --and all the while: God protected and blessed. George, Pam and I had a new appreciation for being called believers, for knowing sacrifice, and for seeing the absolute stand of being SOLD OUT for God. It humbles us even now.

Remember Esther and Mordecai? He said to her, "For such a time as this..." and she accepted his sage advice and encouragement. The same happened to George, Pam and me as we had individually heard from God that it WAS time to step back and let the believers step into positions of authority. I always think about how Paul and his understudies did the same: they gave what they had, they prepared the disciples to go and teach and baptize. After that? He departed for another place--to do more of the same.

By May and June, all three of us were back in the USA--seeking God's plan for our lives. We're listening, leaning, hoping and prayer to know HIS WILL--not ours. I can't tell you how many people have suggested, "You can go to (blank, bland, blank); they need nurses," which is true. But for me? I want to know God's assignment, and I do not want to go ahead of Him. That wouldn't be good!

So at this state, we're waiting on the Lord--which, by the way; is not the easiest task! What flashes in front of my eyes when I start to make my own se-centered plans is, "See ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness". That usually slows me down and exhorts me to re-focus on WHO is my Creator, WHO is in control, and WHO is coming again for His beautiful bride!