News & Blog - Partners International

Urgent Prayer Needed for Believers in Mali

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:41:22 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Your fervent prayers are needed for believers in Mali. Unrest has been building in the country for some time. We have heard from our partner leader in Gao that the situation has reached a crisis stage. He writes:

"The end of 2011 was disastrous in our country. Because of the conflict in Libya, hundreds of Qaddafi fighters came to Mali with weapons and vehicles. Al Qaeda fighters were already on the ground and settled in different places. The whole nation of Mali woke up in shock and astonishment when on November 24, 2011, two French tourists were kidnapped in Hombori in a small hotel owned by the deacon of the church. On November 26 an armed gang of kidnappers abducted three tourists and killed a fourth in Timbuktu. Two of the hostages are Dutch and the third a South African.

"On January 17, 2012, a group linked to Al Qaeda and the Tuareg rebellion attacked and seized three cities near Gao. Al Qaeda fighters have in the past brought hostages into northern Mali from neighboring countries, such as Niger, where four French nationals are still being held after being kidnapped in September 2010. The people are in dismay and long for peace and security. As we write this report, the country is on the brink of civil war.

"Please continue to pray for our country. On April 29 we will have presidential elections. The current president is finishing his second term. The country is on the brink of civil war, and drought and famine are on the horizon."

Please join us in prayer for peace and security in Mali. Pray especially for the Christian leaders and believers in the region to be protected by His grace and to be instruments of His peace.

Christian Radio Program Wins Entire Berber Family to Christ

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:05:51 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Partners has worked with the Berber Evangelistic Association (BEA) since the 1990s, resourcing their efforts totranslate and produce films, radio and television programs, indigenous music, Bibles, and other Christian literature in the Berber language. Their vision is to reach the 25 million Berbers of North Africa with the Gospel. Their method, producing materials in the heart language of the Berbers, has been extremely successful. Today, the Berber Church is the largest in North Africa.

Recently BEA shared with us this letter they received from Jafar, a radio listener, telling the story of how the broadcasts have impacted his entire family for Christ.

“Thank you for your daily programs. God has blessed these programs. Personally, it was through your programs that I listened, for the first time, to the true Word of God.

“My parents and my in-laws and all my friends and co-workers were surprised of my conversion to Christ. Because all know me that I believe in no religion.

“I explained well to these people as I heard your sermons that following Christ is not a religion, but He is the way, the truth, and the life. My grandfather who was a Muslim all his life heard this and said to everyone:

‘My grandson has heard the truth in Jesus, and I agree with him. I was lost in the darkness of the religion of Islam. Since my childhood I have sought three things—the right path, truth, and life. It is found that all these three things are in Jesus Christ. As for me, from now, I belong to Jesus Christ.’

“As a result of this, all the family and our close relations have followed my grandfather. They say, ‘We belong to the one who is the way, the truth and the life. My dear friends, please continue to send us the programs and pray for us.”

Learn more about the work of BEA

Indonesian Seminaries Face Closure as Accreditation Deadline Looms

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:10:52 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

New laws were passed in Indonesia in 2005 stating that no school or seminary would be allowed to operate unless it received accreditation by the National Accreditation Body before August 2012. Failing to do so would make the school illegal, subject to heavy penalties, and forced to close.

Since this new regulation was put in place, Vision Indonesia 1:1:1 and Partners International have been working together to upgrade facilities, expand libraries, and upgrade the education level of the faculty at their network of seminaries, the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia (ETSI), throughout the country.

Partners International has partnered with Vision Indonesia 1:1:1 since its inception in the 1970s, and today ETSI is the broadest seminary network in the country.

One of the reasons for its tremendous success is that each student is required to plant a church before graduation. This challenging assignment helps to fulfill Vision Indonesia 1:1:1’s central mission which is to plant one church in every one village of Indonesia in one generation. It also gives students hands-on church-planting experience and results in incredible ministry impact each year. During the last academic year, 7,559 people accepted Christ and 143 new preaching points were established as a result of student and faculty outreach.

Meeting the Challenge

The new requirements put some of this important work at risk, as the financial investment needed to meet the standards has been a challenge for theological schools across the country. Vision Indonesia 1:1:1’s founder and President, Dr. Chris Marantika, reported this week, “This is a critical time for all seminaries and Bible schools in Indonesia. Their mere existence is at stake. We need to pray that each will get their accreditation status approved for the sake of the Body of Christ in the land.”

While some challenges remain, 160 students received their Master of Theology degrees this year, 34 of them faculty. This goes a significant way toward meeting the government’s requirements regarding the education level of instructors. About 20 doctoral graduates are ready to take their government examinations at the end of 2012, and 12 of the 16 main branch campuses of ETSI have received accreditation to date.

“Partners International has had a big part in supporting us to reach this point in our ministry,” said Dr. Marantika. “Partners has helped with prayers and financial assistance for 32 years, enabling us to produce over 4,000 graduates with various diplomas and degrees. The door is opening for us to have an impact in the lives of Indonesia’s educated society, as our alumni are hired as teachers of Christianity in public schools and other key roles. In spite of many difficulties, we are moving rapidly to impact this largest Islamic nation for Christ.”

More funds are needed to help Dr. Marantika and his team meet the accreditation goals.

Give today to help ETSI train leaders in Indonesia

Churches Burned in Wake of Tribal Conflict in Sudan

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:52:29 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Our partner Pastor James from Africa Inland Church-Sudan (AIC) requested urgent prayer for the people caught in the violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.

The conflict is the result of long-time hostilities between rival tribes, the Murle (shown right) and Lou Nuer, who raid each other’s cattle and fight over access to grazing land. Cattle are prized assets in the local context.

The number killed is still unknown, but some say that at least 3,000 people have lost their lives.

Samuel, a young pastor with AIC, has started a small school in the town of Likwangole in Jonglei State, along with five churches in the area. Pastor James shared that all five church buildings have been burned down, and they do not know how many Christians have been killed. (One of the buildings that was burned down is shown below). Samuel is safe, but about 60,000 people are estimated to have been forced from their homes into the bush.

On January 16, the BBC reported South Sudan United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator Lise Grande as saying that the lack of aid agencies working in the troubled state poses further difficulty. "In some of the worst-hit places, there are only a handful partners on the ground," she said. "In some places, there are none."

This is why working with local believers like Pastor James is so critical. Partners has advanced emergency funds to AIC to help the believers in the midst of this crisis. Please pray with us for an end to the fighting and for AIC’s leadership as they provide aid and work toward reconciliation between the two tribes.

Help families in Sudan now

What You Made Possible in 2011

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:54:04 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Thank you for making 2011 a year of incredible ministry impact around the world. Your generosity, especially during the key month of December, will equip God's servants to share His love and grace in greater ways in the year ahead. We are excited to share with you just a few ministry results in 2011:

•   59,600 people came to faith in Christ
•   20,100 leaders were trained for ministry
•   1,600 new churches were planted
•   315,800 people were helped through relief and development

Celebrate with us! These results are only possible because of you! If you have signed up to receive our newsletter, you can look forward to receiving our full 2011 Impact Report in the next few weeks. You won't want to miss it! You can view a preview version of the 2011 Impact Report online now!

In addition to the amazing results listed above, your partnership is a tremendous encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are harassed and persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. Here, our partner Brother Jonah shares how deeply your prayers and support are cherished by his team serving Tibetans in China:

"We who are at TMC greet all of you in Christ. God is using your offerings to bless the gospel ministry in China. Your gifts have been used to equip grassroots ministers who are responding to the Great Commission, pioneering ministry among unreached people groups, discipling them, and lifting up the name of Jesus among the nations.

"All the spiritual battles that were won in the field cannot happen apart from your prayers before the Lord. The good fruit of our ministry is because of your prayer support backing us up. When we were tired, it was your prayers that helped us rise up and return to the battle field with great faith and courage. Thank you again for your love, giving, and prayer support. May God bless your love and faith and let it continue to grow. Let's continue to be a testimony to the world!"

We invite you to check out the 2011 Impact Report for more stories of how your gifts changed lives in 2011!

P.S. Thank you to all of you who participated in our December Challenge. We met (and exceeded!) our goal!

India's Secret Believers

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:16:49 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Though India is well known as a majority-Hindu nation, many are surprised to learn that there are more than 170 million Muslims in India. Most live in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar, and according to Operation World they are “among the least evangelized people in the world, despite being some of the most populous and accessible.”

Our partner Bi’r Myah operates a community center in the heart of one of India’s strongest Muslim cities. Through vocational, health, and other educational programs for women and girls, the leaders at Bi’r Myah have not only provided useful skills and knowledge, they have become like family to some of the women who live in very difficult situations. Recently, Bi’r Myah leaders shared the testimony of Chandra* one of India’s many secret believers.

Though Chandra was from a Muslim family, she gladly took part in all the vocational training classes at the center. She was eager to learn new skills and to get to know other young women. One of Bi’r Myah’s leaders, Joy, began to build a strong friendship with Chandra. She shared the Gospel with her, and one day gave her a New Testament.

Some time later, as Chandra was reading the New Testament at home one night, Chandra’s brother discovered her. He snatched the book from her hands and threw it in the trash, warning her never to read it again. Afraid yet also determined to continue her study of the Bible, she shared this incident with Joy and asked her for another New Testament. She promised Joy that she would keep it under her pillow and only read it at night.

As Chandra continued to study the Bible, God began to touch her life in a powerful way. In time, she put her faith in Christ, though other than Joy, she was unable to tell anyone else for fear of the consequences she would face.

A few months later, Chandra’s parents arranged a marriage for her to the son of a Muslim family. Soon after their marriage, Chandra began to have difficulties with her in-laws. In Islam, children are extremely important. As time passed and Chandra did not become pregnant, people began to say that she was “cursed.” Chandra’s in-laws tried to convince their son to divorce her and marry another woman who would bear him children. She was very discouraged at times and came to Joy often for counseling.

Yet, through all these challenges, Chandra remained faithful to the Lord. God heard her cry for a child, and she has since been blessed with a son. Chandra’s husband has stuck by her, and separated himself somewhat from his parents, but he remains very strict in his Muslim faith.

Chandra is like thousands, perhaps millions, of other believers in India who live out their faith in secret. Pray for believers like Chandra to know God’s comfort, grace, and protection. Pray too for the families of secret believers to find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Bi’r Myah needs your support. Click here for ways you can help.

*name changed for security

As Violence Strikes Relief Camps, Kenyan Partner Brings Christmas Blessing

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:38:24 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Pastor Musa with our partner Mchungaji Kundi Moja (meaning “Shepherd of One Flock” in Swahili) shares how their team is determined to continue helping famine victims in eastern Kenya despite increased risks. Here he shares how they were able to bring Christmas blessing to local families as a result of your partnership:

Following the kidnapping of aid workers from the camps and the subsequent war by Kenyan defense forces wedged in Somalia, many agencies serving in the relief camps pulled out, waiting for restoration of security. Al-Shabaab sympathizers have been on the loose with grenade and land mine attacks on security forces.

On December 20, we began preparations for Christmas-week celebrations for the refugees. It was to begin with children’s programs and parties gathering in the local church. All the teachers and parents were pleased to participate in the programs. It is vital to create normalcy among them at this time of great tension. We have been barred from gathering in big groups so we split them into several groups gathering in different camps.

While the parties were going on, there was another blast! This time it was a grenade. This was targeted at security patrols at the camps. Only a day before, we had a land mine blow up a police truck killing two. We are obviously not safe here!

This time around it seems as though everyone opted to leave Dadaab for Nairobi or anywhere but here. Our team had planned to distribute food to refugees in Dadaab the week before Christmas to allow the Christian families some memorable time. You should note that with the blast no one wanted to commit staff here for distribution of food. The World Food Program who had the responsibility to do this withdrew staff and is now delaying the ration distributions until further notice! What are the refugees to do?

We felt we had to honor our commitment and bring food to more than 1,000 families we have been responsible for. We wanted our giving to coincide with Christmas. In this we have answered a desperate call for food as this is all they will have for the next while.

We sent two lorries loaded with food including maize flour, beans, oil, and sugar. This will go a long way to support people at the camp! Thank you very much for your prayers for us and support that has enabled us to provide this service.

Thank you so much for your generous gifts for our relief efforts in Kenya. The love of Jesus Christ has been demonstrated in such powerful ways.

Support the relief ministry today!

Egyptian Believers Demonstrate Great Faith Despite Uncertain Future

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:40:01 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

In mid-November, leaders from our partner Raja al Umam traveled to Egypt to conduct a Partners-sponsored training conference for local pastors. The conference took place just a few days before the first parliamentary elections after the fall of the Mubarak regime. “The general atmosphere was intense, and you could feel that there was fear, uncertainty, confusion, and hope for a better life,” said Pastor W., a Raja al Umam leader. “Unfortunately, many of the local house church members could not attend because of the lack of stability in the country. There were no police in the streets, and you never know what could happen. But, just being there with them made a great impact on their lives.”

The focus of the four-day program, which attracted mainly youth and some pastors and leaders from the area, was to strengthen the house church leaders and enable new church members to understand their faith and equip them to share it with others effectively.

Pastor W. testified that he was moved and encouraged by their love, commitment, and eagerness to learn the Word of God. Among the attendees was a group of 10 young people from a Christian background. “They come from a remote area of Egypt where there is currently no church,” said Pastor W. “This was their first Christian conference ever, and they had never been out of their village before. I clearly saw the power of the Word of God on their lives, and I witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit changing them. By faith I can see that these young men and women will be the ‘salt and light’ for the 30,000 Muslims in their area.”

We praise God for how He is mightily working in the hearts of Egyptians, especially the young men and women. Please continue to pray for them as they face tremendous uncertainty in their daily lives. May God give them the faith to trust in Him and to boldly share the Good News with others.

In Wake of Arab Spring Egyptians See Visions of Jesus

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:27:30 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Our ministry partners in the Middle East continue to share stories of how God is working in their midst in the aftermath of 2011’s Arab Spring. Here, our partner Pastor Habeeb from Egypt shares the story of two people who have seen powerful visions of Jesus.

“Anna”

One night, a couple from the ministry was visiting an orthodox monastery. Suddenly, they heard a woman screaming. They rushed to the window and saw a veiled woman at the entrance of the monastery. She was saying in a loud voice, “Issa ("Jesus" in Arabic), help me! I am coming to you!" Because she was shouting, the people in the monastery were afraid. Some thought she was carrying a bomb and called the police.

When the couple from our ministry saw the woman, they took her to their room. The husband stood outside of the room, preventing anyone from entering, while his wife sat with the woman, “Anna,” and learned her story.

The woman shared that her son had been caught with drugs by the police and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. She said that she had seen in a dream a vision of Mary carrying Jesus. Through the events in the dream, Anna understood that Jesus was the solution to Anna’s problems. She decided to go to the nearest church, the monastery, desperate to find out more about Jesus.

Our worker’s wife told her about Jesus and prayed with her. She took down Anna’s phone number and then the police came. Twenty-three days later, the revolution in Egypt began.

During the early days of the revolution Anna had another dream of Jesus. He was dressed in white, holding the hand of her imprisoned son. He said, “Mother, here is your son.” As she was dreaming, someone interrupted her sleep and said to her, “Mother, wake up! I came back!” She woke up and saw her son standing before her. He had come out of prison. The file of her son’s case was destroyed when a courthouse was burned. He was free. For Anna, the revolution happened so that she would believe in Jesus and so that she and her son would find salvation.

She was one of the many who flooded into Tahrir Square in Cairo during the revolution. But instead of an Egyptian flag or a sign or protest, she carried a red flag and shouted “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” again and again.

Ministry workers have visited her several times and led her to the Lord. She still sees visions of Jesus.

“Shakir”

Another person on our team, “Shakir,” works in a remote town of Upper Egypt. One night, he saw a vision of six strangers sitting with him. The strangers asked Shakir to disciple them and show them the true Way. A few days later he met one of the people he saw in the vision. The man said, “I want you to help me and my friends to know God more and live for Him properly.” Shakir eagerly agreed. The man took him to meet this group of friends. Shakir was astonished to find that it was the very same people he had seen in his vision. He started a discipleship group and in less than a year, the Lord has grown this new church to 28 people.

Praise God! Please continue to pray with us for the Holy Spirit to continue His powerful work among the people of Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

Transforming the Oppressed: God's Work Among the Koya People

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:34:55 +0000

News From the Field by Amber Holloway, Communications Manager

Vasantharaj and Mano Albert of Church Growth Association of India share this exciting report of how God is transforming the Koya people of India.

Mano and I took a 17-hour drive from Chennai to the Koya belt in Orissa. The travel took us 1,100 kilometers through four states. In some places we had very good roods. In others there were no roads. We met with three indigenous ministry workers who are pioneering the Gospel among the Koya tribe. The Koya have a population of 400,000, speak a distinctive language, and live along the borders of three states. There are only 4,000 known Christians (1%) among them, but they are increasingly receptive to the message of Jesus Christ.

This tribe has been ravaged by the military and the Maoists (militant social activists) and pushed into arid forests by high-caste people. They struggle to live even a sub-human life. However, these people do not lack skills or intelligence, and they have a deep longing to improve their communities. They lack basic facilities like roads, education, health, sanitation and drinking water. Politically powerless and economically weak, they don't even know they have rights to these amenities as citizens of India.

During this trip we met more than 70 women leaders and 60 men leaders. Mano and I took a full week just to listen to their stories of exploitation (Satan’s attempt to enslave them for generations) and empowerment (freedom from forces of darkness through Christ). They have collectively started 52 house churches, baptized more than 600 people, and started 18 self-help groups.

“Your visit provided us an opportunity to come together, discuss many issues related to the impact of the Gospel, cast vision, and be encouraged,” said Isaac, one of the cross-cultural missionaries working among the Koya with his wife Girija.

Mano and I have begun to use the strategy of Paul–visiting and encouraging church leaders. Long journeys and short stays are big challenges for us at this age. Though we returned home physically exhausted it gave us immense joy to know that we are working with God in one of the most remote parts of India.

Friends, please pray 2 Thessalonians 3:1 with us, “Brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”

Read more about the ministry of CGAI and contribute to their work.