Russian greetings!

Greetings of God's Peace, Love and Grace to you all!

I am working a night shift this October 30th evening then in the early morning, about an hour after I get home, I will begin to make my way to the mainland airport in Vancouver where I will board a flight bound for Russia!  Brother Brian Niemitalo will head in the same direction as I am, but from his home way in the east in South Carolina, and if all goes well, with God's good grace, we'll meet up in Moscow on November 1st in the late afternoon.
 
Once again Brian and I have a very busy schedule for the month we will spend in Russia.  Actually, we will take a side trip for a few days to Simferopol, Ukraine, to make good on an invitation brothers Brian and Misha Krupinov received from a family (visiting from Ukraine) who they met in Russia on their last trip.

They say it is very cold in Moscow right now. I was warned just this morning from a Russian friend who said “Greg, you be sure to bring warm winter clothes!” but I hear that in Simferopol one can expect +20 degree weather, as this city is located in the far south very close to the black sea.  

Brian with Russian college students

                                                            Gregory with Russian friends.

I request your precious prayers for the whole of our November Russian trip, and in particular right now for the time we will spend in Simferopol, Ukraine, which will be during the first days of November.  We are just not sure what the Lord is opening for us there in Simferopol, but we certainly expect and witness His hand in it all.
After Simferopol we will visit Schekino and Rzhev, which are cities in western Russia near Moscow, then we will head on east via train to the Chuvash, Mari, and Udmurt republics, then finally on to the Ural Mountains and Ekaterinburg.  Along our way we will be visiting many different cities, villages, churches, homes, universities and colleges.  Our purpose is to preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins; to plant the seeds of the blessed salvation gospel in the soils of the heart. 

Please pray that in each venue and situation we are lead to, that the Lord would work in us, and that we would recognize His work, imparting His saving grace to as many as He has called.

.
In His love,

Gregory,

October Foreign Mission Monthly News

Endeavoring to obey the Word of our Lord...Go ye into all the lands and preach the Gospel to every creature.

From South Africa: TILL THE STORM PASSES OVER Last night we held services in this church in Ikageng in Northwest Province. Storm clouds were gathering as we entered. I was speaking from Revelations 7 as the storm broke over this little shack in full fury... Jonas was translating. The wind shrieked, thunder crashed, lightening flashed continually and rain plummeted down. We spoke louder and louder. Finally the din was so great and the metal sheets that held the shack together were banging so threatenly that I could only shout, "In heaven above there will be not more storms, fear, pain or sorrow when our robes are washed white by faith in the blood of the Lamb!!" Then I quickly said a prayer and the benediction and we all scurried for home. Next to where we were staying three shacks collapsed in the storm and Leona and Jonas went to help the people try to save some of their possessions in the deluge. "Keep me safe..." Dennis Hilman (picture by Leona Matson) You can follow your Foreign Mission Pastor Dennis Hilman on Facebook at Dennis Hilman.  The Foreign Mission has a facebook site at Foreign Mission where you can follow us also,  as well as at the FM Newsblog at www.foreignmissionnewsblog.blogspot.com Word from the Field: (The below is part of the monthly Pastors Report from Guatemala)  The Lord gave us the opportunity to complete all the things we had in our program for this month. Zacapa: We had all our services on Sundays and Wednesdays. We thank God because our attendance remains in both services. Juan Ponce:   Thank God also because we see also how the attendance in Juan Ponce remains. Piedras Azules:   We have now two new houses open for home services on Tuesdays. Praise God for it. This new people are able to receive us in their house to preach the Gospel.    About home visits: I made home visits in Zacapa and Juan Ponce this month. It is always a blessing to visit our brothers and sisters at their place and to share time with them knowing better each other. Support options  Email or click on the Donate link above for regular support options. Special projects Only funded with earmarked funds > Main church building in South Africa (any amount) > Bicycles for poor pastors ($80 each) Verse of the Month:   1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Upcoming events > Dennis and Raymond Hilman will be going to the Philippines during the last week of this month into Novermber. Please pray for that time of ministry! > Gregory Greve and Brian Niemitalo are going to Russia in early Novermber. Please remember them as well! > Kenya, India, Ghana, Togo, and Liberia are upcoming trips as well. Some of these trips may be able to accept a few more people. Email: foreignmission@comcast.net for up to date information. Prayer and praise > The Foreign Mission had a wonderful yearly planning meeting in October! Please pray for the entire board as they desire to follow the Lord's leading. The FM board members along with their positions are:  Bob Maki : Chairman, Dan Olin: Vice Chairman, Secretary: Scott Niemitalo, Vice Sec. Gregory Greve, Treasure: Al Traffie, Vice Treasure: Tom Lappi Trustees: Chad Kuivanen, Shane Juuti, Brian Niemitalo > About 17 trips were planned to 13 countries during this years meeting. We know that the Lord decides, so please pray that His will be done! > Pastor Sylvester in Kenya has been released from the hospital. $2400 remains to be paid on his bill. Feel free to continue to help with that bill.

www.themissionsite.com | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Mailing address for DONATIONS: The Foreign Mission 1601 NW 4th Avenue Battle Ground, Washington 98604 Add us to your address book Mailing address for CORRESPONDENCE: The Foreign Mission of the ALC 63 Poor Farm Road New Ipswich, NH 03071 Copyright © 2012 The Foreign Mission, All rights reserved.

Hello from South Africa

Dumelang! Hello from South Africa!

Dennis Hilman and I (Leona Matson) arrived in South Africa just over a week ago and we've been busy since we arrived! Here are some pictures that give an overview of what we've been up to!

Much of my time is spent with the children. Here is the most recent group of kids I've taught. We were talking about who Jesus is, why He came to earth, and how much He loves us!

 One day last week we went to the prison to visit a friend of ours who is awaiting trial. We arrived just after eight and were able to visit for 10 minutes at about 10 o'clock!

These wonderful ladies are from the Thausanang congregation. We were with them last Sunday. Their congregation is mostly children! There are 20 or 30 kids and about 10 adults.

This was taken during an evening service held in Sufurbult last night. After the service we had a time of prayer for the sick. You can see Dennis' silhouette as he prays for a lady who came forward for prayer.

 Today we had pastors' seminars. Here are some of the pastors who attended. There were nine pastors and church leaders in all.

Isn't God's creation marvelous!? I've been here just over a week and I've taken dozens of sunset pictures. Dennis and I are here in South Africa for another couple weeks. Please pray for our time here, specifically for our friend's court case tomorrow, for the Letlape family who just lost their grandfather (we go to the funeral tomorrow), and for the big youth conference that comes up in a week and a half.

God's Peace to all!

September Foreign Mission Monthly News

Endeavoring to obey the Word of our Lord...Go ye into all the lands and preach the Gospel to every creature.

From India... Here is a Facebook update from missionary Dennis Hilman, currently serving in India: O, SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG! Special services in the village of Munamurra today (at a Lutheran church built in the 40's). I spoke on Psalm 96. Tenth time I've spoken in the ten days I have been here. All thanks to God! Lots of people of all ages came forward for special prayers and blessing after the sermon. (NOTE COUNTRY I'M FROM: Must've known I was just in from England!) Find more updates from Dennis Hilman by checking out the Foreign Mission blog or his Facebook page! Word from the field: I request you please help me to buy 200 Urdu Bibles then I could be able to distribute among them. You already know about the cost of one Bible $ 5.00. Please prayerfully consider about it. We pray for you and your all efforts for our ministry work. God make it possible for you that you come and preach the Gospel among those people, who are unknown about Jesus Christ... God bless you, Pastor John Feroze Masih (Pakistan) Support options  Email or click on the Donate link above for regular support options. Special projects Only funded with earmarked funds > Medical care for Pastor Sylvestor in Kenya $2400 remaining > Widow and orphan support in various countries any amount *Pictures and other feedback supplied, if desired. Recent/upcoming events > John Ruotsala  just returned from a trip to the west coast. Thanks to the Portland, Castle Rock, and Tri-Cities congregations, as well as everyone at the Hockinson youth bible study, FM coffee, West Coast Ministers' Meeting, and many other events/visits. > Scott Niemitalo and Tom Lappi went to Guatemala last month. Pray that God would give increase to the seeds they planted. > Missionaries Dennis Hilman and Leona Matson will be going to South Africa next month. > Trips to Kenya (December) and India (January) are almost full. If you are interested in coming on any Foreign Mission trip, please contact us today! foreignmission@comcast.net > The annual Foreign Mission Board meeting will be held early next month.  > The newest update of the Foreign Mission Store added sample songs for most of the CD's on sale! Click here to go to the Foreign Mission Store or like it on Facebook! Prayer and praise > Thanks to God that Pastor Sylvestor's (from Kenya) surgery was successful! Please pray for him and his family as they struggle to pay the hospital bills. Thank God that money was donated so that he could be released from the hospital. If you wish to help financially, click on the donate button above. > Bibles were sent to Guatemala and Pakistan (see Word from the field above). Pray that they will help God's Word spread. > The Foreign Mission is thankful for your support through prayers, finances, volunteering stateside, and joining mission trips!

www.themissionsite.com | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Mailing address for DONATIONS: The Foreign Mission 1601 NW 4th Avenue Battle Ground, Washington 98604 Add us to your address book Mailing address for CORRESPONDENCE: The Foreign Mission of the ALC 63 Poor Farm Road New Ipswich, NH 03071 Copyright © 2012 The Foreign Mission, All rights reserved.

Dennis in India

Missionary Dennis Hilman is currently in India. He also recently joined Facebook! Here are some of his status updates from the last few weeks and he served in the Indian mission field.

September 11: PERSONAL PRAYER OPEN HOUSE. Today members of the congregation and other villagers were invited to the church sanctuary in Kapileswarapuram for personal prayer. For hours Pastor K and I received a small but steady stream of villagers - about 50 in all - in need of petitions before the throne of the living God in the name of Jesus and the power of His blood. The burdens were many and often heart-wrending but the Spirit of a mighty God was with us! What a powerful day!

PERSONAL PRAYER REQUEST? In my post below (I hope you can see it or them, 'cause I can't yet here) you can see how individuals brought their personal prayer requests to the church here today. In the hours we had we took all the time that was necessary with each person. But this openness to believers and unbelievers alike is not limited to today or to those here in Kapileswarapuram. DO YOU HAVE
A CARE, CONCERN OR EVEN BURDEN TOO HEAVY TO CARRY THAT YOU NEED TO SHARE? you are welcome to post your private message on my wall and as soon as possible Pastor K and I will take it most confidentially into the privacy of that same sanctuary where we were praying for about 50 individually today. There before the throne of the same living God we will plead your case with you through Jesus Christ our Advocate! God's hand is not shortened. Believing is receiving!! (NOTE: Dennis wrote this on Facebook. If you have a personal prayer request and would like to get it to Dennis, feel free to add it to the comments section below, find Dennis HIlman on Facebook, or email it to the FM Administrator foreignmission@comcast.net and he will forward it to Dennis.)

September 13: LITTLE DRUMMER BOY - Seriously, this miniature drummer kept right up with the older guy through all of the songs at our special services today, the third day of day-long prayer and fasting services in a neighboring village. I spoke twice, once on James 2:14-26 (faith without works) and then on 2 Corinthians 4:5-15 (we have this treasure in earthen vessels). The church was packed, the responses spontaneous and in the Spirit.

 

September 14: TEMPLE OF PRAYER. In the sanctuary of this church Pastor K and I spent much time before the Lord this morning - praying for the requests we have received on Facebook and for other needs. "That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven". Matt. 18:19. We trust in that promise and look forward to more of your requests.

September 15: INDIAN SURPRISES - Morning pancakes laced with onions and spiced with chili. Then last night in another church when a girl came forward for prayer with a lovely light green sari draped gracefully over her head. I was just reaching out to lay my hands on her when I suddenly discovered there was a huge light green preying mantis right there under my hands on the top of her head, all nice and calm and camouflaged. Preying or praying?!

Please pray as Dennis completes his last few weeks in India. 

August Foreign Mission Monthly News

Endeavoring to obey the Word of our Lord...Go ye into all the lands and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Monthly News > Did you know that through Thrivent for Lutherans you can make donations to the Apostolic Lutheran Foreign Mission without spending any money? Check out their website for more information! https://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/ > There will be at least three trips this fall. They will go to South Africa, Russia, and Kenya. Please pray that preparations go smoothly. > There are two new videos on the website: one about Burma and one about Pakistan. Click here to view them. > Missionary Dennis Hilman is currently out west and will be attending the Western Fall Services and the ALC Youth Camp. > Anna Mattila volunteered to set up a Foreign Mission table at the Western Fall Services; please stop by and visit! Word from the field: I am absolutely happy to send you my heartfelt greetings. I feel as if my feet are not touching the ground because of what I have received from you and to crown it all the wonderful beautiful and uplifting conversion in the word of your website. I was so touched and I really embrace your life changing website I have read it and it has indeed convicted my heart and a burden has been laid in me until I have been forced through the grace of the Lord to write to you, thank and encourage you for what the Lord is using you for... Pastor Gideon Mambo (Kenya) Support options Email or click on the Donate link above for regular support options. Special projects Only funded with earmarked funds > Pastor Sylvester is a friend from Kenya who probably knows the Scriptures better than anyone! He has a growth on the back of his head and will probably need surgery. any donation amount appreciated *Pictures and other feedback supplied, if desired. Pastor Sylvester Support a Pastor--Help spread the Gospel! The Foreign Mission cannot be in the field all the time in as many places as we aught, the cost is too high and the people are too few. However, we desire to do our best by visiting once a year to preach and hold pastors seminars to help and encourage the local pastors who are working there full time (see large photo at top of page). Most of these pastors are struggling to be full-time because, in many countries, if a pastor doesn't give his entire life to the Gospel, he is not respected. Therefore, the FM tries to support at least a few of these pastors financially. However, some months we aren't able to keep this commitment due to lack of funds. Would you consider supporting one of these pastors? Should you choose to support a pastor, you will be given his name, a picture (this may take time because in many places no one has a camera), and a description of his work in the Lord’s vineyard. He will also: > be a Bible-believing man who has repented and believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. >  have a good report among his fellow pastors and peers. >  have attended pastors seminars put on by your Foreign Mission. >  be a full-time pastor. >  be from a poor area where the church cannot yet support a pastor. One hundered percent of your donation will go to the pastor you support each month. In many countries the cost to support a pastor is $30 per month; certain countries like South Africa, Guatemala and Russia the cost is much more. If you are interested, please contact the FM Administrator foreignmission@comcast.net. You may want to consider using PaySimple--this will allow automatic deductions from your account to the FM each month. FInd out more by clicking on the Donate link at the top of the page.

www.themissionsite.com | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend Mailing address for DONATIONS: The Foreign Mission 1601 NW 4th Avenue Battle Ground, Washington98604 Mailing address for CORRESPONDENCE: The Foreign Mission of the ALC 63 Poor Farm Road New Ipswich, NH 03071 Copyright © 2012 The Foreign Mission, All rights reserved.

July Foreign Mission Monthly News

Endeavoring to obey the Word of our Lord...Go ye into all the lands and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Thanks for your service Thank you to the New Ipswich congregation for hosting the 2012 convention! It was a very blessed time. We hope many of you were able to make it as well. If you were not able to, don't forgeet that you can listen to the sermons online, including the ones by Bishop Louis Mphahlele from South Africa and Pastor Giovanni Sinay from Guatemala. Also, thanks to all the volunteers whohelped out the Foreign Mission during the weekend. Your assistance was very appreciated! Anyone that is interested to help out during the year, either at home or in the field, is strongly encouraged to contact the FM Administrator today. Word from the field: Dear our beloved servant of God, Thank you so much for your  prayer and your Doctrine of jesus christ we have here our church. We love the word of God, but we need to be trained through your mission, and you send for us more teaching to grow spiritually.....pray for us to get even one tents to cover us when we preach the word of God, because we are under the  sherded of trees. We have blind, widows, poor, pray for them. We hope to hear from you soon. Yours sister Jane and Wilter (Kenya) Support options  Email or click on the Donate link above for regular support options. Special projects Only funded with earmarked funds > Van repair in the Philippines $300 > Widow and orphan support in Liberia any amount *Pictures and other feedback supplied, if desired. What would I do in the mission field? People often say they'd like to come on a trip, but they don't think they'd be of any use. However, there is always a need of plenty of hands in the field! Consider the following list: >      showing love!                                                    >      playing with kids >      praying for the sick                                            >      working with youth  >      presenting seminars for pastors, lay            >      participating in baptisms          workers, Sunday School teachers, etc.         >      helping with dental clinics >      being a good role model                                 >      helping with medical clinics >      teaching children                                               >      singing/playing instruments >      leading Bible Studies                                       >      teaching English >      sharing your life                                                 >      preaching Between July 2011 and July 2012, there have been trips to Russia (3x), South Africa, Guatemala (2x),Kenya, India, Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Ghana, Togo, Liberia, the Philippines, andVietnam! The schedule for 2012/2013 trips will be out after the Foreign Mission Board meeting in October, perhaps you'll be on one of them? Contact the FM Administrator today if you'd like more information on specific trips we will be taking in the next twelve months.

www.themissionsite.com | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Mailing address for DONATIONS: The Foreign Mission 1601 NW 4th Avenue Battle Ground, Washington 98604 Add us to your address book Mailing address for CORRESPONDENCE: The Foreign Mission of the ALC 63 Poor Farm Road New Ipswich, NH 03071 Copyright © 2012 The Foreign Mission, All rights reserved.

June Foreign Mission Monthly News

Endeavoring to obey the Word of our Lord...Go ye into all the lands and preach the Gospel to every creature. Time for fellowship On July 12-15th, New Ipswich, NH will host the ALCA Convention. The Foreign Mission will have a table set up with information about who we are, what we do, past and future trips, and much more. Come and visit! On Saturday afternoon, there will also be a Foreign Mission presentation. Pastor Giovanni Sinay from Guatemala and Bishop Louis Mphahlele from South Africa will be sharing during this time. Look for signs or ask at the FM table for more information. We look forward to meeting you in person. If you have an interest in foreign mission work, please share your particular calling and desire with us! Let's pray that God through His Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus Christ to each of us during the convention and throughout the year. Word from the field [In Yoshkar Ola, Russia], we also visited the main Agricultural College and I spoke to a number of students (see class above). This was my first visit to this college, and though the teacher seemed a bit suspicious of us at first, by the time we left, we were being enthusiastically asked to return. "The next time you come," said the English teacher, "we will have many more students for you to talk with!" excerpt from blog entry by Gregory Greve; you can read the full article by clicking here; read the rest of the article Support options Email or click on the Donate link above for regular support options. Special projects Only funded with earmarked funds > Van for church in the Philippines $10000 > Widow and orphan support in Liberia any amount Pictures and other feedback supplied, if desired. Kids in Liberia Upcoming events > The ALCA convention is next month. We could really use some help at the FM table! If you are able to take care of the table and concession for a few hours during the convention, please respond to this email. > Lord willing, there will be mission trips going to several countries this fall. Please contact the FM administrator at foreignmission@comcast.net for information if you wish to join one of the trips. Prayer and praise > Pastor K from India in the midwest and on the east coast in May and early June. He is now safely back home. > Doctor Kumar and his wife Jean Mary were on the west coast in May as well. They have also safely arrived home. > Dennis Hilman has safely arrived back in Finland after a grueling but blessed five months in the mission field. Keep your eyes open for him in the USA and Canada this summer, Lord willing. > Leona Matson has recovered from her bout with malaria. She's at home in Canada now but will attend the Convention in July before heading back out to the field. > The money has been raised and we have registered our church in Kenya! > Missionaries who participated in the trips to Russia and the Philippines in May are all safely home. Click here to read updates posted in the blog. www.themissionsite.com | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend Mailing address for DONATIONS: The Foreign Mission 1601 NW 4th Avenue Battle Ground, Washington98604 Add us to your address book Mailing address for CORRESPONDENCE: The Foreign Mission of the ALC 63 Poor Farm Road New Ipswich, NH 03071 Copyright © 2012 The Foreign Mission, All rights reserved.