September 2006
"The missionary is one in whom the Holy Spirit has wrought this realization;
'Ye are not your own.'"
Oswald Chambers
'Ye are not your own.'"
Oswald Chambers
Africa
Wilson Maungo is a dear brother of mine whom I met at Missionary Training School. He is a national who has planted over 20 churches throughout the regions of Kenya and Uganda. Brother Wilson has asked me to come to Africa and assist him in dedicating his newest church. He is also interested in starting a prison ministry of his own and would like my advice as to getting it started. Brother Luke Shelby, too, has mentioned my visiting prisons in his mission field which is 5 to 6 hours south of Wilson's. In addition, I will be introducing Steve Gallagher's book on sexual idolatry to several churches in the area. There is no better discipleship material available for teaching Biblical abstinence. It is going to cost in the area of $1,950 for the plane tickets. I could use your prayers, and your financial support for this important ministry opportunity. Won't you please be a part of it? Please send donations designated "African Trip" to Changed Lives Ministries ~ P. O. Box 245 ~ Spencer, Ohio 44275. (Checks and money orders should be made out to "Changed Lives.")
Finances
We are still in need of support churches, as well as individual support. However, we did pick up $1,280 of additional promised monthly support since our last letter! God is good! The ministry continues to grow in all areas of evangelizing and discipleship. I have personally witnessed over 1,000 professions of faith since our beginning in January 2004 (40% of those professions were made by young people in their teens). I mention this very humbly; salvation is still the Lord's business! "Dear Lord, may I never be so focused on the 'numbers game' that I look past that 'one' soul in need who stands before me!" Lives continue to be changed, and families are being restored. We continue to gain ground that Hell would have. God is so good!
A Special Request
Gary B. could be out of prison today, but something happened to him several days before his sentencing; he became 'born again'!
The judge offered him a plea bargain, but Gary being led by the Spirit of Truth refused it simply stating he had not committed the
murder, but he could have prevented it. Therefore, he deserved the same sentence as the man who had actually perpetrated the crime.
Gary had a parole hearing recently, and I prayed he would be released, but the Parole Board decided he should do three more years! When I told Gary how
disappointed I was about the Board's decision (I sure could use his help!), he just smiled and said, "You're the missionary on the outside, I'm the missionary
on the inside. God must have more for me to do in here." God continues to bless Gary where he is at, and Our Lord just reunited Gary with his
son and daughter. His grin was from ear to ear when he told me of their visit!
Now the 'missionary on the inside' could use our help. His grandson was born with spina bifida. His daughter needs a special lift to get his grandson in and out of
her van. Like everything else in his life, Gary has made this a matter of prayer, and he has given it to the Lord. If you know of such a lift, or if
your church would like to make this a special project, or if you just want to make a donation, please call toll free 1-877-379-5422.
Bibles
I have inmates who have completed the 22-week Biblical study on sexual idolatry and have signed up for the 24-week discipleship class entitled "The Walk of Repentance." They need study Bibles, concordances, and Bible dictionaries. These men have demonstrated their desire to know Him better. Won't you please help?
My Apologies
As the ministry grows, so do our needs grow. It takes a lot of prayer to do the things the Lord has called this ministry to do. It also takes a lot of money, and in this newsletter I've talked more about the financial needs than I would have liked to. However, for those of you who are offended by this, please read the above sections again and answer this one question for me ~ "Is there not a cause?"
God bless you all!
Bro. Larry Skrant
T J McAuley