Our Ministry Involves…
George: helping Christians reach out to Muslim people through teaching and example. I pastor a church in multi-cultural environment. I also network with church leaders and workers in the area of sharing Christ with Muslims, and set the example through outreach efforts. I also have extensive online communication relating to outreach and training.
Karen: befriending Muslim women using ESL & Stay and Play as platforms to impact them for Christ.
Ministry Highlights of 2011
George: 1. Reconnecting with supporters during home assignment
2. $7500+ raised for internet ministry
3. Good morale in our Birmingham church
4. Participation in conference for Muslim outreach workers was a wonderful boost
Karen: 1. Having a friend share with me her recurrent dreams of Jesus letting her into heaven. I have given her a More Than Dreams DVD to view and am praying for more private conversations with her.
2. An opportunity to clearly share the gospel with 2 young women I met with weekly for English conversation from Sept to Dec.
3. Several opportunities with K, who has since drifted away, but I’m praying for God’s timing in renewed friendship with her.
4. Many new relationships with women in our neighbourhood.
5. A new helper for Stay and Play after my previous helper was unable to continue. She is getting more involved with women from our area.
6. Church folk seem enthusiastic and supportive.
7. My ladies really enjoyed our Christmas parties – I enjoyed seeing them enjoy themselves playing games and having fun!
Personal Highlights of 2011
1. During home assignment, we were able to be a part of several family events, including the wedding of our youngest daughter, Angelie, who was married in May to a wonderful young Christian man.
2. Two grandsons were born to us in 2011. We were able to be there when the youngest one was born when we went to see our eldest daughter, Amy, in Alberta. At this same time George met our then 17 month old granddaughter for the 1st time (the older sibling of the new baby) and we were able to get to know the church folk where our son in law is serving in Alberta, Canada and fellowship with former ABWE missionaries. It was a wonderful blessing to be at home with family especially to spend time with our 4 young grandchildren and being able to get some much needed work done on our Brantford home.
3. We were able to visit our middle daughter and our son in law in October while they were serving short term in Malawi – what an adventure!
4. Another highlight was reaching my (Karen) weight loss goal (I lost over 50 pounds) and being able to maintain that now, as well as implementing a regular exercise regime.
2011 Ministry and Personal Goals–accomplished?
George’s goals 1. Three-month home assignment from May to July to report to supporters and raise ministry funds. Yes, accomplished.
2. Conduct 2 Muslim outreach training workshops for Birmingham churches. Yes
3. Begin 2 new outreaches in the community. Not accomplished, several months spent in Canada made it unrealistic.
4. Revitalize our website ministries to bring them up to today’s internet standards. In process.
Karen’s goals 1. to begin a weekly club for younger girls. Not accomplished.
2. to maintain my ESL classes and get to know my ladies better; do more Bible stories; witness, pray, visit. Some progress.
3. to publicize the Stay and Play more and pray in the ladies/children God would have me minister to. Some progress.
2012 Ministry and Personal Goals
George’s goals 1. Conduct a major Muslim outreach training workshop for Birmingham churches
2. Relaunch Al-Kitab online Bible correspondence ministry
3. Begin 2 new church-based outreaches in the community.
4. Conduct local outreach effort on occasion of the queen’s Diamond Jubilee
5. Conduct a “Growing Leaders” course for training new leaders
Karen’s goals 1. To continue teaching English classes 2 or 3 times a week as well as meeting with other students as the opportunities present and to have more opportunities to share Christ with them. To continue praying for these women and their families by name on a consistent basis that God would move in their hearts.
2. To prayerfully consider the continuation of the Stay and Play (for mums and tots) which has remained small – and yet has also been a source of connecting with some ladies I may not have otherwise.
3. To be an encouragement to the women in our church through support, prayer, and example.
4. To begin a ministry to young Muslim girls that will open doors to sharing the gospel.
Prayer Requests 1. That I (George) will continually consider Karen’s needs since it is just her and me. My attitudes and actions have a huge impact on her desire to be here with me in ministry, and her contentment in spite of missing our children and grandchildren.
2. The spiritual needs of our children and their families.
3. Deeper relationships with our Muslim friends so that they open up and share more and want to know more about our faith and that God would draw them to himself.
