n o v 2 0 1 0... from every nation, tr ibe, people and language .. . Rev. 7:9

t h e R E Y N E N S

Some of our Cameroon pastors have been serving remote churches for years. During our years in Nigeria Mike met

these pastors and heard about their long journeys to reach the villages they serve. In September Mike got his chance to know the journey first hand. They started by road and necessarily in a four-wheel drive truck. By mid afternoon they were at Koba where they parked the truck and proceeded on foot. A chief welcomed them after two hours trekking. With a quick meal to send them on their way, they continued another couple hours, mostly in the dark, up and down hills in the forest to Mbiaka. Once there, the church service began, singing, praying, preaching. It was a big encouragement to the people of Mbiaka. Mike says, “It really opened my eyes to the commitment our pastors of these places have to the Lord and his calling on their lives. They have been doing this for years with virtually no earthly reward.”

Top to Bottom: One section of our road trip looked like this; Pastor Daniel with a bundle of clothes on his head. He made most of the foot journey this way!

For No Earthly Reward

News has beeN piliNg up all arouNd here. we thought we’d clear some space, by shariNg these updates with you!

In Ethiopia Mike taught Wesleyan Theology to nine pastors in September. They came together in Addis Ababa for

several days of full-day study. Supt. Mekebib offered his combination office and conference room as the classroom. It was a great time of getting to know each other better while wrestling with understanding God’s work of making us holy people. We thank the Lord for the privilege of equipping and influencing leaders who, in turn, minister to many lives and communities.

More Equipping

To ContributeBY MAIL:

Free Methodist World MissionsPO Box 535002,

Indianapolis, IN 46253 (Please mark “Reynens” in the

memo line of your checks.)

ONLINE:www.fmwm.org/give

Supt. Mekebib is on Mike’s right.

Vickie teaching at the Widow’s Seminar; Neddy Dingili translates

In August the Kenya FM youth gathered for youth camp. As is usually done, the campus of a boarding school was rented; youth stay in the vacant dorms. The theme for the

week was Put on the Whole Armor of God. Mike was among the several teachers asked to take up the themes of God’s armor. Vickie and Kenzie and three friends staying with us at the time--Shilah, Adam and Ben--all joined on the weekend. Besides the teaching, there were sports (soccer, of course), and drama (Uganda youth took the prizes!), talent shows, and fun singing and dancing. Praise God for not only the good fellowship, but youth further equipped for the spiritual battles they face.

Spiritual Warfare for Youth

The Lord has a special place in His heart for Widows, and so does Neddy Dingili, especially the widows in the FMCK. In Oct. and Nov., Neddy, wife of Bishop Dingili, organized seminars

for the widows in two Annual conferences. These seminars were designed to provide a place of encouragement, fellowship and hope..and they did just that. When a women becomes a widow, she is extremely vulnerable and at risk of losing everything from her home to her children, especially if she refuses to be “inherited” (meaning she must become the wife of her deceased husband’s brother). The women were encouraged as they listened (and responded!) to teaching on topics that specifically relate to them ( Rights of Widows; Dealing with Discouragement and Self –Pity; Parenting Alone; Economic Empowerment) and being reminded that the church will stand with them during their time of struggle. This is a vital ministry, and we’re thankful for Neddy’s heart for these women.

Widow’s Ministry in Kenya

On Aug. 30th, we received news that Katie Bartlett, missionary to Malawi, and her daughter Lydia, had been in

a car accident and Katie was in the hospital. After making some quick arrangements, Vickie headed there to help out by staying with Katie. We’re so thankful to report that Katie and Lydia’s recovery has gone well and they, along with Anna and Ella, are doing great. You can read Katie’s testimony about this incident on her website: www.teamwithafrica.org. You might remember that just about 2 years ago, Ryan Bartlett lost his life in an accident in Malawi. Katie and the girls returned to serve just about three weeks before this incident. Prayer for the entire Malawi team would be greatly appreciated! (Ryan and Jennifer Willson, Curtis and Kara; Dean and Steffi Babcock, Christopher, Jonathan, and Sarah; Katie Bartlett, Anna, Lydia and Ella)

Kyle has added guitar lessons to his busy schedule and will soon be trying out for the WNS’ Boy’s basketball team. His favorite

time of the week is Sunday nights—when the youth group meets. This group is made up of Mk kids from both Christian schools in Nairobi and some home schooled students as well. He’s recently been challenged too, to start a discipleship group with some of the guys at school. In spite of all these activities, he has time to sleep in on Sat mornings!

We are responsible for making sure there are commitments of support for our 2011 Missionary Support Account. If you plan

to give toward our support, would you enter the amount on the Missions Connect Website (www.fmwm.org/give/index.php), or let us know and we will record it? If you give toward our support through your local church, please ask your pastor to enter the church commitment on the web, or to let us know. Thanks!

For God’s protection as we’ve travelled around the continent of Africa and the country of Kenya! For God’s provision for our family in so many ways—from finances, to good friends who willingly help with tasks that can’t be done from here!

For our National FM leaders and pastors throughout Africa, that they will stand strong and see the Lord move in their midst.

Pray for two VISA workers coming in 2011: Jillet Parsons and Janee Reed, and the potential of one or two more!

For our family during the holidays. This will be our first Christmas ever, without our immediate family being together. Kelly and Kenzie will spend Christmas in Minnesota. In fact, pray for all our FM missionary families serving in Africa during the holidays!

Praise/Prayer1

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Malawi

On the Home Front

With us in 2011?

In 2009, Dr. Linda Adams, Director of ICCM, started working closely with the Rwandan Church leaders and Missionary Sheila

Etherington, to plan how ICCM could be restarted. Slowly by slowly, things have been taking shape and part of Vickie’s job has been to drop in every now and then and check the progress. One plan of helping to provide clean drinking water has been put in motion as over 225 water filters have been delivered and more are on the way; Cows have been purchased which will provide a source of livelihood, milk, fertilizer for the garden and future cows! The children at Amizero Centre (facility for mentally challenged children) have received beds and there is a Chaplains and Head Teacher’s training seminar scheduled for December. Someone has been busy—actually, many “someones”… and it’s good to be able to partner with the Rwandan FMC again.

Moving Ahead in Rwanda