SGWM Newsblog » Ramirez Family April 2010 Missions Update-Kenya

Ramirez Family April 2010 Missions Update-Kenya

“But he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…”

~Romans 4:20

Teaching five times a week, administrating the church matters as well as the Bible College has been quite a test. Yet it is more difficult to describe how God wonderfully sustains during difficult or challenging times. I have learned that through giving God the glory, which is rightfully His, I am somehow strengthened. Giving God glory is the end result of seeing God as He is in scripture! Truly our God has given me this privilege to see His worth and respond to Him in a God-glorifying manner during this season. Please pray that during this time I might continue to have the right view of God, and in turn, be strengthened as God sees fit, to be poured out in the ministries set before me for His glory alone.

Our Family:

Our home… As we’ve been so busy with life, ministry, and simply “rolling with the punches”, it dawned on us that we should ask for prayer again concerning the apartment we now stay in. We have been constantly without electricity and without water. It seems that every other day for some reason or another we lack one or both bringing many challenges. Please join us in prayer that God would somehow regulate our water and electricity. Having the basics taken care of would make a world of difference…

The boys are nearing the end of another homeschooling year wrapping up studies of The Ancient World (~6000 B.C. – 330 B.C.), The Historicity of the Bible, and Astronomy (which has been so exciting for them to discover “creation confirmations” and proofs for a “young earth” through the study of Astronomy! For those searching for a solid creation-based science curriculum, check out www.apologia.com ). Clay (7 years old) is also finishing up his 2^nd year of reading and pronunciation of Koine Greek, working on conversational Modern Standard Arabic, learning music theory and learning to play the keyboard. Joram (5 years old) is really getting the hang of reading now, also learning the sounds of the Greek alphabet, and slowly learning Arabic as well. Ezra is getting quite familiar with the world map (that hangs on our wall next to our dinner table) and asks mama if she will come with him to all the different countries he names and points to J… Ezra is also joining in with his brother’s memory work as we are memorizing, meditating on, and learning to apply several verses from the Gospel of John (John 13:34-35; John 14:1-6,10-17; John15:7-17; John 17:1-3). Please pray with us that God will quicken our minds to learn Arabic that we might be more equipped to minister to any Arabic speaking peoples.

Harvest-time… Behind our apartment Nasiema took the boys to help with the harvesting of maize. In the process, she was able to share the Gospel with the women in whom she was working side by side. One of the ladies named Jane, initially appearing hardened of heart, later began to ask questions. By the time we were slinging the large harvest sacks of maize on our backs to take them down the hill, she knew with soberness the choice she was faced to make: either choose to receive forgiveness of sin by acknowledging Jesus’ work accomplished on the cross for her and find the victory over sin in the newness of life found only in Jesus, or choose by default the path to hell as she continues living for self…Please pray that Jane would genuinely choose to follow Christ.

Our Ministry:
In addition to the Zavala’s having left on furlough until mid May, Natasha, a precious team member, also had to leave, returning to Russia for visa purposes. Nasiema has now taken the “Acting” Overseer role of Women’s Ministry and the income-generating project. This involves administrative, quality control and discipleship, meeting with the leaders and encouraging them in the faith weekly. Please pray for wisdom for Nasiema in administrating this ministry so that it may continue, as this ministry is providing an income opportunity for the majority of the ladies in our church. Pray that God would lead Nasiema with insight as to how to invest in each of the leaders and to their specific needs as well…

Bible College Graduate Discipleship… I am now having the men teach me different texts of the Bible. They are being challenged to use more intense hermeneutics and proper Bible College homiletics. It has been both a joy and a blessing to see these men grow in a short period of time! Pray that they might be equipped with proper materials so they may teach with greater effectiveness.

Somali Discipleship… We have been continuing through the book of Colossians. The great truths of this study have both encouraged our brothers and challenged them to uphold God and His Word above all else.

The second Pastor/Leadership Conference in Congo, with our beloved Ibrahim, is being planned in the first week of June 2010. Myself, Pastor Dave and Pastor Brian Du Pont (from CC High desert) will be joining together to help Ibrahim lay the foundation for a church plant. There are many challenges that come with re-settling in a war torn country and starting a church. Please pray for provision to fly there, for Bibles to take with us, and for the ministry that will continue through our brother Ibrahim.

Extreme Missions Training Program …Our King has opened a door for me to be a part of Far Reaching Ministries EMT Program. I will be able to disciple individuals who desire to serve as missionaries. This will entail two months in the States teaching the practical’s and theory of missions along with literal application as they return with me to Kenya for 6 months on the mission field. We are asking that you pray with us so that I will not be apart from my family during this time. I would like my family to join me in the States so that we can connect at the least on a weekly basis. Please pray for provision for my wife and sons airfare.

Thank you again for co-laboring with us for the gospel’s sake. We are truly grateful for each sacrifice made so that our family may be here in Nairobi to serve our Lord. May His blessings be upon you all.