May 2009 - Far East

Thank you for your prayers!

Pastor Bob Penhearow traveled to the Far East and was astounded at the blessing of God. The students, all mature leaders, are hungry and thirsty for the Word. Meetings planned with key leaders of large networks were profitable and encouraging. Read on, and keep praying!

Ephesian Bible Institute: Biblical Theology I

Our lecturer Bob Penhearow taught this course to about 25 students, all preachers and Sunday School teachers from different churches in a big city. Even though these students have been serving the Lord for years, a Christocentric perspective of the Old Testament was new to them. Pastor Bob emphasized a redemptive hermeneutic for interpreting the OT Scriptures in order to preach the Gospel.

Student in the East

The students are really thirsty and hungry for the Word. They are very intelligent and challenging. Most of them are between 25-45 years old, and they're the most active workers of their local churches. This group of students from the Ephesian Bible Institute represent a significant network. They are very committed and excited to continue their studies to complete a degree program.

Networks abound. Some of these students go to other areas to teach the Bible courses in other church networks. Lord willing, through them we may plant more Bible study centers.

Networking on a Large Scale

Bob met with a few of the leaders of a number of networks. One such network has 1,000 churches (over 500,000 people), and we hope to establish the Smyrna Bible Institute there in November 2009(D.V.). At that point, we will have 3 institutes in operation - with a fourth set to start in March 2010. This is an unprecedented opening to teach the doctrines of Grace to hungry, thirsty, eager students of the Word - and our students turn around and teach their networks! What an amazing opportunity!

God has opened these doors!

We need prayer that He would provide the resources to meet these opportunities - more teachers, more translators, more funds to cover all the related travel, materials and translation expenses.

The church in the Far East is desperate for a thorough grounding in God's Word.

William Carey said, "Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God!" We expect God will continue to bless our many students throughout the world. We expect God will use His people to pray, to give, and to go. As we attempt to teach and preach, to enrich and encourage, we know that God will build His church!

Sincerely,

Janet Billson, Communications
Carey Outreach Ministries