Dear Faithful Reader & Partner,
At the end of the first quarter of 2021, It was fitting for us to start the month of April with a high key of praise. April 2021 was our month of extravagant praise, as we drew our service theme for the month from Psalm 149:5,6 (KJV)
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
April was a special month for us and at every meeting, we lifted extraordinary praise to our most extraordinary God, as in Judges 1. After the death of Joshua, the leaders of Israel went to the Lord and like us believers in Nigeria at this terrible time in our history, asked the Lord, “who will go ahead of us against the Canaanites”. The Lord said Judah will go ahead of you because God has delivered the “Canaanites” into our hands.
HE has already done so, and what remains for those who believe is to praise HIM (send Judah) ahead until our eyes see HIS deliverance. Nigeria is now a land we will inherit by praise! regardless. Glory to God!
We looked at David and his extravagant praise following the tragic incident of Uzzah and the Ark in 2 Samuel 6:7 God killed Uzzah and David was afraid and jettisoned the Ark of God aside, to the house of Obededom. In verse 12, King David received a report of the Ark’s glorious blessings in the 3-month quarantine, to the house of Obededom. Then David corrected himself and went and retrieved the Ark.
It was what happened after that, that we noted. From verses 12-15 of 2 Samuel 6, David brought up the Ark of the Lord with shoutings and trumpets and danced extraordinarily to the Lord.
Praise went ahead of us, because it is what provokes heaven to fight for us. it is praise that will take care of our “Canaanites” in Nigeria and deliver the glorious things Heaven has in store for us.
Yes, we praised HIM with every breath in us, and during the last Sunday of April, we praised Him for yesterday, today and tomorrow, we praised HIM with every dialect in us in a very extravagant thanksgiving.
We, being led by 1 Chronicles 29:6-9, went full blast and praised HIM like David did as he brought up the Ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David gladly “before the Lord”.
6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,
7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
9 Then the people rejoiced, for that, they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
We exhuberantly danced, sang and brought our sacrificial offerings and “fatlings” strewn all over HIS altar in an extravagant manner “before the Lord”. We wondered about the mockers around Jesus, and resolved not to mock HIM like Michal who became childless, mocked David, but to give the KING of kings His deserving extravagant praise!
Like Nehemiah and his team in Neh. 4:17, our theme text in Psalm 149:6 reminded and assured us of the “double edged sword” in our hands, and revealed the honour of HIS saints, which is to to execute upon the Heathen the judgment that is already written!.(Psalm 149:9)
Like Judah, His Praise went ahead of us, and has declared that we have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
It is done! It is done! It is done!
Praise ye the Lord!
Maranatha!
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“It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travellers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So, they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.”
3 John 6-8 Message Bible
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SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS & FATLINGS AT THE ASSEMBLY OF HIS EXCELLENCY APRIL THANKSGIVING
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NEWS FROM THE ASSEMBLY OF HIS EXCELLENCY
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THE CHIEF UNDERSHEPHERD, DR. BABAJIDE OLOWODOLA WITH NEWLY INDUCTED PASTORS OF FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH ASOKORO
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OUR HEARTS’ DESIRE CAME THROUGH
OUR “GOVERNOR” WAS GLORIOUSLY DISPATCHED TO HER NEW MISSION
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REV’D & PASTOR MRS. SENFUYE
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MANY HAPPY RETURNS TO OUR PASTOR WILLIAMS OLAOTAN
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MISSIONARY REPORTS FOR APRIL 2021
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IDEMETOR’S UPDATE – REPORT FROM SOUTH AFRICA
APRIL 2021 – GOD’S HEART FOR CITIES.
Dearly beloved Mission Partners,
Greetings from Pretoria and thanks for your partnership of many years, especially your generous support to us this past year. Thanking God for the grace He has granted you to lead His people to greater exploits as a Church.
Since February this year, nine of our younger leaders in the Navigators Africa representing six countries have been meeting virtually to compare notes and learn from each other on how to advance the Gospel into the different segments of their cities.
The demographics of the African cities are changing by the day with increased urbanization at an unprecedented rate in the past few decades. Patrick Johnstone in his book “The Future of the Global Church”, projects that by 2050, three of the top ten mega-cities (cities with a population of 30+ millions) will be in Sub-Sharan Africa!
Our labourers are now thinking of ways to ensure the Gospel is planted in every demographic of our city. This regular interaction is to hear and learn from each other on some of the initiatives each country is undertaking to make this a reality.
One of the motivating Scriptures is the book of Jonah, where God staked everything including the life of His prophet (Jonah) for the sake of one city – Nineveh. God’s concluding statement to Jonah reveals God’s heart and concerns for cities:
“But the LORD said, You (Jonah) have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that city?” Jonah 4:10-11.
As I host the meetings and listen to these leaders share their hearts and vision for their city, I am excited at what God is already doing in some of the cities of Africa. A few countries have taken initiatives to see the Gospel penetrate the highly-dense communities of their city, others are reaching out to youths who may never have the opportunity to go to University/College – these ones make up the majority of the youth population in our cities.
- Please pray that God would put His Hand on these leaders (with their teams) and the work they are doing, and bring about abundant and lasting fruit for His Kingdom.
- Pray for me too that in addition to these virtual meetings, I will be able to resume personal visits to the countries and cities to serve these leaders in their context, as was the case before COVID 19 made travelling impossible.
On the family front, our two young ladies successfully completed their respective academic programmes in December 2020.
Miriam (our daughter), with a Bachelor of Art degree in English and Psychology, and Eunice (who has been part of our family for the past four years), with a Certificate in IT Support Services.
Eunice has since travelled back to her home country, Congo DR, and has already secured employment there. Miriam hopes to apply for a post-graduate honours degree and start in 2022, by God’s grace.
- Join us to thank God for His amazing love and favour to us as a family.
You have been an integral part of our journey in life and ministry over these years. We want to say “Thank You” for your partnership in prayers and financial support.
This comes with all our love and deep appreciation.
In His grace,
Udobong and Gertie Idemetor
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REPORT FROM KENYA
Greetings to you our dear partners, friends and fellow Kingdom workers. Thank you so much for your continued support for us through your prayers, finances and encouragement. Daisy and I are fully aware that we could not come this far on our own. Our dear Heavenly Father has continously use our lives in ways we may not fully explain. Here is a brief update about what God is doing through our partnership with you:
Carren and Gad:
Thank you for continuing to pray for Carren and Gad and for giving financially towards their ministry in country X in the Horn of Africa. Carren and Gad committed to serve in the Horn for a period of not less than two and a half years (from September 2020 to December 2022, subject to extension as the Lord leads and provides).
The first phase of their time commitment (of approximately six months) was set aside for them to visit the host country to familiarise with the culture, learn the local language and determine the monthly budget they will need for the rest of their stay there. Through your generous support, we (as GRIP Kenya) helped with their budget (during the six months) by purchasing Carren’s and Gad’s return air ticket, paying for their visas, paying for their language school (among other travel costs), and helping meet any deficits in their monthly budget. Carren and Gad will return to Kenya mid next month (May 16th, 2021). After their return, they will use most of the time to visit their respective supporters (where possible) and report back about their six months’ stay.
Their supporters will have the opportunity to hear first-hand testimonies of their experience which we could not share in our email updates due to security and safety concerns. Besides visiting their supporters, Carren and Gad will use the rest of her time to develop more monthly financial support to meet their budget deficits. By God’s will and grace, our prayer and desire are for Carren and Gad to return (to the mission field) by the latest end of September 2021, in order to complete their individual assignments, in country X.
However, this will depend on how fast they develop monthly financial support to cover the budget deficit.
Summary from Carren’s report for January 2021:
The month (March) was indeed a very good one despite the corona pandemic. I did not have any health issues and for this I really thank God. All through I enjoyed my stay and emotionally I was happy and healthy. My time with my team here and other Kingdom workers was well, only that Covid-19 affected much of our physical meetings.
I have made few friends in the place I relocated to and lost the old ones. But of course, maintaining our relationship with the family of our language helper. Our house is so open to the locals and some of my new friends are my host friends and those who help us in the house.
Among the things I enjoyed most this month of March were: 1) The day we went to (name withheld for security reasons) and a beach near (name withheld for security reasons) with the team was so exciting. 2) Sharing truths (the gospel) with our language helpers every time we have language classes was exciting too. 3) Reading too has been exciting for me here and I think in March I enjoyed reading the most and of course the books I read were interesting! 4) I also had quality time and space for prayer and fasting which was exciting! 5) And the most exciting thing is that I cooked my food and sometimes our food, I had missed that in the previous months. 6) Hosting (language) classes also in our house gave me an opportunity for hospitality and service.
One of the challenges I faced was it took time for me to make friends especially from the (new) neighborhood, and I was at some point discouraged. I prayed about it and started initiating conversations. At least I have two friends from the neighborhood whom I know a little bit and they know me a little bit.
My plan in the next three to four weeks is to end our language classes at the end of the month and to continue praying and learning the language. I will try my best to continue learning the language by listening and speaking to local people.
Thank God with me for: 1) the few friends I have, 2) Opportunities we have had in sharing the truth (the gospel), 3) Provision, 4) Peace, and 5) Good health. Pray for: 1) Convictions among the people we have shared with, 2) Continued provision, 3) Protection, 4) Coming elections on (date withheld).
A summary from Gad’s report for March 2021:
“March has been quite a fast month with the reality that our stay, for the time being, is almost coming to a stall. I am doing well. I only need to take more water especially recently. My relationship with my team and fellow Kingdom workers here has been well. Playing the guitar at the (details withheld) has opened opportunities to knowing more and more people. My relationship with my nurturers has grown, and they count us as part of their family. Regarding my language school, I have recorded down the verbs we have covered, it will help in the future time.
Unfortunately, I have not been very keen and consistent in listening to recordings. I have put down a plan for April to ensure I will be balanced in listening to the recordings as well as pursuing the Grammar part. Please, continue to support (financially) our language classes, for the remaining three weeks. The numbers in (name of their host country withheld) of Corona infections (are on the increase). Pray that this does not affect the remainder of our time here and that we will stay to the end.
During the remaining three to four weeks of our stay, I plan to just finish up in conversations and continue practicing what I have learned so far (during my language classes). To do so, I plan to make conversations with my nurturers and local people in daily interactions.
Thank God with me that I am more grounded in Grammar (of the host language). Pray that I will have wisdom in balancing grammar and listening to recordings. Pray too for effective witnessing even as we conclude on our stay for this time. Pray with my friend in Kenya “Ushindi”, his dad died from the virus, and he himself is in isolation at the moment.”
Samwel:
In our March 2021 update, I mentioned that (after Garissa University was re-opened, following the terrorist attack on April 2nd, 2016) one of the students we started within 2017 is Samwel Gitau. As we progressively envisioned these students on the need to take the gospel to the unreached/least evangelised people groups, Samwel developed a burden for the Somali people in the Horn of Africa. Samwel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (during a virtual graduation ceremony on March 10th.
Before graduating, Samwell filled and submitted to us an application form to join our mission program in the Horn of Africa. He has committed a minimum of 5 years but hopes to serve longer than that. I am pleased to inform you that Daisy and I trained Samwel (together with seven other new staff from a partner mission agency) on how to develop a team of ministry partners/supporters. The training took place virtually via ZOOM, from April 7th to 9th. Shortly afterward, Samwel embarked on the journey of support raising. He is making encouraging steps despite the challenging environment impacted heavily by COVID-19. Many potential supporters are hesitant to make financial commitments at this time. By God’s grace, our plan with Daisy is to train and prepare Samwel for cross-cultural ministry work before we send him to the Horn of Africa. The training is scheduled from June to August 2021. Between now and then, Samwel will concentrate on developing his team of supporters. After the cross-cultural training, he will finalize raising his support team, get necessary travel documents, and depart for the Horn by late September/early October 2021.
Please, pray for God’s leading and direction in all these plans. Pray too for HIS favour upon us and Samwel. As in the case of Carren and Gad, our plan is for Samwel to go for an initial term of six months (October/November 2021 to April/May 2022) in order to learn the local culture and language before returning to Kenya to prepare for a longer-term.
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PHOTO REPORT FROM MINISTRY AMONGST TRIBALS IN INDIA
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Glory to God. Our hard work in His Vineyard will not go vain.These people are ready to be baptized. Please pray for them and our Tribal ministry in India.
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PHOTO REPORT FROM INDONESIA
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INDONESIA – Update from NTT
We made many contacts in the last 2 days. There are many cousins who are open to learn Bible stories. We met with several sick people and we pray for them in Jesus name and they are open to it. They welcome us to visit them again for learning more about Bible stories. Update from Mamuju
We continue to have Bible study with a few seekers groups. Some of the groups were very eager. Some of the groups takes time to chew what they learn. Above all we are very grateful the good news are shared again as we believe the word of God will never return void. Update from Luwu
More healing took place in our ministry in Luwu. We are very grateful to see Holy Spirit is working outside the church building. A man was healed from his breathing difficulties. And a woman who had problem with her feet can walk after we pray for her. Please continue to pray that the Word of God keep spreading among our cousins and may the power of the Holy Spirit be revealed to them.
Today we were reported there were 7 cousins who got baptized. But then we found out the number of people who get baptized is much more than that. The 1st and 2nd generations believer cousins background has baptized many and the report has come late.
The Gospel has continued to spread out beyond what we can think of. One of the field worker report, one of the cousin woman cleric whom always be on the site of the mayor of a city has accepted Isa in her life. The mayor usually ask her to have a religious meeting for the woman in many places in the city. A few weeks ago she was sick. Our team prayed for her and she was healed. Then she learned about Isa who healed her. And she accepted him. In just a few months she has finished reading New Testament twice. This is just one of the great story the Lord is doing.
Please continue to pray for us. May many cousins come to believe and worship HIM
Picture Below: one of the baptisms today!
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7:00 AM Saturday May 1, 2021
Join our online service via
Twitter : @4squareAsokoro
Instagram : 4squareasokoro
Facebook : www.facebook.com/4SquareAsokoroChurch YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/asokorofoursquare
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UNREACHED OF THE DAY
People Name: |
Turkmen |
Pronunciation: |
TURK-men |
Country: |
Turkmenistan |
10/40 Window: |
Yes |
Population: |
4,577,000 |
World Population: |
7,886,300 |
Language: |
Turkmen |
Primary Religion: |
Islam |
Christian Adherent: |
0.05% |
Evangelical: |
0.00% |
Bible: |
Complete |
Online Audio NT: |
No |
Jesus Film: |
Yes |
Audio Recordings: |
Yes |
Status: |
Unreached |
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Turkmen in Turkmenistan
The Turkmen were mainly a nomadic people for most of their history and did not settle in cities and towns until the advent of the Soviet system of government. Many pre-Soviet cultural traits have survived in Turkmen society, however, and have recently undergone a kind of revival, including the return of a moderate form of Islam. Secularism and atheism remain prominent for many Turkmen intellectuals.
Ministry Obstacles
Constitutionally there is freedom of religion, but in practice there is limited freedom.
Outreach Ideas
The Turkmen believers need training and encouragement to carry the gospel message to their countrymen.
Scripture Focus
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.” Psalm 89:14
Scripture Prayer
Pray that today’s people group will seek and find His righteousness and justice. Pray that they will be thankful for His unfailing love.
Prayer Focus
Pray the Turkmen who know God would become wise in sowing the Word of God among their families and multiplying the blessings of God to other Turkmen households. Pray for the believers among the Turkmen, that they would be accurately instructed in the faith and would grow in their love for Christ and each other. Pray the Lord would give Turkmen families understanding and responsive hearts as they hear about the love of Christ. Pray for them to have full freedom of religion in their country, to worship safely as they choose.
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565,000 DISPLACED, 2,500 KILLED AMID RISE OF ISLAMIC EXTREMISM IN MOZAMBIQUE SINCE 2017
By Australian Prayer Network 25/04/2021 International Newsletter
Violent extremist attacks that have led to the displacement of over half-a-million people and more than 1,300 civilian deaths in northern Mozambique in recent years amidst attempts by government forces try to expel Islamic rebels from the Cabo Delgado province. Hundreds of terror attacks have been carried out since 2017 by local extremists thought to be aligned with Ahlu Sunnah wa-l-Jama’ah, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the Cabo Delgado province has suffered from 776 “organized violence events” since 2017, 2,578 “fatalities from organized violence” and 1,305 “fatalities from civilian targeting.” The United Nations estimates that 565,000 people fled their homes and villages due to attacks by non-state groups.
“A rainy season decline in insurgent attacks in Cabo Delgado has led to speculation that the government has made significant military gains against the insurgency in recent weeks, a narrative that has also appeared in pro-government propaganda,” an ACLED update posted during the first week of February states. “There are encouraging signs for the government on the security front, however, the lack of insurgent activity in January is not necessarily indicative of government success.” The international violence data collective notes in its analysis that rain and the lack of agricultural production present problems annually around this time of year. The result is a restraint on insurgent action no matter what government gains there are.
“As an example, in January 2020, ACLED recorded 25 total events involving insurgents resulting in 50 fatalities in Cabo Delgado,” the database explains. “This January, there were a comparable 22 total events involving insurgents, resulting in 47 fatalities. Far from predicting the decline of the insurgency, the conflict’s slow pace in January 2020 preceded the insurgent’s most successful year by far.” ACLED gave the government credit for making conditions safe enough for Doctors Without Borders to return to the Macomia district, where the humanitarian group can help 100 patients per day. The organization suspended its program in the region last June after insurgents attacked a health centre there.
The outlet reports, government troops have launched a series of airstrikes on the Palma district, the land hub for a gas project in the province. Forces were also said to have killed several insurgents hiding in a mosque. The military offensive to eliminate the terror group, known locally as Al-Shabaab but not connected to the Somalia-based group with the same name, has come under scrutiny. Activists have accused the military of indiscriminately killing anyone accused of working with the terror group. Mozambique and Portugal are preparing a bilateral security cooperation program that is to be finalized shortly. According to ACLED, the agreement will replace an existing deal. The new deal will include the training of Mozambican military forces by Portuguese counterparts.
A new report from the Mozambican Bar Association accuses the government of failing to protect human rights in the province. The association accused the government of not having “a strategy for preventing and combating terrorism.” “The government has wasted opportunities for international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism, within the scope of the country’s adhesion to international conventions,” the report reads. Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Augusto Santos Silva told the media that he expects a deal to provide European Union assistance to Mozambique to be completed “in the coming weeks.” Mozambique ranks as the 45th worst country for Christians on Open Doors USA’s 2021 World Watch List. This year’s report is the first time the country is listed on Open Doors’ annual list.
Source: Christian Post |
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As you read and pray for the unfolding story of our
Omega Project 2 labourers and the Spirit touches you
to further help in any specific way, or, you would like to contact any of the missionaries in the News, please do not hesitate to contact the Chairman directly at chairman@omegaproject2.org
or the Coordinator at coordinator@omegaproject2.org
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We will not forget to PRAY for the Persecuted Church in Nigeria, The Families of Executed & Beheaded Martyrs, and also for LEAH, GRACE & ALICE:
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- The truth to be made known about the fate of Leah Sharibu, Grace Taku, and Alice Ngada as well as other workers captured by Boko Haram and “Herdsmen” terrorists (John 8:32).
- All Christian captives held by jihadist and terrorist groups in Nigeria to be surrounded by angels and upheld in their faith as they become witnesses living or executed for our Lord Jesus Christ among their captors (Philippians 1:12-13).
- The supernatural intervention by our Holy God to release Leah and remaining captives from their demonically motivated captors (Acts 16:24-26).
- Nigeria’s President Buhari and Nigerian military to be supernaturally moved to action on the part of these captives of Islamic terrorist groups. May their locations be found, and may the government & the military (without knowing what they do, actively intervene on their behalf (Mark 4:22) to set them free.
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In our Adopt-a-Missionary Campaign it costs $50 to adopt a missionary per month. To adopt one or more, please click on the link below:
Adopt a missionary
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