Greetings to you all from Cameroon!
So much has happened since our last update that I hardly know where to begin. Many of you know there were some very serious strikes in Cameroon earlier last month. Here in the city of Bamenda, as in some of the other major cities, the strike digressed into looting and vandalism. The military was called in, several people were shot, and dozens more were arrested. We thank God that things are calm and back to normal now, but we earnestly prayed that God would use this unrest to somehow bring glory to Himself. Recently one of the self- confessed leaders of the rioting was released from prison and began to seek God’s forgiveness. He came to our church the following Sunday, and after the morning message he confessed to one of our church counselors his crimes and his doubt that God could ever forgive him. After more than an hour of searching the Scriptures, this young man (who must remain nameless) bowed his head and heart to Christ as his Lord and Savior! Praise God for answered prayer (Romans 8:28)!
Faith Baptist Church in Bamenda is branching out to begin a sister church in another part of town. A man in our church, who has been called to preach and was previously trained in another ministry, came to me and said he felt God was leading him to start another fundamental Baptist church, just like ours, near his own house. For the past two years Brother Daniel has been ministering and serving in our church with his wife and five boys. Since starting this new Bible study more than a month ago, we have seen between 15-25 people meet each Sunday morning! Praise God! Considering the cost of rent is low here and Brother Daniel is already trained and self employed, this ministry may become self supporting and indigenous very quickly! Please pray for Brother Daniel, his family, and the establishment of Tabernacle Baptist Church!
One Friday during our weekly evangelism, we visited a cousin of one of our church members. By the time we left his compound, Nji, Aalihya, Simon, and Edwin had all trusted Christ as Savior! Three of the four were there on Sunday, and Nji brought one of his friends. Please pray for these four and for their spiritual growth.
We want to thank ALL of you who have prayed and given so generously toward our church van fund. Nearly half of the funds have come in, but we still need about $4,000 USD to reach our goal. Our people are getting excited about the possibility of what a church-van ministry will do for our church growth, evangelism, and discipleship. Our church people have generously given above their weekly tithes and have collected about $13.50 toward the church van. This is a huge sacrifice for a church and represents almost a 100% increase in our normal weekly giving. Will you pray and ask God right now what He would have you to give toward this need? A church van will provide for entire families to come to church that would otherwise have no means of attending. Thank you again for your generosity and prayers.
It is always fun to watch our children grow up. Faith Ann is talking like crazy and trying to get the hang of potty training. We have also seen the kids get more involved in family devotions. Drew has been reading the chapter each evening. Kate will lead us in a few songs or choruses, and Emma will lead us in our memory verse. We pray that God will continue to cultivate a desire for ministry in the hearts of our children. We covet your prayers as we try to raise and disciple them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
We love and appreciate you all so much.
Thank you for your faithful support and prayers.
Ben, Becca, Drew, Kate, Emma, and Faith Ann Sinclair
