Daily Rhythms in Guam

We have found ourselves in a steady rhythm here in Guam in both ministry & daily life. Recently we spent time connecting with local pastors & their youth groups. This has given us a base to continue to build relationships for the summer of ministry.

We also started a backyard Bible club for local kids... 11 kids have join us which has been a really sweet & exciting start to the ministry.

For the past couple weeks we have also been doing market evangelism. We seek out those to start conversations with & share about Jesus in everyday settings. 

Join us in praying for:

• open hearts, 
• wisdom in navigating cultural & religious context, and
• continued unity & strength as a team 

-Callie

South Pacific Summer: Guam

A new sister in Christ: Philippine Summer

Our team had the privilege of doing a Bible study with Ate A. We walked up to her house hoping she would invite us in so that we could share the Gospel with her. We ended up doing a complete Bible study with her!

She knew we were in the area because her niece attends the school where we are staying. Her niece had told her there were Americans in their village & she welcomed us into her home. We studied the story of the two criminals on the cross with Jesus. After the Bible study, we spent time answering her questions. At the end, we asked if she had ever decided to follow Christ like the criminal did, and then if she wanted to make that decision herself.

She said she did!

In that moment, she put her faith in Christ. She accepted the free gift of salvation that God offers to us, the gift that Jesus died a sinner's death to provide and then rose from the grave to secure by conquering sin and death.

A few days later, we went back to continue studying with Ate A. When we arrived, her whole family was there, and honestly, I was excited. I thought we were going to get to do a Bible study with her whole family and that everyone would have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. 

However, when we asked if we could come in, we were told no, so we had to leave.

A few days later, we tried again. This time, only Ate A was home, and she gladly welcomed us inside. We sat down and had another Bible study with her. At the end of our study, she asked if we had a Bible that she could have. We were more than happy to give her one. We even marked the Gospel of John so she would have a good place to begin reading on her own.

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name.   -John 1:12

• Join us in praying for Ate A. Pray that she continues to grow in her faith, and pray that her family's hearts would be softened as she shares her new faith with them.

-Kylie,

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Sharing through English

The Lord has been gracious to provide many opportunities to share the gospel with our new friends. A couple friends have joined our Bible Translation class where they can learn high level English while studying God's word. We've also had the privilege of being invited to multiple campuses to teach English, share our testimonies, sing songs & share Bible stories. 

God has opened the door for us to minister to dorm students. We teach the boys English, play sports with them, and have recently started to lead them in a Bible study. Many of these are young Christians but all come from Buddhist families.

• Pray for the "dorm boys" as we spend time with them, developing relationships which we pray will lead to more discipleship.

-Dylan

Evangelism & Discipleship via English

Southeast Asia

New life in Christ: Philippine Summer

In our first two weeks of ministry in our area, we have seen the fruit from the labor of others who have served here before us, including other Nehemiah Teams. Many of the people we have talked to have met at least one of the previous Nehemiah Teams. Many have heard a Gospel presentation, and some have even done Bible studies in the past.

One of the ladies we met, Ate J, had done several Bible studies with a previous team. On my first full day with the team here, we did a Bible study with her- my first ministry opportunity in this place! At the end of our time together, Ate J decided that she wanted to put her faith in Christ and make Him the Lord of her life.

I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angles over one sinner who repents. -Luke 15:10

• Pray for Ate J. Due to some unexpected circumstances, we have not been able to continue our Bible studies with her yet. Our team continues to visit her and pray with her.

-Kylie

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Seeking the Lost

We've had our fare share of trial & tribulations over these first few weeks, but by God's grace & His grace alone we are sustained time & time again!

In our current district we are doing further research & exploration of our assigned people groups. We are blessed to have found 1 of our people groups... learning more about who they are, their culture & ultimately making His name known.

• Pray as we continue to explore our assigned area. Pray for open doors as we seek to find the people groups who are waiting to hear the Good News.

-Matt

Ends of the Earth Explorer Team

Ministry at the Beach

Pastor Rudy’s adventure was a surprise and exciting day to look forward to. The team was told the night before they would be going to the beach to share the gospel. With it being the celebration for John the Baptist, it was a perfect bridge to connect and speak about the good news of Jesus, and His true story.        

As they ventured off by boat to another part of the island, they began practicing fellowship in food and games, and when people gathered around the table, Kuya Zuriel (our translator) taught those gathered about the difference between John the Baptist and Jesus. He explained that John the Baptist would want them to celebrate and worship Jesus, rather than him. With the time they had left, the group broke apart to swim and to talk to people at the beach, some on the rocks and some back on shore.             

The group ended the day having built trust and relationships with people in the hopes of sharing the gospel with them when invited to have dinner or play basketball. God opened many doors today, and they cannot way to see what happens next.

- Skylar
PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

We have to start right now!!

Our team is mapping across the city of better understand the community & its youth. We're also helping national partners, churches and the Baptist mission to make intentional strides to connect with & disciple the next generation.

Every day we hear stories of hopelessness, especially from young people who believe the life they have is all they'll every know. The other day, we met a group of boys playing pool. After sharing the hope of the gospel, several expressed a desire to change but admitted it was difficult because of peer pressure & the surrounding culture. 

In that moment, they decided to start their own "youth group," crating a WhatsApp group with one of our national partners & asking our field supervisors to keep coming back to walk alongside them.

As we walked away, nearly half of the boys put down their pool cues and said, "We can't wait for someone to come back & lead us... we have to start right now!"

This place has often felt dark & hopeless, despite being known as a Christian country. But moments like these remind us that God can take something small & use it for something far greater. Even a little light shines brightly in the darkness. 

• Pray with us for these boys. Pray their desire for something more than hopelessness will urge them to want to learn more about the true giver of hope... Jesus Christ!!

-Alisha

Campus Evangelism & Discipleship

Sub-Sahara Africa