Au revoir, farewell, until we meet again...

From the Molsees....

Happy Thanksgiving,

We are truly blessed people and stand amazed at how God has provided and supplied for us this past year. We are thankful to be nearing the end of our pre-field journey. On January 1^st we will be flying to France so that we have a few days to settle in before language classes begin on January 7^th. Melissa is done with work and we finished the last of our conferences and classes at the ABWE headquarters in Harrisburg, PA on Friday. Today we started sorting and packing our house in earnest and we at times feel a bit overwhelmed with all that needs to happen before we leave. We do appreciate all of you, your prayers and encouragement along this journey. If you’d like to bid us farewell in person we will be hosting a drop-in open house on December 15^th from 2pm to 5pm. We will also be in the Moscow/Lewiston  and Boise valley areas of Idaho for a weekend each and would welcome the opportunity to meet.

OPTION #1 (Moscow/Pullman, Lewiston/Clarkston) – December 1^st-3^rd

OPTION #2 (Boise area) – December 8^th-9^th

OPTION #3 (Open House @ the Molsee’s) – December 15^th (2-5pm)

Questions?

-        Our address:  14742 Macadam Rd S, Tukwila, WA 98168

-        Ethan’s cell phone:  253-677-7245

-        Email:  molsee@abwe.cc

Thanks for all of your support and encouragement!

Ethan & Melissa Molsee MD

ABWE Prefield Togo, West Africa

themolsees.com

365.themolsees.com

Family Nights are coming to MFBC!

This Wednesday is our first Family Night.  It is a multi-generational, multi-ministry time to spend together.

The ministries that are overseeing the different parts of the night for this Wednesday are:

Meet & Greet:  Pastor Randy & Phyllis, Pastor Dave & Beth, Pastor Virgil & Ginny, and Pastor Bill & Joan

Dinner/Dessert:  The MFBC Adult Sunday School Classes

Set up/Tear Down:  Deacons & Cross Current Youth Group

Serving/Set up for Dinner:  Cross Current Youth Group

Serving Dessert:  Social Committee

Table Decor:  Women's Ministry

This Wednesday the Theme is End of Summer & Back to School Blessings!  We are looking forward to a slide show from June-August MFBC events.  We will have information about upcoming ways to serve and get involved at MFBC over the next few months. 

We are also excited to have information on the upcoming ministry opportunities:
1)  Launch Pad enrollment starts now as school is starting.  For more information The Launch Pad
2)  Treasure Valley Bible Institute and Ladies Bible Studies start the week of September 17th.  To find out more contact Pastor Randy at Meridian First Baptist website
3)  AWANA ministry pre-registration starts Wednesday, August 29th with the first day of club on September 5th.
4) Ladies Retreat registration is open now!  The dates are September 28th-29th.  MFBC ladies are hosting it this year!  See the Women's Ministry Table for more details.

Kierstin's on her way home!

*all photos are from the WET Facebook page

 The team is off and safe this morning at 11:45 and are now in the air headed for Seattle.

Imagine a church praying for over 19 years for the ability to reach out to the poorest in food relief, and then we showed up last year, and now in their second year, they again have touch over 250 families because of this team and your children! That church in Navotas has been so blessed. You would be so proud of your kids.

 Imagine a 12 year old orphanage and we are then only team EVER to do what was done - SIMPLY LOVING ON PRECIOUS CHILDREN and spending part of 2 days blessing them in the name of JESUS! Your kid's arms became Jesus' arms. Your kids's feet became Jesus' feet. Your kid's lips became the sweet voice of God.







 Imagine girls spending the night with formerly trafficked girls by taking them out shopping, then out to eat, then having a slumber party - staying up late and doing what girls do! WE HAVE THE SWEETEST GIRLS AT THE HOPE HOUSE BEING BLESSED BY THE SWEETEST GIRLS IN BOISE, IDAHO AND THE NORTHWEST!

These kids will be coming home to something they have not seen in 3 weeks. They may have all kinds of emotions. Listen and be patient to them. They have experienced something that they could not imagine - often being challenged with the Eastern world view that operates different than our Western culture.

Many times we experienced "unproductive" times (to us), but let me assure our team that YOU ROCKED THE WORLD OF MANY in the MOST MARVELOUS NAME OF ALL! You will always be remembered for the way you touched lives. -Kenny Sacht, 

WET from Facebook

Come to the Boise Airport tonight at 11:30 pm to stand with Eric and Christine to Welcome Kierstin home!

MFBC interview with this year's VBS' missionary: Sarah Grings

photo source: Facebook

This is Sarah Grings.  I had the privilege of meeting her at MFBC's 2012 VBS.  We chatted after the Friday evening service of VBS.

"I give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." Psalm 105:1

photo source: IMF website

mfbcmissions:  Tell us a little bit about your background.


Sarah:  I grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  I'm the oldest of 7 children.  My parents are currently serving with Independent Faith Mission (IFM) in Congo.  They have served there for almost 30 years.  My great grandparents, Herbert and Ruth Grings, also served in Congo. (To read more about their lives in Congo see this fabulous book, No Turning Back by Jan Van Hee. )


The purpose of our time in the Democratic Republic of Congo is to tell people about the Lord.  It is to share the truth of God's Word and show the difference that it makes in their lives.  It is our desire that the Lord would raise up Congolese people to lead their churches.


mfbcmissions:  What has been your favorite part of the MFBC VBS this year?

photo source: Amanda Bourn

Sarah:  I've loved seeing the response from the kids.  One statement that I heard was, "That's so cool, I want to do that when I grow up."  It is encouraging to see the kids' hearts.


mfbcmissions:  How had your life been impacted by VBS as a child?


Sarah:  I didn't go to many VBS' in the states and in Congo we were usually running the VBS.  I do know that Sunday School and Camps were influential in my life.  It was through learning verses at Sunday School that I was saved.


mfbcmissions:  What's next for you?


Sarah:  I'll be traveling to other churches raising support.  I'll be at Christian Camps in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado in the month of July.  I'll be presenting my burden for Congo with them.


I'm praying about working with the Clancy's in Dibaya-Lubwe, DRC.  I'd like to be involved in Ladies Discipleship, Children's Ministry, Music Ministry and Nursing and Health Education.

photo source: Priscilla Robinson

I'm a nurse. I like to use this as a tool to share the Gospel.  There are a lot of needs and this is one way that I can show God's love to the people, by meeting their physical needs.  This then opens up the door for me to share the Gospel.


I am hoping to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo in January of 2013.


mfbcmissions:  The VBS was able to raise $1011.62.  How will you use this gift?


Sarah:  I'll be able to purchase much needed Christian materials for the people in Congo.  I plan to purchase VBS and Sunday School materials and reading material. 


mfbcmissions:  How can we pray for you Sarah?


Sarah:  Here are a few things that you can pray for
1) Pray for the people of Congo.
2) Pray for safety in my travels.
3) Pray for opportunities that God will give me to encourage and challenge the kids at the camps.
4) Pray for the Bible Institute and for the Clancy's and their work there.

For more information about Sarah or to receive her newsletter you can contact her at SarahGrings@gmail.com . For more information about Independent Faith Mission go here.

Wipe Every Tear 2012- Fixing up the Hope House

Serving at Jr. Camp

Jr. Camp is this week at Camp Pinewood. 

Donn Mogford is the speaker. Last night he talked about the big story of the Bible and the kids memorized Genesis 1:1. This morning he spoke on kindness. It was so encouraging to hear the kids relating back to Donn about how they could and should be kind. Ephesians 4:32 "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God, in Christ, forgave you."

Please pray:

1) that God would continue to soften the hearts of the campers toward Himself

2) that God would refreshen the counselors and staff with enough sleep and time in His Word

3) for the Camp Staff team as they plan and prepare for the upcoming camps still this summer

Latest Video from the Philippine Team WET

Going to where the people are!

Here's what I've gleaned from the Wipe Every Tear Facebook page.  I hope that you are as encouraged as I am. -Beth

Just sitting waiting to leave Navotas as we have spent the last few days here. God has BROKEN my heart for the people here. People living under bridges, and just in filth. Kids playing in dirty water that has trash and human waste in it. We delivered bags of food and prayed with many families in the area. We depart here in a few then tomorrow we will be off to My Father's House Orphanage. Pray for the healing of a nation here in the Philippines. -Connor (from Facebook)



My heart has been completely broken. as i sit here in an internet cafe with little girls from Navotas sitting on my lap... we leave Navotas in about an hour, and i have already shed more tears than ever before. We were only here for three days but I have never fallen more in love with anybody than the people here. I can't imagine what it is going to be like leaving the Philippines in two weeks after the hardest goodbye of my life only took three days. God is doing some crazy things. -Kaila (from Facebook)

Just delivered some food in more slums and prayed for people and I really realized how in our own lives we don't think we make impacts as much as we cAn because we think we did not do something big enough but to the families here, just our presence is what they want and need! It makes such a difference and it was great to see!!! Thanks for praying and keep them coming thank you :) - Justin (from Facebook)

Hearing the Gospel at Bug Zone!

This is how we serve here at Meridian First Baptist Church! 

We do Vacation Bible School to reach out to our neighbors!

 Check it out!

Be sure to join us this Friday night! 

A trip like no other in the Philippines

Good Morning! I received a message from Mercy Gumba. Mercy and William are the pastors of the church in Navotas where the team spent the last three days. I wanted you all to share in the blessing of hearing what the team's trip meant to them~

"Having Coach and the Team in the church bring joy and excitement to everyone here esp. me and Pastor William. I saw how God touched lives of people not just the hopeless and needy but those in the team as well.... Glory be to God... their ministry here for this year ended today and it's so hard to say goodbye, but the impact of all this will last for a lifetime. I believe deep in my heart that there will be more ministry like this in the near future, Thank God for bringing you into our lives... your ministry made our dreams come true.... Wipe Every Tear is the answer to our prayers; God allowed us to be a part of you to accomplish His great purposes for His people!'
-from FaceBook (from DA Sacht Kenny's wife)

video posted on Sunday, June 24th.  Source: Jeff Barker


Continue to pray for the team!


Here's how you can pray for the people of the Philippines.  Check out this website for operation world pray for the Philippines.

A quick word from Kenny Sacht of the WET team

Here's what Kenny Sacht posted on FaceBook this morning.  I'm reposting it here because I think that you will be encouraged.


Hello to all of you back home and across the world. We are out of Wi Fi for a few days but am using an internet cafe here in Navotas, Philippines. You would be so proud of your kids (yes, even the big ones!). There is so much to share, and no way to express what our team is seeing and experiencing.

Here are a few notes:

Today, we focused on ministering the love of Jesus to widows in great need. Your hearts would break if you were with us. To bring a widow a gift of rice, noodles and sardines is good, but even better is to pray for and bless them. So many shed tears as we pray and they are so thankful that we would come to their house.

You cannot even imagine the living conditions that some of them are in. Some "doors" (or holes) are so small that we had to remove our backpacks of food just to crawl in on our hands and knees to enter their houses. Your kids are shedding tears as well as they minister Jesus' love.

We have been spending time in the Word in the a.m. and p.m. seeing God's heart for the poor and reading that when we give and bless widows that we are actually blessing and lending to Jesus himself.

Please pray as we enter day 3 here. We hold a medical clinic with Filipino doctors (and our own Dr. Joe), optometrists, dentists, and others to again demonstrate Jesus' love in practical ways.

My team prayed for this little child yesterday, and we found out today that he died this afternoon! He was two years old but was so malnourished, that he looked like a 3 month old!

PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY HERE. THIS IS WRONG AND WE WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT! We must bring God's justice to the the poor, the week, the oppressed, and those enslaved.

Your kids have met girls trafficked in the sex trade, the extremely poor, and widows in great need. If only I could express what they are experiencing - if only....

We are partnering with some Filipino friends who live in very poor parts of Manila. Queenie today told me as we were walking, "Coach, I thought I was the poorest in Manila, but I am so thankful for what I have after being here..." Noeme said similar things like "I had no idea that this even existed in my city..."

God gave me a vision a number of months ago of taking them along so they would get a vision of being vessels of blessing and hope in their own land. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD TO BREAK ALL OF OUR HEARTS FOR THOSE THINGS THAT BREAK HIS.

It is late here, and oh how I would like to share more. We will keep in touch as much as possible.

Spend some time in Isaiah 58 and ask God to do this in us. We love you all.

Coach Kenny

Let's play catch up with Kierstin and the Philippine Team

To those who have been following this missions blog I want to apologize for not being as up to date as I had wanted to be with Kierstin's trip to the Philippines.  I know that this will be a long blog and it will be full of pictures and videos.  They are all good.  I hope that you enjoy this catch up day and that you'll take the time to watch the videos so that you can pray more intelligently for this trip and the people on the team.  Enjoy!  -Beth  

(photo and video source:   Jeff Barker of WET team)

Kenny Sacht introducing the video series that is planning on running for the entire trip. 

Day 3: Manila!

Day 4

We saw the Hope house yesterday! It was absolutely amazing walking down the streets and seeing the yellow house we had heard so much about & prayed for. What a blessing It truly is for those girls! Thank you for all the prayers as we continue on this adventure! -Rachel

Day 5

Since we are going to Navotos for the next 3 days we probably won't be having WIFI. So keep us in your prayers and we will post things as soon as possible! Thanks! -Jeff (Wednesday)

They've arrived in the Philippines!

Off to the Philippines!

Kierstin Gentry is on her way to the Philippines as I write this post.  She left Boise yesterday, arrived in Seattle, had a loooooong layover, left for Taipei and then off to Manila!  Continue to pray for her team that they will be meeting up altogether in Manila.  Pray that God will give them unity to work together.  Pray for their families here at home, that God will continue to be their strength and peace.

photo source: Christine Gentry

Gold

Friday:  GOLD "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, be always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." 1 Peter 3:15

 

See you next year!