Nairobi, Kenya — Update from Paul Cowley on the Discipleship Support Ministries Bible Institute

One of the greatest Joys of being on the mission field is directly observing the effect of God’s Word on the hearts and minds of the people. In the past three Semesters, we have studied, verse by verse, the books of Jeremiah, Obadiah, Haggai, Malachi, Psalms, Joel, Amos, 1st Kings, Jonah, Ephesians, Jude, Colossians, Peter, Epistles of John, Philemon and Revelation. In addition, every new student is required to take a semester long class in Inductive Bible Study Techniques.

At the end of each semester, the Student/Pastors voluntarily provide their feedback. They are candid testimonies from those on the ground who are on the receiving end of this Ministry. As you read the below small sample of current testimonies as an indication of the eternal effect of planting God’s Word in people, we hope you will gain further insight into the ground level effect of this Discipleship Ministry on the Pastors of the Least. We trust you will be encouraged, and even challenged:

Keep it up DSM! You are changing our nation. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be here.
This does not exist anywhere in Africa: a free Bible School for us slum Pastors! There is no school, no church, no ministry teaching the Truth we learn here.
I changed from a man-pleaser to a God–pleaser. I am able to stand firm, even when threatened by death.
The teachers and staff are well prepared, godly examples – like good fathers to us.
Volunteering duties have taught me that ministry starts with serving from the bottom-up, not top-down.
This ministry is God’s miracle in my life!
Learning the Bible verse-by-verse, book-by-book is standard. Every member comes to church with a Bible, pen, and notebook, ready and enthusiastic about learning the Word.
I do not know of anyone with such sincere love and care for slum Pastors.

Disciple Support Ministries Bible Institute. The descriptive title of Bible Institute rather than Bible College is purposeful. We emphasize the Bible, above all other needful and necessary topics that one should learn as a Pastor or Ministry Leader. This allows us to focus on a growing gap in the church: Bible Literacy, which means being well-versed, familiar, comfortable and competent in fundamental Bible Theology, Exposition, Interpretation and Application. We do not teach topical classes, except one class on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, only books of the Bible: verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book.

The curriculum is the 66 books. Overviews, Summations and Surveys are out. A Gospel is taught every year. Revelation is taught every other year; all other books in various combinations of Old and New Testament books each semester, but never skipping or overemphasizing any book. The goal is to present the whole counsel of God as God presented it to mankind: unadulterated, undigested, uninfluenced by commentaries, denominational biases or personal preferences. In this manner we seek to fill the gap, rather than duplicate, what is already available in other teaching ministries in East Africa.

The program is distinctively limited to Pastors and Ministry Leaders, to garner the most influence and effect throughout the Body of Christ. If we can reach church leaders, the fruit will multiply far beyond the confines of the Bible Institute and the city of Nairobi. Another distinction is our focus on those who live and minister in the urban slums. The city of Nairobi has approximately 5,000,000 residents. Of those, 65% live in slums. To reach most people, you need to go where they are. Unlike any others, our two Bible Institutes are inside the slums, filling a significant gap. This is where most of our people live.

Finally, it is a Discipleship program. The goal is to make Disciples, not Bible scholars. And it is this distinctive that creates the greatest challenges.

If we just taught the Word of God at the Bible Institute, but did not require Change, we would simply be producing hearers, fat sheep, filled with the Word, but never exercising it. Likewise, if we just enforce rules, but do not teach the Word of God, we simply produce religious robots. And if we fixate on the numbers, whether salvations or graduates, we are fooling no one but ourselves. There must be a simultaneous emphasis on Hearing the Word from God, and then Doing what is Pleasing unto God. Holding Pastors and Ministry Leaders in a Bible Institute accountable should be the norm, not the exception. Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit, but the Method of Ministry must follow in the Steps of Jesus: how He proclaimed the Word, how He discipled, how He lead by example, and how He never accommodated Sin. It isn’t always popular. But as our Pastors testify…it works!

The vast majority of our Pastors and Ministry Leaders are working Pastors. They work secular jobs full time to support their families, and their ministries. Full time work in Kenya is typically 5½ days per week. To come to the Bible Institute, they sacrifice a full or half day of work’s pay. That’s significant. It means a drastic reduction in the family’s provision, requiring a profound Step of Faith. I consider myself privileged to walk among such current day Heroes of the Faith.

Many first arrive at Bible Institute without secular provision, as they are encouraged, if not required, by their Bishops/Sr. Pastors, to prove their faith by quitting all secular work. This allegedly is a “step of faith” and proves they are “trusting God” for their provision. The result: most end in the terrible grip of destitution, subjecting their families to self-inflicted suffering. Eventually, many of these pastors “living by faith” morph into master manipulators, prosperity pimps and abusive hirelings that relentlessly beat the sheep for tithes and offerings. The fruit of disobeying God’s Word is always bad. Every time. It is only through the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of God’s Word, that our Pastors are set free. God’s explicit command is for men to work. God requires work by all able bodied men. It is not optional.

In Nairobi, it is nearly impossible to find formal employment. But the informal sector provides many work opportunities. Even within the massive urban slums, there is an ongoing economy. Buying, selling, trading and transactions of every sort go on daily. In the Kibera slum, with over 1,000,000 residents, there are thousands of shops, stalls, skills and services engaged in meeting the daily needs of the residents. And therein lay the opportunity for the Pastors and Ministry Leaders to lead the way.

The fruit is glorious by every measure. Over the many years of ministry, hundreds upon hundreds of Pastors and Ministry Leaders have been led into Obedience, and consequently, Blessings from God. We now have Pastors who represent every trade imaginable—welders, mechanics, shopkeepers, painters, drivers, security guards, plumbers, teachers, gardeners, traders, farmers, recyclers, cooks, cleaners, construction workers, tailors, and yes, even carpenters—just like Jesus!

One of the great scandals of the church these days is prevalent sexual immorality, especially involving church leaders! Four years ago, we implemented a new requirement. To graduate, you must confirm that the one you are living with is your legal spouse. Married in the eyes of God and man. Of course, we have exceptions for those few who are single, widowed or have exceptional situations. In my view, it was scandalous that we even had to implement such a rule. But the reality on the ground demanded it. Too many testimonies outside were reaching my ears: Pastors and Ministry Leaders going through the motions of the Discipleship, but living another reality. Year after year there was little change of hearts. By withholding Diplomas, we certainly got everyone’s attention! Good testimonies abound. Marriages restored. Families reconciled. Children “in submission with all reverence.” (1. Tim 3:4) Testimonies in the church, in the community, and at the attorney general’s office where marriage certificates are produced. The goal: to be conformed into the image of Christ!

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Paul and Marcia Cowley need no introduction to our longstanding partners and friends. We have followed them for almost twenty years since they as newlyweds gave up a prosperous life in South Florida, sold their home and business, then headed with a few belongings into the unknown— to the most extreme of all places: Nairobi, capital of Kenya, where 2.5 million slum dwellers live in squalor — 65% of the population! “Who will I send and who will go”? The question echoed in Paul’s heart while the visiting missionary described the ignorance, poverty and lack of knowledge of Biblical truth among these slum Pastors. Paul heard God’s call, and responded, “I am here, I will go.”

Without any preset curriculum, administrative manual, or any other tools—only with the Bible in hand, he simply gathered hungry men and women who were willing to sit under the influence of the teaching of the Word of God. He watched how the lives of the poorest of the poor—the Pastors of the Least, their families and communities, be transformed by the Power of the pure Word of God. His report from the Bible Institute is awe-inspiring, humbling, and challenging!

Will you join the ranks and help sponsor the Cowleys and the ministry their Pastors?

Update on Steve’s Health & Glimpses from the Mission Field

Dear Friends and Partners,

In most countries in the world, July is the main vacation month. I trust you are taking a break from your daily routine and enjoying rest, and relaxing with your loved ones. We are doing the same, thus decided to send you an abbreviated version of this month’s Bridge Report.

In a personal note, allow me to express a heartfelt, resounding THANK YOU to all of you who responded with prayers and intercession to the news in the March issue where I shared about my husband, Steve’s, seven year battle with aggressive prostate cancer. https://www.bridgeinternational.org/2019/03/

In mid-March, Steve’s oncologist expressed that he thought Steve had only two more weeks to live; he was that close to death’s door. We were preparing for him to meet the Lord. Then, shortly after, most remarkably, Steve began to improve significantly, so much so that presently, he is almost back to normal life! We know that the main reason for his recovery, are the prayers for Steve by God’s people! We rejoice—God has still more days for him to live on this earth! Thanks, again, to you all!

In the midst of our personal trials, The Bridge is still here, continuing to serve our field partners in the various nations who faithfully keep laboring to fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28!

Summer is a slower month in receiving contributions. Would you consider blessing the missionary or project of your choice, by sending a special summer donation? Enjoy your summer, and find your place of rest!

Hebrews 4:9-11a: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest.”

GLIMPSES FROM THE MISSION FIELDYermek, a couple of decades ago decided to obey the Great Commission in Matthew 28 – to bring the Gospel to his own people in Kazakhstan! – Here he is seen with some of the young Kazakh believers who are now followers of ISAH – JESUS!

One of our partners, a young Afghan believer in a Muslim country in Central Asia, is heading an International Fellowship of University students. Many of these young people, coming from various countries and world religions, have come to faith in Jesus Christ. through our Afghan friend. Here, he is introducing the Christian faith and teaching the new believers basic, Biblical truth.
Matthew preaching to his congregation, Elohim Shalom, in their beautiful, newly completed church building in Juba, South Sudan, thanks to the financial contribution of our faithful Bridge partners. Robert and Sandrina live and serve the Lord in the Muslim section of Sarajevo, Bosnia. During a recent visit to the States, they decided to come and spend a couple of days with Steve and myself in our home in South Florida. We thank God for close to three decades of friendship and partnership in reaching the Balkans for Christ!Sargon keeps expanding the number of fellowships of believers among the Iranian people in Turkey. In spite of hardship and persecution, many young people are open to the Gospel and are coming to faith, also within the country of Iran.

North Africa — Digging the Wells through Prayer Walk Intercession

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Intercession through prayer walking is a familiar concept in our Bridge ministry During The Bridge’s pioneer stage in the eighties and nineties, when regions where there today are thriving churches, were completely closed to the Gospel, we would initially clandestinely send in prayer teams to strategically water the land with their fervent prayer and tears while entreating the Holy Spirit to visit the land! The fruit was always remarkable. When the evangelism team later would arrive, they were stunned at people’s openness to receiving Jesus Christ — especially among those who had never heard! Prayer and intercession are at the foundation of planting dynamic churches!

Two couples, dear American friends of ours – one living in the States, the other in Europe, each with an international ministry – carry the mutual burden to see the Muslim dominated nations of North Africa again embrace faith in Christ. They joined forces more than a decade ago, whereby they travel together, or with teams, throughout North Africa, blanketing the region with strategic intercession, and ministry, to the underground churches. For security reasons, I withhold their identities here.

The couple who lives in the States, visited us a few weeks ago. The husband shared from their most recent trip, how they experienced physical manifestations in nature as a clear response from the Lord to their prayers. We trust this report will edify you and strengthen your faith!

PRAYER WALK INTERCESSION IN NORTH AFRICA – by an Intercessor

It all started in Rome ten years ago. Six teams had been involved in what we called “the North African Initiative”, which involved groups of people praying in Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Israel. At the time we couldn’t get into Algeria but the team from Egypt was able to interface with a few doctors who were getting ready to go in there. Our goals were to pray at an historic Christian site, pray at a government site, pray on the Mediterranean and then fly to Rome for a time to share, pray together and see what the next steps should be. The theme or goal of this trip was to “DIG THE WELLS AGAIN”. There had been so much Christian influence in these areas until the wells were stopped-up and the message of Christ buried. Our praying would be part of the digging and replanting of God’s word in these areas.

We had all been convinced that we should go to Egypt the following year and call the dominance of Islam back across North Africa the way it had swept in. However, the Arab Spring happened within a few months and we had not been able to follow through with this until 9 years later. Meanwhile we held true to our vision and went into Morocco once a year to pray and encourage the underground church and ministries that were there – many had labored there for years, doing their work quietly and faithfully.

In 2018, we felt the Lord would have us double our investment, so we went in twice. This time we were able to split our time between Morocco and Egypt. In Casablanca there is a huge mosque that is built half on land and half in the ocean. The prophetic significance of this is a visual statement that Islam will go from there, cross the ocean, and take over the West. It was initiated in 1993 by the father of the present king of Morocco. The problem now, is that the mosque has begun to sink, so it is actually closed. We found it to be a very interesting dynamic.

After praying there, we flew to Cairo to pray in Egypt for the domination of Islam to be drawn back from across North Africa and return to where it originated. The Muslims believed that their prayers at this mosque would advance Islam toward the West, but we prayed for it to go back East!

We had a strategy for where and how to pray in Cairo, after which we would go to the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria, Egypt, and finally to the Red Sea. We had planned go by train across Egypt, but the people who were hosting us in Cairo cut a deal with us that played into the overall work of God quite well. Man makes a plan but God guides his steps! They offered to drive us to our appointed places of prayer and join forces with our team IF we would minister at three planned meetings they would be conducting during our stay. (Three former pastors can rarely turn down opportunities to minister!) It was truly a blessing to have our national hosts guide us, as it not only made the travel easier but the prayers were definitely more solid. At these agreed-to-meetings we were all encouraged and quite surprised. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so thick, and the people were so attentive and hungry for everything we had to share! If we had traveled this far for those meetings alone it would have been enough but, as usual, God had other surprises in store for us.

Two of us had to leave early, but our other friend stayed on and attended yet more meetings. As I was sitting on the plane, reflecting on all the intercession and those amazing meetings, I started having a little conversation in my head with God which went something like this: “So, you liked those meetings?” “Yes I did. They were great. Thank You for that wonderful surprise.” “Well,” He continued, “the meetings were great because You obeyed Me and accomplished what I told you to do. But, if you think the meetings were good, they didn’t compare to the effects of your obedience in prayer for these nations, which I also assigned for you to do.”

I mused on that and realized that often we don’t comprehend the power of prayer or the pleasure God receives when we’re obedient TO pray! We think dynamic meetings are the sign that He is at work and being pleased, and while we don’t want to diminish wonderful times of fellowship, there is so much more happening behind the scenes that prayer is affecting!

Meanwhile back in Cairo, the Lord was speaking to our friends through His creation because that morning it started to rain and continued to rain hard. There were three odd things about this: #1 — There wasn’t a cloud in the sky; only sunshine and blue sky. #2 — It doesn’t rain this time of year. #3 — The wind started to blow from the Northwest which was another oddity. The people who live there exclaimed to our friend that they had never seen anything like this before. “We live in the desert and it doesn’t rain like this especially when the sun is shining! Plus, it only rains in the spring—and this is winter. We get our water from the Nile–not from rain. Also, the wind comes from the Southeast and rarely, if ever, from the Northwest!”

It was time to inquire of the Lord and find out what He was saying through His creation. This is what the Spirit made clear to all of us: #1 — The sun shining is My face turned toward North Africa. #2 — The rain is bringing My blessings and I will fill the wells of salvation, again. #3 — The wind is blowing in the direction of your flight, back across North Africa where I will draw back the dominion of Islam.

Praise the Lord for His love! Praise the Lord for His mercies and blessings! Praise the Lord for using people to pray His love, mercies and blessings onto the earth for His glory and purposes. Never underestimate the power of your prayers, for God is at work through them! Amen and Amen!

Lemuel Urra Suarez— A Second Generation Cuban Believer Following The Great Commission

My name is Lemuel Urra Suarez. I was born on February 26, 1987 in Matanzas, Cuba.

With my Wife, Daughter, and Son in Miami.

My childhood was ordinary and carefree. I have early memories of playing hide and seek with friends, followed by the different seasons of activities, like the kite seasons, Chivichana, (which essentially looked like a homemade wooded skate board with ball bearings) and the use of so many other homemade toys and creative games.

With my childhood playmates.

However, the most vivid memories still alive in my mind are from the life in our church: Sunday school where my mother imparted Bible stories, using cloth and paper figurines coated with an adhesive solution which would allow them to remain fixed in places on the cloth. I can still see Elisha and the altar consumed by fire from heaven. I can still see Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. I remember the relief I felt as she then placed the lamb provided for the sacrifice on the cloth, and linked the story to the lamb that was to come.

Celebrating my birthday with my mom and dad, Jorge and Magdalena, in Cuba.

I remember my father who, on a typical tropical Sunday preaching passionately, drenched in sweat as the few fans on the walls of our chapel tried their best to blow a little relief on him and the brothers and sister who congregated. What immense joy we felt as we gathered, as we praised the Lord together; as the word penetrated our very soul; as we enjoyed fellowship with each other after the service. Even now, some 25 years later, I ponder and treasure the memories of the experience of sharing of our meals together and truly having everything in common.

Fellowship and Bible Study.

However, the shadow of those believing in a different ideology lurked nearby. In the name of social justice, they would cause us to lose power in our chapel in order to discourage and prevent our gatherings. On one occasion, one brother illuminated our place of worship with the lights of his vehicle, in order for us to be able to read our Bibles. They would interfere with the teachings and life of our congregations, sometimes affecting those in leadership positions, and cause divisions from within. In the name of social justice, progress and the promise of a brighter future, they would see fit to mock and ridicule all those who professed faith in Christ. We were publicly mocked in our schools and places of work. Extreme pressure was placed on us to deny our faith – if we withstood and remained in the faith, we were regarded as outcasts of society.

Ingenious: Lacking church buildings, the believers gather for worship and fellowship on roof tops.

As I look back on all the experiences and hardships our brothers and sisters endured, I cannot stress enough the suffering they endured. So many details will not be included in this record. So many atrocities remain unnamed. However, God’s word remains ever faithful and true. There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought into the open.

My family and I arrived in the United States in 2001. The move was not our choice, but it became clear that we could no longer remain in our country. As I reflect on my life in Cuba and in my current home in the States, one fact remains above all: The Lord has been good. We currently enjoy the freedom to preach in the streets two Saturdays a month. We are humbled by the opportunity the Lord has given us to serve the homeless in our community with bread and clothing, but— above else, the Gospel of Jesus.

Helping my Dad distribute food and other relief aid to those in need.

It is with a heavy heart I say this. The same ideology which is currently responsible for the demise of my home country, and others like Venezuela, North Korea and China, is beginning to take root in our current political landscape and culture in the States. I do not feel the need to expose this, as it is openly taking place. It is happening in broad day light and in front of all eyes to see and ears to hear. Like in Cuba, in the name of social justice, progress and the promise of a brighter future, the leaders of this ideology work diligently to entice the minds of young and old.

I know who holds the future. If you have read the book of Revelations, you know who wins! However, in times like this, we cannot be passive and just sit from Sunday to Sunday in our churches and simply enjoy the current freedoms we have. Truthfully, we do not know how long we will have our freedom. We cannot afford to just go about our daily lives while this gradual breakdown of our society is taking place: killing the unborn; redefining the concept of family; removing our freedoms and liberties one by one; openly making a mockery by denying the law of our Lord.

In 2000, a group from a local Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, visited our Brothers and Sisters in Cuba.

If this record can inspire anything in your heart, mind and soul, let it be this; Preach the Gospel! Reach the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ! Strengthen your faith and be sure you have oil in your lamp!

I have lived in the United States for almost 20 years. We serve the Lord and strive to do so until our last breath. I have become quite familiar with so-called “American Christianity”. If persecution where ever to come into this country, how many of those sitting next to you in church on Sunday would remain? Coming from a persecuted country, I think only between 10 and 15% would remain. This is consistent with his everlasting word: “Fear not little flock”. May we hold fast and be among His flock. Time is short!

Enjoying the Beauty of my Homeland… may my People come to know the Risen Lord Jesus Christ!

I am humbled and honored to share the following words with you. Glory to God forever!

The Faithful Church

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: ‘I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name’.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev. 3:7-13

From R.K.’s Corner

Those who have followed our ministry from the early years, may remember that, in 1994, Steve and I began serving the believers in Cuba. Initially through our local church, later via The Bridge, we have been partnering with a native Cuban, Jorge Urra, and his wife, Magdalena. who through his apostolic gifts and passion for The Gospel, has given us access to resource a number of believers in Christ within the country. Please see: https://www.bridgeinternational.org/category/cuba/

Their son, Lemuel grew up in Cuba. When he was 14, the family had to leave and moved to the States. From Miami, Jorge and his family have passionately continued to serve his countrymen with the Great Commission in Cuba, and in other Hispanic nations.

Lemuel is now 32, is married with two children, and is very much part of the Millennium generation in this country. However, having first hand experienced the hardship directed toward his people living under the communist/socialist system in Cuba, Lemuel has a unique perspective on the steady secularization of the church in the States, and the growing move and enticement of socialism, especially among young people. He has a message and words of wisdom for his generation, as well as for the Christian believers in the West.

Iran and Turkey — An Update by Sargon Daniali Chamaki

FROM R.K.’S CORNER – AN INTRODUCTION

In 1994, 25 years ago, one of our Dutch Bridge Directors, introduced Steve and me to Sargon Daniali Chamaki whom he had met in Istanbul where the Bridge was co-sponsoring a Christian conference. An Assyrian, born and raised in Iran, in order to avoid persecution as a young believer in Jesus Christ, Sargon had fled his homeland to Turkey. He had a broad vision to see the Muslim nations in Central Asia and the Middle East who first were Christian nations before Islam conquered the region, again embrace their Christian heritage and come to a living relationship with Jesus Christ!

We began sponsoring Sargon, and sent him to Almaty, Kazakhstan where he attended Bible College, married and raised four children while being actively engaged in bringing the love of Jesus to the Turkish– and Farsi speaking peoples living there.

In 2007, his heart was rekindled toward the Iranian refugees living in Turkey, and he has since then been engaged in Apostolic work among his people. Below, is Sargon’s Report:

In 2007, and throughout the following year, after having been away from Turkey and Iran for 13 years, I began to miss my Iranian people. I felt an increased desire to return and more actively serve and love them. Twice, a few months apart, while visiting two different cities, the Holy Spirit woke me up and impressed upon me that I needed to hurry up. I did not know then that, due to the new wave of government crackdown on the protesters in Iran, thousands of Iranians had fled to Turkey as refugees. So, from 2009 on, I visited Turkey once a year, where I attended several Farsi meetings and Central Consultation conferences. Friendships were built, and I entered into many good relationships, which I cultivated long distance.

Three years later, I received an invitation from a few Iranian churches and old friends in Europe to join their conferences in Turkey. The following year, I participated as guest speaker in three of those conferences in the cities of Istanbul, Izmir, and Ephesus, and was also invited as guest speaker at one conference in Sweden. While visiting the city of Chankri in Turkey, God spoke to me, “I called you to this region; I will open gates before you and cover your paths with oil.”

During 2013 and 2014, my travels to visit Iranians in various cities in Turkey increased. The Lord impressed upon me that a new church would be planted, and that we were to follow His guidance to do it the Biblical way.

In October 2015, as a result of weekly, nonstop Bible teaching and evangelism for three years, both online and in person, a church in Kayseri was planted. By the help of The Bridge International, an apartment was rented and furnished to host the church, as well as be used as my residency and office whenever I would visit that city.

The Bible teachings continued; the number of conferences kept increasing in frequency, from once a year in 2015, twice in 2016, three times in 2017 and four times in 2018. The speakers came from Bosnia, South Korea, Tatarstan, and Australia. They were conducted in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, and Kayseri. New churches were planted in Nev Shehir in Turkey, and in three cities within the country of Iran: Tehran, Karaj and Kerman. The number of believers also increased in other cities of Turkey and Iran.

These new churches are named The Evangelical Apostolic Church of Iranians, derived from the official name The Evangelical Apostolic Church of the East, the church at the East of the Euphrate river, within the Persian empire and clear up to China. They have already baptized approx. 150 people, and many are awaiting baptism.

In the summer of 2017, the Jireh Church near Seoul, Korea sent us $10,000 which enabled us to buy a van for our ministry.

In October 2018, some of the believers in the church in Kayseri opened a language school in the church facility for Iranian and Afghan refugees, both children and adults, to teach them the Turkish language, thus help them assimilate in local schools and the work arena.

In November 2018 we started our new Seminary to train our first generation of internationally ordained ministers. In January this year, by the financial support of the Window Missionary Training Center, we were able to rent a three-story building in Istanbul to function as an Iranian Missionary Center.

Last year, due to the continued financial support from partners of The Bridge International, I was able to move my wife, Nadia, and our two youngest children (our two oldest boys are already in college) from Kazakhstan to Turkey, where we live in a nice rental apartment. Not needing to frequently travel between the two countries any more has given me much more flexibility to focus on the ministry among Iranians in Turkey.

A few weeks ago, the Farsi branch of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) invited me to teach in their Bible School in Turkey. They also offered us to establish a Radio – TV internet, and we began raising funds for the channel and establish a studio. The Bridge International funded the equipment for the studio, so in March the studio opened, and a new home church was planted in the facility of the Mission Center in Istanbul.

Recently, I was informed that The Kernel University in California has approved the establishment of their Middle East Branch in Istanbul. They have invited me to help the work out the logistics on the Turkish end, as everything is ready to go in America. This is really good news!

We have been warmly welcomed by our Iranian friends and believers living in Iran, as well as those who are refugees in Turkey. Together we are praying about establishing a Center in the capital city of Tehran, like the one in Istanbul. It would be operated under cover by a company owned by Christian believers, where a home church and other needed Christian activities would flourish. We believe we are coming close to the time when the phase of the Satanic grip of oppression on Iran and her people is about to loosen its stronghold!

IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A PARTNER WITH US IN SPONSORING SARGON AND HIS MINISTRY TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE DONATE BUTTON ABOVE AND MARK YOUR CONTRIBUTION 8341 IRAN/TURKEY WORKERS. THANK YOU!

An Update on my Husband Steven’s Health – a Personal Message from R.K.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Friends, and Partners,

As I was preparing for the publishing of the March Bridge Report — an exciting story from Sargon’s ministry to the Turkish and Iranian peoples — I was reminded that I ought to share another story with you, this time from our family, which is of more personal nature. The pre-planned article will therefore be postponed till next month, as my current time commitment on the home front prevents me from giving it my best, right now.

My husband Steve’s journey with prostate cancer began this month, seven years ago. At the beginning of March, 2012, he was diagnosed with very aggressive prostate cancer, needing immediate surgery. Without intervention (spiritual or medical) we were told his survival prognoses was grim: he might only live a few months.

Evangelizing is Steve’s Hallmark. Here he is Sharing his Faith with the Travel Team Leader in Alaska

In the April, 2012 issue of The Bridge Report, I shared the details of that ordeal for prayer and praise:

https://www.bridgeinternational.org/pdf/april2012.pdf

The surgery took place, and the surgeon rejoiced with us that it was successful—the cancer was contained in the organ, the cancer indication in the blood (PSA) went to zero; no further treatment of chemo therapy or radiation necessary. Once again, we were so grateful that Steve’s life had been spared.

Giving an Account for the Hope Within – on a Caribbean Cruise

Fast forward three years. Unexpectedly, the PSA began rising, indicating that cancer cells were indeed alive and on a destructive move in Steve’s body. Scans showed nothing; nevertheless, in 2015, he decided to undergo 37 radiation treatments in the area where the doctors assumed the growth was located. It was a hit and miss. During the next three years, although the PSA kept gradually rising, even the newest and most sophisticated body scans could not detect any bone lesions at all. The doctors were baffled, and his Oncologist in Miami called it “bizarre”.

Steve is a Passionately Giver to the Gospel Overseas – here with Dawa from the Himalayas.

A gene test showed that Steve’s type of cancer was based on a deviant gene. He agreed to be included in a country wide, three year clinical trial whereby 1060 men were enlisted in 60 locations to test a new medicine that might be a cure for this rare form of prostate cancer. Another scan was made to determine the cancer baseline. Again, no cancer was detected, which disqualified Steve from the trial, but the PSA was by now off the chart — between 1,500 and up; it should have been between zero and one! His Radiologist commented, “I have never seen such a high PSA without detecting any cancer cells anywhere in his body.”

Steve is Always Sharing what he has with Others – here Giving his Favorite Ax to Joes Sellars, Missionary to Germany

We were deeply grateful to God for His intervention, realizing that, once again, He had indeed moved the dial forward on the number of days He has allotted to Steve on this earth!

Then, the real surprise came. In February, a routine checkup detected that the prostate cancer in Steve’s body had alluded the normal spreading into the bones; it had metastasized undetected into soft tissue. His abdomen is now peppered with cancer cells which are attacking the various organs from the outside—in. It is causing fluid retention which was removed a couple of times. Seven years ago, the doctors who then gave him just a few months to live, are now predicting 3-6 months of life, tops! As nothing humanly or medically can stop the advance of this deadly disease. At this time, Steve is up and around. Visitors are always welcome.

Sharing Words of Wisdom with a Young Mind

The doctors’ prediction was wrong before, they may be wrong, again. However, This is the situation at the moment… both Steve and I sense that the Lord will be calling him home soon. In the midst of the ups and down on the difficult journey of terminal illness, the anticipation of meeting Him in Glory in Eternity, gives us both that supernatural Peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7). It is well with our soul.

The quote from the 2012 report is as true now as it was then:

In Rehab – Encouraging one of the Helpers

“Steve is asking that your prayers be directed towards his hearing, trusting, obeying, and waiting on God. He is not upset, bitter, angry, sad, worried, aggravated, or fearful, but enveloped in the peace of God, waiting on Him! Steve’s deepest desire in this is to glorify God and hear Him say, ‘well done, good and faithful servant.’”