August 6, 2021

 

 

As summer draws to an end, we can look back and see how God has blessed the Florida Plant in so many ways. We continue to see folks receiving Christ and following Him in scriptural baptism. Discipleship is taking place on so many levels as we train new converts, new teachers and a new preacher of the gospel. Its good to reflect on the past when it seems like such a blur due to the heavy work load. We stand amazed and humbled by all God is doing in our very midst. To God be the glory, great things he hath done!

Texas Group Helps with VBS, Thank You Denson Springs MBC!

VBS was one of the highlights of our summer. God sent servants from East Texas to partner with us and they were a huge encouragement to our people. Pastor Jamie Hogan, His wife Regina and the entire Denson Springs MBC crew (above) did such an amazing job of organizing, decorating and teaching. They traveled a long distance, they slept in RV's and they worked in rain and the Florida summer heat. We have great ministry partners but Pastor Jamie, Sis. Regina and His Church family have truly given sacrificially to the Lords work here in Florida. During our Cosmic Crusade we saw a dozen youth profess Jesus Christ as Lord. 

As our teams went out into the community and we were able to reach new kids for the Lord. The impact of all the hard work and long hours will be seen for years to come.

 Sis. Terry and I saw two of our Grandchildren make professions of faith as well. Amen!

Six Follow Christ In Baptism

 

We recently baptized three adults and three youth (below) at the Florida Church plant. Please pray for these new converts as they walk in the newness of life in obedience to Christ. We praise the Lord for adding to His Church as we plant and water the seeds of the gospel. Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

National, State & Local Meetings

 

The (below) picture was taken at the Annual ABA messenger meeting in Charleston, West Virginia. We also regularly attend State and local Missionary Baptist meetings to promote the work the Lord is doing in East Africa and Florida. This can be some of the most rewarding yet grueling part of mission work. We welcome those who think Missionaries are on perpetual vacation to join us in this Godly endeavor. We also know that we cannot do all that we do without Gods faithful people supporting God called Missionaries. We are bound to thank God always for you!

THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE MISSION FIELD

 

As you can see from the (below) pictures, the Unsung Hero of the Mission field is the Missionary's wife. Sis. Terry is always behind the Missionary and behind the scenes working countless hours for the Lord. Many Pastors and Missionaries Wife's remain on the sidelines as they are an easy target of the enemy. I am thankful Sis. Terry has learned to endure hardness as a good soldier in Christ Jesus and her love for the Lord inspires me to keep pressing towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.   She follows two true loves most of her life, Often alone during great stress and strife:Leaving loved ones for homes far away, Not knowing just how long she will stay. Some have to learn a new way to cook and eat, Sometimes they can't even talk to the people they meet. Their families move from place to place, Completely dependent on God for His grace. She is the one who keeps him in prayer, And mends his socks and pants when they tear. She stretches the food like you've never seen, You wouldn't believe what she does with sardines. She is his cheerleader as he tries to win the world, And he never has doubts that she is his girl. She keeps things going when he is away, And teaches her children to go not Astray. She helps wherever she can with his ministry, Trying to assist him in any way she can see. Her life she has given to God and this man, Praise from others was never in her plan. She's her children's schoolteacher, tailor, and cook, Trying to keep them in control with that look. Teaching them to try to fit in where they live, Yet holding on to morals that will not give. She's given her life helping and serving others, Leaving behind her sisters and brothers. The unsung hero of the mission field, The missionaries wife, whose life we have revealed.

 

Special Prayer Request

 

After six years of renting a building we are reaching the place where we need to think about purchasing a facility for a more permanent place for the Church. We will have some exciting news in our next post. Please make this transition a matter of prayer as we look for Gods will with regard to potential properties as well as His provision. We also want to thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.   In His Service, Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry Your Missionaries   Sending Church: 1st Baptist East Bay 10102 Big Bend Rd. . River View, Florida 33578   Co-Sponsoring Church: Dean Springs MBC 2106 Dean Springs Rd Alma, Ark.

 

Latest News on those Jailed at Lake Victoria

Released From Jail! Praise the Lord!

 

We have received word from our Mt.Elgon Pastors that they were successful in facilitating the release Pastor Dan Opyiyo (above) and seven members from the Landmark Baptist Church located at Wichlum Bay, Lake Victoria. (below)

 
It's unfortunate, but this is the realty of the perilous times we are living in. Our forefathers in the early Church endured persecution and it looks like this will continue and get worse as we see the return of Christ drawing nigh. Special thanks to Secretary Treasurer, Rodger Stuart for bringing this case to the attention of the Lord's Churches. We also Thank God for those of you who have prayed for these dear folks and those who have contributed financially to secure their release. May God continue to bless His Church and His people.

 

In His Service,

 

Chuck and Terry Fernandez

Kenya/Uganda/ Florida

 

Brethren Arrested & Bible Update

Brethren Arrested & Bible Update

 

July 26, 2021 The (Below) Picture is a rare stock photo of the inside of a Kenyan Jail. The reason I have included it in this report is because as of the time of this post, (eight) of the members of the Landmark Baptist Church at Wichlum, Lake Victoria remain in Jail for worshiping the Lord last week. It seems that the Pastor and Members were not aware of the latest round of CV-19 lock downs in certain counties of Kenya, so there were twelve arrested and taken to jail. Schools are open, markets are open but Churches are closed in thirteen counties. We sent two of our Pastors from Mt. Elgon to access the situation and have managed to secure the release of four of the members. The fines are steep so the Landmark Baptist Churches near Mt. Elgon and Lake Victoria are taking love offerings to help pay for their release. We ask those of you reading this report to pray for God's grace to be great upon them during these times of tribulation. Rom.1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

 

 

Bibles Update

 

As you can see from the below pictures, Swahili Bibles are being distributed to new converts in numerous villages in the Mt. Elgon region. We thank God for the Churches and Individuals who have given to this worthy cause. As new villages are reached with the good news of the gospel we are now able to provide the evangelists with God's Word to distribute and grow them in their new faith. The cost of one printed Swahili Bible 1000 Ksh. equates to approximately one weeks wages in Western Kenya. Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

New Villages Reached

 

Several newly reached villages in the Mt. Elgon region where many have come to Christ are the village of Mateka, the village of Kamachi and Makhonge. These are three villages where the new believers have been scripturally baptized and organized into New Testament Churches. Praise the Lord they now have God's Word to teach, preach and grow thereby.

AUDIO BIBLES ARRIVING IN THE KERIO VALLEY
Solar Powered Audio Bibles are slowly trickling into the Kerio Valley Via USPS. It is not the most efficient way of getting them to the Pokot and Karamjung tribes but it is the only method we have available at this time. Usually, I hand carry hundreds on my annual trip to Kenya and Uganda, however due to the CV-19 restrictions we have been relegated to mailing them. Furthermore when we mail them we have to mail them in small quantities as not to draw the attention of customs to avoid heavy duty taxes. As you can see from the below pictures, the boxes are arriving a little beat up but slowly & surely.

 Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword

  Two New Plots Purchased by Faith

 

We have recently by faith purchased two new plots in Kenya to prepare for building. The Landmark Baptist Church at Siaya has been meeting under a tent for some time now and the Landmark Baptist Church at Chelikei had constructed a mud sanctuary which was recently washed away by the heavy Mt. Elgon Rains. Would you consider partnering with these Churches to provide a permanent meeting places?

Special Thanks to New Home Baptist Church, Watumpka Alabama and FISH Ministries

 

We thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.   In His Service, Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry Your Missionaries   Sending Church: 1st Baptist River View 10102 Big Bend Rd. River View, Florida 33578   Co-Sponsoring Church Dean Springs MBC 2106 Dean Springs Rd. Alma, Ark.

 

Florida Church Planting Update May 11, 2021

The Florida Plant continues to move forward and continues to bear fruit by the grace of God. ur annual campaign of "EACH ONE REACH ONE IN 2021" is providing us with a steady flow of visitors which in turn has yielded a steady of number of salvation's and baptisms. Now, the more difficult of work of disciplining these new converts provides the greatest challenge. It Seems people in this day and age who are willing to trust Christ as their personal Savior and to follow Him in scriptural baptism get distracted and sidetracked so easy that it makes it difficult for us to help them grow in their new faith. Bible prophecy teaches us about a time when people will be running to and fro and men's hearts will be failing them from fear and anxiety. Sure looks like the days of Noah again and we need to be more faithful now as we see the day of the return of Christ drawing nigh.

                                        NEW DEACONS ORDAINED
We recently ordained two new Deacons at the Florida Church plant. Bro. Kenny Saltmarsh and Bro. Maynard Saucier have proven them self to be of honest men of good report and full of the Holy Ghost. I'm a firm believer in having a solid leadership team in place to help guide the Church Plant to the next level. These men were great servants of God before they were ordained and are now are serving the Lord as ordained Deacons. We thank Missionary Temple Meek for helping officiate the ordination service. By the way, please pray Bro. Temple as he continues to mourn the lose of His dear Wife Annie who went home to be with the Lord last year. And, as a foreign Missionary for sixteen years in India, He would be an excellent addition to your Faith Promise or Mission Conference this year. You may reach him through our Sending Church at First Baptist Church of East Bay in Riverview Florida.

Youth Ministry and Van Ministry

As you can see from the (below) pictures, our youth ministry has a large part of Sis. Terry and my hearts. We love the children as they will make up the future Church. Fifty percent of our attendance is by youth who attend with their families or are brought in through our van ministry. As Sis. Terry and I transitioned from full time resident foreign Missionaries back to Florida Church planting, we were told that we would not be able to reach people for Christ like we did in Kenya and Uganda. While that statement is true to a certain extent, we purposed in our hearts to reach those who would receive the gospel message. We know from experience that children will receive Christ with soft hearts when many times adults will not. Consequently God has allowed us to bring many children to Christ over the last five years of Church planting as well as a good number of adults. Remember the Words of Jesus, Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Prison Ministry Update

The Prison Ministry is another area where we regularly see much fruit abound. Our primary growth has been in the Spanish class as we are seeing MS 13 Gang members come to the Bible Study on a regular basis and seeing them place their faith in Christ and allow us to disciple them. God has brought Pastor Quintin Story of First Missionary Baptist Church of Mascotte to teach and preach with me at Cross City Correctional Institute over the last year Together we are able to cover twice as many cells in confinement and are seeing many professions of faith. 

 Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

 Special Prayer Request

 After five years of renting a building we are reaching the place where we need to think about purchasing a facility for a more permanent place for the Church. Please make this transition a matter of prayer as we look for Gods will with regard to potential properties as well as His provision. We also want to thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

In His Service,

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez

AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry

Your Missionaries

Sending Church:

1st Baptist River View

10102 Big Bend Rd. .

River View, Florida 33578

 

Co-Sponsoring Church:

Dean Springs MBC

2106 Dean Springs Rd

Alma, Ark.

Thank You For:

             COME OVER AND HELP US!

 

The (Above) Picture is of a precious couple in the Kerio Valley who belonged to a semi-nomadic tribe called the Pokots. Their name is Baba Loboduk and Mama Loboduk. This is the family name I was given as their honorary American-Pokot Son and how I am known even today in Kenya. Mama Loboduk died a few monthes ago and Baba died last year as well. This above picture is my last memory with both of them together before they went home to be with the Lord. We praise our Lord that they were both saved. The picture is so powerful in that while I'm greeting Baba, Mama Loboduk is listening to the Word of God in the Pokot Language from her newly provided Solar Audio Bible. As resident Missionaries, Sis. Terry and I saw the huge need for Bibles in Kenya and Uganda first hand. We have made providing Bibles one of our top ministry mission priorities over the last twelve years and with the help of our faithful ministry partners we have given out thousands of hardback, paperback and solar audio Bibles. GOD'S WORD DOES NOT RETURN VOID   We have seen the impact God's Word has made in individual lives, families, villages and tribes. Imagine what it would be like if you didn't have God's Word. What if you wanted a copy, but couldn't afford or find one? While we have already provided thousands, there are still thousands who stand in need in the Pokot, Luo, Luhya & Karamojong tribes. The Picture (right) is of Ugandan soldiers receiving one solar audio Bible for two soldiers to listen to in the Kerio Valley.                   Running Low   The (above) picture was taken last month at a village called Kibuk which is located on Mt. Elgon. Along with the newly reached village called Chalicha where two new Churches have been organized last week. The picture is telling in that hundreds have recently accepted Christ and the evangelist in the picture named Wycliffe is only able to give out the last of five Bibles he had. We are working hard to resupply their needs and we are thankful for those who have recently stepped up to help but we find our supply lacking at this time. RUNNING LOW HOW YOU CAN HELP The cost of the below Ember model through Mega Voice is $22.00 each. Now that both Kenya and Uganda are opening up for travel after the CV-19 Saga, the Evangelist's we are working with are starting to return to remote areas in the Kerio Valley. They have asked for one hundred of these audio Bibles in the Pokot languages and one hundred in the Karamojong Language. With over ninety percent illiteracy rates these Bibles are an invaluable delivery tool for the Word of God. Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The cost of these Swahili Bibles recently given to these two Muslim converts below is $10.00 each. Our goal at this time is to provide the Evangelist's on Mt. Elgon with three hundred Swahili Bibles over the next three months. The Macedonian call was given to God's Men to physically come over and help them spiritually. We realize that not everyone come over to Kenya and Uganda to help these new converts but we can be a blessing to them by providing God's Word. Would you prayerfully considering giving one or two or ten? We at the Florida Church plant have set a goal giving of 50 audio Bibles and 100 Swahili Bibles. Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword The cost of these Swahili Bibles recently given to these two Muslim converts is $10.00 each. Our goal at this time is to provide the Evangelist's on Mt. Elgon with three hundred Swahili Bibles over the next three months. The Macedonian call was given to God's Men to physically come over and help them spiritually. We realize that not everyone come over to Kenya and Uganda to help these new converts but we can be a blessing to them by providing God's Word. Would you prayerfully considering giving one or two or ten? We at the Florida Church plant have set a goal giving of 50 audio Bibles and 100 Swahili Bibles.  Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword. Special Thanks to First  Baptist East Bay and Dean Springs MBC! Sis. Terry and I want to thank our Pastor Dr. Tim Myers and Pastor Tim Johnson of Deans Springs MBC for their many years of encouragement and support. We also want to thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. In His Service, Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry Your Missionaries Sending Church:                                                    Co-Sponsoring Church: 1st Baptist River View                                          Dean Springs MBC 10102 Big Bend Rd.                                               2106 Dean Springs Rd. River View, Florida 33578                                    Alma, Ark.

KENYA UGANDA CHURCH DEVELOPMENT: A YEAR IN REVIEW

 KENYA UGANDA CHURCH DEVELOPMENT: A YEAR IN REVIEW

While 2020 was an unusual year with great trials and some tribulation, the Great Commission work in Kenya and Uganda continued to bear much fruit. In spite of the difficulties faced by the Churches during the CV-19 Saga as a result of Government mandated shutdown, the Landmark Baptist Evangelists and Pastors continued to do the work of the Lord. They never stopped assembling as a Church. Instead they went to homes gathering groups of ten and held as many as five different worship services each Sunday. They reported that as a result to returning to house Church they saw many men who normally would not enter the Church receive Christ as a result of the church being held in their home. A perfect example of Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. As the return of the Lord gets closer the Church may continue to experience challenges from ungodly leaders who will persecute the Church. It may do us well to take note of the work ethic, courage and Love of Christ these Men of God exhibited as they continued to worship the Lord Jesus on His day. The foreign Missionary is often reminded that while God calls us to a foreign land to preach the gospel and as we partner with those people to encourage, to teach and disciple, more often than not they become the teachers and we the students.  New Villages Reached   Additionally, 2020 saw our Landmark Baptist Evangelist continue to reach many new villages and regions with the gospel of Jesus Christ to include an unnamed Muslim village in the Mt. Elgon region. In spite of the hardships CV-19 placed on these men of God through travel restrictions, they persevered and reached a dozen new villages with the good news of the gospel. PROVIDING GOD'S WORD  While 2020 was a year which Sis. Terry and I or our Ministry Team was unable to travel to Kenya/Uganda due to CV-19 travel restrictions, we were still able to provide Bibles. Through our faithful ministry partners we were able provide solar audio Bibles in the Swahili, Pokot and Karamojong languages. Additionally we provided hundreds of hardback Swahili Bibles along with John and Romans for the Evangelists to use during village evangelism. As you can see from the below photo, many Ugandan Soldiers continue to receive Christ as their Savior in the Kerio Valley. Over the last year we have done our best to provide tents for newly organized Churches to meet under. Last year we provided five new tents and many replacement tops as the tarps deteriorate. It is our constant prayer that God will continue to provide the physical needs of these new believers and Churches as well as their spiritual needs. With the help of our ministry partners we were able to bring to completion the bathrooms and dormitory located at the base of Mt. Elgon. This leaves one classroom left to construct in 2021. Our pray is that we will see the completion of the Landmark Baptist Bible Institute this new year. Neh. 2:18And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. Thousands Trust Christ on Mt. Elgon,                  Kerio Valley and Lake Victoria  Listed below are the Number of Professions of Faith and Baptisms as reported by the Pastors and Evangelists of the Landmark Baptist Churches we currently partner with in East Africa. While I fully understand that the names do not resinate with you unless you have traveled with me over twelve years. Surely the Souls saved, Baptized and Added to the Churches will give you reason to rejoice. To God be the Glory! Great Things He Hath Done!   Ndivisi 74 saved and 25 baptism, Mawetatu 67 saved 15 baptism,Namarambi 89 saved 12 baptism,Soysambu 54 saved 8 baptism,Chelekei 143 saved 69 baptism,Matili 50saved 18 baptism,Kibuk 91 saved 34 saved,Mayanja 99 saved 63baptism,Kibuke 113 saved 10 baptism,Saboti 153 saved 27 baptism,Ianga 96 saved 14 baptism,Chemondi 46saved 14 baptism,Chesokwo 125 saved 37 baptism,Cherwandoi 184 saved 60 baptism,chemta 84 saved 12 baptism,Kamabusi 92 saved 16 baptism,Cheptaburuburu 175 saved 26 baptism,Chepguruguru 141 saved 19 baptism,Huruma 137 saved 35 baptism,Panandeka 188 saved 43 baptism,heptandan 38 saved 8 baptism,kaboriot 115 saved 21 baptism,kipsigon 95 saved 10 baptism,siaya 65 saved 7 baptism,Got 26 saved 3 baptism,Wichloum 60 saved 13 baptism,uwendo 68 saved 9 baptism,Chenjeni 113 saved 18 baptism,Cheptais 156 saved 66 baptism,ikhendu 110 saved 22 baptism,malomonye 156 saved 55 baptism, lunyu 101 saved 29 baptism,nalondo 20 saved 6 baptism,Tuebei 39 saved 11 baptism,Chebei 27 saved 10 baptism, Lutacho 56 saved 10 baptism,Chebosi 90 saved 25 baptism,Mvunje 93 saved 18 baptism,Kopsiro 66 saved 23 baptism,Butiru 80 saved 29 baptism, Nalondo 112 saved 13 baptism, Kibisi 49 saved 17 baptism, Cheposibpoi 55 saved, Moriweris 30 Saved, Kakoron 35 Saved, Kapswam 27 Saved, Tandaposi 20 Saved, Lukome 12 Saved  BIBLE STUDIES Namakhele 93 saved,Chalicha 90saved,Makhonge 77 saved,Sikulu 45 saved, Everclate 49 saved,Kimaeti 133 saved,Namanje 173 saved,Manafwa 103 saved,Bokoli 91 saved,Kapkateny 24 saved,Chebichi 111 saved,Lukhokhwe 18 saved,Matisi 65 saved,Chesamisi 110 saved,Sicheyi 100 saved,Nabuyole 62 saved, Lukusi 30 saved, Chebukwabi 38 saved. We do not submit these numbers to take credit in any shape or form, but to encourage your faith today in our Lord Jesus Christ. We only glory in the cross of calvary but recognize the importance of what God is doing through a fellowship of Churches in East Africa which is not currently being replicated in many parts of the world today. We want to thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.   In His Service,   Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry Your Missionaries   Sending Church: Co-Sponsoring Church: 1st Baptist River View Dean Springs MBC 10102 Big Bend Rd. 2106 Dean Springs Rd. River View, Florida 33578 Alma, Ark.   While 2020 was a year which Sis. Terry and I or our Ministry Team was unable to travel to Kenya/Uganda due to CV-19 travel restrictions, we were still able to provide Bibles. Through our faithful ministry partners we were able provide solar audio Bibles in the Swahili, Pokot and Karamojong languages. Additionally we provided hundreds of hardback Swahili Bibles along with John and Romans for the Evangelists to use during village evangelism. As you can see from the below photo, many Ugandan Soldiers continue to receive Christ as their Savior in the Kerio Valley.