Around The World X 2 Newsletter....Important*** Click on Newsletter to Enlarge

Deputation Draws To An End.

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The End of Our Rope

Revival Preaching 

Mission work has often been described using the analogy of a man lowered down into a mine to dig while many others are holding the rope.  

It is a great illustration in the sense that while there is one man (the Missionary) down in the pit doing the hard and often dirty work of mining something precious, there is a group a faithful folks

(God’s  People and Churches) holding the rope on the other end.
We thank God for those of you that have been holding the rope for Terry and I since 2007 as well of those who have joined us over the subsequent years.

After our initial deputation efforts in 2007-2008, we never dreamed we would have to dedicate another eight months of living out of a suitcase and crisscrossing our country to raise desperately needed funds for our ministry, but that is exactly what we have done since February.

We are now pushing 30,000 miles, reaching nearly seventy Churches, multiple mission conferences, Local, State and National Association meetings as well as several revivals.   As this season of ministry draws to a close we are at the end of our rope with regard to deputation work. 

That is not to say that we do not still have many appointments left over in the next couple of month’s
but simply to say that Terry and I have done all we can humanly do to ask God’s people to join us in this great work that God is doing in Kenya and now Uganda. 

So we are now glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel with regard to deputation work. 

While we are approaching physical and spiritual exhaustion we are also now at the point where we can say it is entirely left in God’s able hands.

We had already placed it there in His hands before we started but this is rather to say that we have put works with our faith and now ask God to give the increase.

So over the next month or two we will transition from deputation to more of a furlough type pace where we will prepare to return to Kenya.

As our deputation draws to an end (thank you Lord) and we begin to say goodbye to our brethren here in the USA, the exciting part of reaping the fruit as God gives an increase becomes a reality.  

Pastor Don & Sister Regina

Preaching His  Word Continuously

Pastor Doug & Wife

God reveals the increase through each building that is now fully funded, three out of our five goal and with each new monthly partner that gets on board with us. 

I believe by faith, as the Bible says that the half has not yet been told in that area because we have received dozens of promises and commitments that have yet to be fulfilled, however we are still believing that God is able and willing to get us back on the field in much better shape than we left. 

Finally there is an aspect of our deputation work that could easily be overlooked through goal setting and statistics and that is the souls that have been saved, the lives that have been touched through our ministry and the saints that have been exhorted and encouraged to press forward. 

Bearing this type of fruit is just as important as raising sorely needed funds to see souls saved and
lives changed in Africa.   We are seeing that God’s grace continues to be upon us in such a great way as we serve him with all our hearts.
Please continue to pray that God will strengthen us and use us for His honor and glory.

In His Service,

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya

Around the World in 180 Days

June/July 2013 Newsletter...***CLICK ON PAGE TO ENLARGE FOR READING.

 

Texas Deputation and ABA National Meeting

It is hard to believe we have been in Texas for nearly a month. 
While we have been blessed in so many ways we are looking forward to getting back to the Sunshine State and time with our children and grandchildren. 
The drive from Florida to Texas while pulling a camper was long but without incident.  Camp director, Ricky Lee of Pines Springs Baptist Camp near Henderson Texas has been a gracious host and we are thankful that they allow us to stay in this centrally located camp free of charge.  

                                                  Camper

We have tried to contribute to the camp as Terry helped clean dorms and I help Ricky put a roof on a pavilion here at the camp.        Cleaning Lady

Roofing

They have been a blessing to us and we wanted to give something back.  
We have been well received by the many Churches who invited us to share and update them on the work Terry and I are doing in Kenya and Uganda. 
Some are new Churches who have seen the fruit and blessings of our ministry and have expressed interest in partnering with us.  Then there are also those Churches here in Texas who have been a blessing to us over the last 5-6 yrs by prayerfully and financially supporting our ministry.                   Friends

Little Friends

We have had sweet fellowship with those Churches and Pastors and it was very much like going back in time to when we did our original deputation in 2007-08.   This past week we were also blessed to reconnect with Pastors and Churches from all over our country at the American Baptist Association Messenger meeting.  It was an honor and privilege to update our brethren during “Missionary Share Time” on what God is doing in our work and we made many new contacts that are interested in joining our support team.   We were also blessed to spend some quality time with Pastor Tim Johnson, his wife Crystal and their two children during the National meeting who are from our
new Co-sponsoring church; Dean Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  

While raising support is what most people think of when they hear the word deputation, we are often reminded that preaching the gospel and encouraging God’s people along this path of life is still the basis for all that we do whether it is in America or Africa.  

We may never fully realize on this side of eternity how God uses these visits by road weary Missionaries traveling across this great country, but rest assured that it will be worth every mile and struggle as we give God the glory and lift up the name of Jesus, the sweetest name I know.    Some of the Churches we visited over the few weeks are:  Providence MBC in Center Tx, 

North Loop MBC in Crocket Tx,  Ebenezer MBC in Henderson Tx, Cleveland MBC in Cleveland Tx,  Landmark MBC in Mt. Enterprise Tx, Tanglewood MBC in Atlanta Tx,  Springhill MBC in Pittsburg Tx with Alvin MBC, Golden Meadows MBC and Oakland MBC still to visit over the next  week before we return to Florida.  

Visitors

 Thank you to those of you who faithfully pray for us and financially support this work.   It has been said that, “Man is never impoverished by giving, nor is enriched by withholding”.  
May God continue to bless His people and His work.
In His Service,
Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya/Uganda

April~May 2013 Newsletter....***right click on picture then choose 'open link' , then left clink on pic to enlarge for reading as this is a converted PDF File...

Thank you for taking time to read our latest newsletter.  The months and the miles are flying by but we are enjoying the sweet fellowship with our brethren and Churches here in America, many of whom we have not seen since our 2007 deputation.   Please continue to pray for traveling mercy (15,000) miles covered and counting, as well as God’s provision for the work in Kenya and Uganda.  
In His Service,
Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya

 

Deputation Update & Running Ragged

       It has been several weeks since I have written a blog/journal entry, however I still feel compelled to write them from time to time.   There is still much that needs to be recorded in our lives that we want to be able to look back at in our golden years and I also believe there is much that our brethren need to know about the lives of foreign Missionaries, even while in America.   So start with, I will just share some of the stats to give you an idea of what deputation looks like.   Since we arrived back in the USA in February, I have preached at four mission conferences, a 5 day revival, preached at Cross City Correctional institute, Ft. Cooper BC, Anchor BC, Dean Springs MBC, Bethal MBC, Chalybeate Springs MBC, 1^st BC Rutland, Scrub Creek BC, 1^st BC Kingstowne and Benchmark MBC.  We have traveled some 7,500 miles in six weeks to include:   Florida, Georgia, Arkansas and Virginia.  

The thought crosses my mind that are those who read these stats who may not fully be able to appreciate our travels on the smooth roads of America, however all of this travel comes after a hard two year term of working in the interior of East Africa which left us gasping for breath and has really tested our stamina and in some cases even our calling.   You may be asking yourself if we are simply gluttons for punishment or what?  We are not gluttons for punishment but rather missionaries in need of support.  It has been said that “invention is the mother of necessity”, well with regard to missionaries, “travel is the mother of necessity”.   We simply had to hit the road immediately in order to raise funds to keep up with the explosive growth of our ministry over the last few years.   Trust me when I say that we do not enjoy living out of suitcase, sleeping in hotel rooms, sleeping in someone else’s bed or a camper and running ragged.    There is a great sense of “unsettledness” in our lives as there are many days that we wake up and really do not know what city, state or country we are in.    As we visit God’s people to share God’s word and work we often say goodbye to people who are able to return to their home, children, community, comforts of life and we speed down the road to the next stop which is not our home.   It really reminds us that we are truly strangers and sojourners just passing through and this is not our long home.  We are exhausted, but have scheduled a reduced pace over the next eight weeks in order to spend more time with our children and grandchildren.   Yesterday we had an awesome Easter service as we celebrated our risen Savior with all of our children and grandchildren in attendance. 

                                    Our Grandchildren

                               Family Easter March 31, 2013

Back to deputation, we fully realize that our country is in an economic recession but we also believe God is able to provide for His servants through these lean years.  God has shown himself faithful and it is just up to His people to show themselves faithful like the churches of Macedonia did in meeting the needs of the saints in Jerusalem some two thousand years ago.  These were churches that gave out  “deep poverty” but only after they gave of themselves were they willing to help the saints in Jerusalem.

       2Co 8:2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  2Co 8:3  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;  2Co 8:4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

        We are also hold a very unique perspective of being very fresh from living in a third world country where we see people struggle to survive and exist on a daily basis and yet as we travel our great nation we see great waste and excess everywhere we have traveled.   Even in recession, America is one of the richest and most blessed nations of the world.   Please pray that God will provide the needed funds for us to return to Kenya so we may continue to move forward with evangelism, training and church development.   In closing, our overall deputation goal and prayer is that God will help us increase our monthly support by 10% and enable us to raise $25,000.00 to be able to build five more sanctuaries when we return to Kenya.  Thank you for allowing us to share the Missionary experience with you and keep us in your prayers as we press towards the mark of the high calling.

       God Bless,

 

 Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez

Kenya

 

 

 

 

Arrival and Hitting the Ground Running

We have been back in the USA for a little over two weeks and we have already attended two missions’ conferences, preached in the prison and preached at several churches in Florida and Arkansas. 

Needless to say, our first eight weeks back are very busy; however, we will slow down the following eight weeks.   It has been a joy to spend some time with our children and grandchildren; Little Chucky, Kason, Ensley and Sebastian.                       Vinny & Endsley

Chuck III & Sebastian

Pop-Pop and Grandsons, Sebastian, Chuck IV, Kason

Daughter Carla, Kevin and Kason

Something else that has brought much joy to our hearts is that we received word that the men that we have ordained over the last four years in Kenya ordained one of our Pastors on Mt. Elgon last week.  

What a blessing to see the things that we have taught them carried out in a God honoring way without us present.                                  Ordination Pastor David

During furlough and deputation, I will not update the blog as much but we will try to update it from time to time.  God Bless You.

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya but currently in Arkansas

The Sword, The Bow & Goat Hunting

New Convert...Celina's Husband...

Hunting Antelope 

This week has been a mad dash to the finish line of our departure for furlough/deputation.   There are so many things that need to be accomplished before you leave your home for an extended stay.   I won’t get into all the details but I am thankful for my military training in times like these as they taught me what is known as (RPS)= Reverse Planning Sequence.   With people that literally live on the road while trying to manage a ministry out of a suitcase, it is important to have a good checklist that starts with your date of departure.  

With the clock ticking I had to make a trip to the Kerio Valley to deliver a bail of clothes that had been given to the faithful members of the Landmark Baptist Church of Cheposabei by one of our last visitors, Philip Shemwel.

Phil was so touched by their generosity during his visit as they showered him with gifts to include a goat and Pokot attire, and he wanted to give back to the people who have so little.   In addition to delivering the bail of clothes, I had made a promise to a young Missionary Intern named Caleb Foster to take him antelope hunting with the Pokot.

                                          Caleb & Missionary

Caleb, who is an avid hunter is staying in Eldoret for one year and is working with our Bible Baptist brethren.   Needless to say, I have tried to teach our men to be men of integrity and men who keep their word so it was very necessary to take Caleb hunting before I left.

    Chief Joshua, center, Missionary, left, Caleb, right.

Upon our arrival to Pokot, we found that Pastor Timothy Loquardo had scheduled evangelism at the neighboring village of Kalas.  

 We now have many members of the LBC Cheposabei who walk the five kilometers from Kalas each and every week to attend church.    It matters not what we have on our schedule, the first priority is always preaching the gospel.   The sword (word of God) comes first and after this the bow. 

Our village guides for evangelism were two women, Monica and Celina whom Terry had led to Christ last year.  The first time we met Monica she was falling down drunk, the second time we met her, Terry shared God’s plan of salvation with her through His Holy word and she professed Christ as Lord and Savior.   Now, here she is taking us to her family and neighbors houses to witness to them.  Monica & Celina

That is a transformed life that wants others to experience the peace that passeth all understanding through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Then we also had an old mama named Celina who was so concerned about the salvation of her very old husband that she practically dragged us to her home to share God’s word with him.  Her husband was not in good shape physically or spiritually.   We led seven to Christ that day to include Mama Celina’s husband who was so anxious to receive Christ that he continually  told us during our teachings that he was ready to believe and receive Jesus.  

                                           Celina's Husband

After evangelism and after distributing the bail of clothes, the next morning we headed out to hunt Diki Diki, (the world’s smallest Antelope).  

This hunt, which is the third time I have been able to do traditional bow hunting with the Pokot’s was my best opportunity yet.  The reason I say this is because while Caleb was chasing Diki Diki with the District Chief we were using the most effective technique I have seen yet and that is using a herd of goats as cover.  As soon as we entered into the woods we found a large herd, (around one hundred goats) with no shepherd.  It seems as though these pastoralist release their goats every morning into a known territory and then round them up at the end of the day.   So we hijacked this herd and walked gently and quietly amongst them as they fed.  These ultra small antelope were totally off guard as they are not threatened by the goats.  The goats worked great as they cover your sight, your sound and your scent. 

                                      Goat Herd

My best opportunity came when I spotted a Diki Diki feeding at the edge of the goat herd unaware of my presence.  

With heart beating, I slowly walked within thirty yards of my prey and released one arrow which missed the mark but spooked the antelope.   Now before the hypercritical hunters come out of the wood work, remember that a thirty yard shot with a traditional wooden Pokot bow is likened to a seventy yard shot with one of these new ultra light and very accurate compound bows.   And besides, the hunt is actually as fun as the kill. 

In Closing, as you read this we are either on road or in the air to return back to the USA.  Please pray for traveling mercies and our young Pastors and Churches while we are gone and thank you for allowing us to share our hearts and lives with you each week.

 God Bless,

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya