Around the World
God Always Provides!
By Roger Cox
When you can participate in a vision that was birthed in the heart of God, you will always see God’s divine provision. As it says in Philippians 4:19 (NIV), “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
In the past twenty years this promise has been proven over and over for national missionaries Ly and Sarin Mak. They have experienced God’s provision throughout their lifetimes, having survived the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and afterwards coming to the United States. Even though they found great friendships, successful employment, and spiritual growth in the U.S., Ly and Sarin never lost their love and concern for their family and friends in Cambodia. Eventually they heard God’s voice telling them to return to Cambodia. Since that time the Lord has been providing open doors, direction, and the support needed to fulfill their dream of establishing a learning center where the villagers would be loved, and where they would also learn about Jesus’ love for each of them. God provided with the creation of the Lifesong Learning Center around thirteen years ago. The Maks continue to trust the Lord to meet all the needs at the Center, which is in one of the poorest villages in the Takeo Province in Cambodia.
My wife, Connie, and I recently returned from our first trip back in two years due to Covid restrictions. We were quickly reminded of our love for the people and our desire to see them grow in their love for Jesus and to be disciple makers throughout Cambodia. The preschool is going strong. Approximately fifty children come to the center five days a week. Classes are scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m., but the excited children start showing up at 6:30 a.m.
In 2018 the MOVE team provided the framing for the first floor and concrete for the second floor of the vocational center. Thanks to the generosity of many of you, Ly and Sarin were then able to oversee the completion of these floors by a local construction crew. The first floor is now home to sewing and computer classes. The second floor will be used to house groups who want to come and minister to the children and for the leadership at Lifesong.
The goal of the sewing center is to provide training so that local people can get jobs and obtain better starting positions at local garment factories or be able to produce articles they can sell from their own homes. One gentleman named Thorn, who has garment factory experience, committed his life to Christ in recent years. Afterward, he chose to leave the factory, dedicate his life to sharing the Gospel, and use his experience to be the sewing instructor for Lifesong.
The computer center became valuable during the Covid shutdowns, as many of the students gained computer literacy and were able to use the computers to complete required schoolwork. Mabb, who has been with Ly and Sarin for several years, not only provides instruction for the computer classes but also leads the worship team, teaches and preaches on Sunday mornings, teaches English classes in the evening, and oversees the pre-school, English classes, and Lifesong’s weekly evangelistic outreach to nearby villages. Mabb graduated from Takeo University with a degree in English.
During this trip, Connie and I were privileged to help with the English classes. Students and teachers alike appreciate hearing us speak as they want to become more fluent in English. To help teach English, Mabb uses Christian songs that incorporate spiritual truths and help students improve their pronunciation. Connie was asked to sing, so she decided to teach “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart” to a group of middle school students. They learned the song and then sang it during Sunday service!
Ly and Sarin continually look for ways to improve Lifesong Learning Center. In 2019 they were given a solar power system, which they installed on the vocational center. This has been a blessing beyond what words can truly express. With the solar panels, they were able to install additional equipment for the center.
Another dream for Ly and Sarin has been to receive authorization to host a private school and be able to provide biblical-based instruction taught by Christian teachers. We are happy to report that first grade classes will begin in September of 2022 on the Lifesong Learning Center campus. Thank you for being partners with us and with missionaries Ly and Sarin Mak! You are part of God’s divine provision!
As an INSTE graduate, I have been working on raising funds and finding someone who can translate INSTE Level 1 into the Khmer language. Thankfully, a translator has been found and they are ready to start translating the first book! We have raised enough funds to cover the cost of the first book and will continue to raise funds for the next three books.
We look forward to assembling a group from the U.S. to accompany us on our next trip to Cambodia later this year. Those who join us can participate in teaching the English classes, painting, and leading VBS classes at the Lifesong Learning Center. We also want to establish a scholarship fund to assist students at the new elementary school that will start soon as well as the high school students in leadership who desire to gain university education.
We desire to continue providing disciple-making tools for Lifesong leadership, who in turn will share the Gospel with villagers and plant churches. For more information and/or to schedule a visit with your church or church board, please contact us at [email protected].
About the Author
Roger Cox and his wife, Connie, are missionaries-at-large to Cambodia. Both are also active members of First Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines, Iowa, where among other activities, Roger serves as the mission’s pastor and Connie as part of the worship team. Their focus in Cambodia is sharing the love of Jesus, sharing the Gospel, and developing a disciple-making culture where local people learn to touch the lives of their fellow villagers. The Coxes have three adult married children and seven grandchildren.
Discipling the next generation has been a value of Open Bible since its inception, and this commitment has been shown through a variety of Global Missions initiatives worldwide. From orphanages in India, to schools in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cambodia, to feeding kitchens throughout Latin America, to working with teenage inmates in Mexico, to youth camps in Ukraine and Uganda, Open Bible intentionally invests in children and youth. Across cultures, both traditional and culturally specific approaches are employed by Open Bible churches. The common theme in all these initiatives is to reach, disciple, and engage the next generation for the Kingdom of God!
Japan is one of several countries where exciting things are happening because of Next Gen investment. Despite Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Japan Open Bible Churches show profound commitment and creativity in reaching beyond the four walls of their churches to the next generation.
Japan churches have made it a priority to actively address social needs, enhancing their accessibility to the community. Machida Bible Church in the Tokyo area, pastored by Yutaka and Sakie Yoshinaga, hosts a monthly “Curry Day,” tackling the issue of children eating alone at night due to their parents’ work schedules. This event invites children to join church members for affordable curry rice in a warm, welcoming space. The aim of such initiatives is to present the church as a safe haven and to foster meaningful relationships with neighborhood families.
In a similar effort to connect with the community’s elementary-aged children, Machida Bible appeals to their sweet tooth! Once a month they transform the church into a “Sweet Cafe,” giving all attendees coupons to exchange for tasty treats. Church members then invite children to participate in other activities such as dance, playing musical instruments, sports, and games. The Sweet Cafe has proven to be a welcoming space for both children and mothers with young children.
Despite Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Japan Open Bible Churches show profound commitment and creativity in reaching beyond the four walls of their churches to the next generation.
In modern Japan, mastering English is more than just a practical skill; it is an effective way to engage students who might not typically associate with Christianity and to introduce them to Jesus. Church English classes use conventional language acquisition methods alongside unconventional ones, such as praise songs, dance, camps, and Christmas programs. Additionally, monthly student-parent gatherings feature illustrated Bible stories and related activities. These English classes resonate with Japanese youth, and Open Bible Japan welcomes native English-speaking missionaries to join them in this venture.
Laying the foundation for faith and discipleship is a priority, and Sunday School is where much of this happens in Japan’s Open Bible churches. However, it is the active participation in ministry – even for the younger generation – that solidifies that foundation. Therefore, elementary students regularly participate in Sunday worship teams, playing the drums, the guitar, or keyboards. Church youth groups also form “Mission Go” teams to support smaller churches in youth evangelism initiatives. These teams have helped run a basketball clinic for the community’s youth and assist in local children’s ministries.
Partnering with Open Bible missionaries in Thailand, Japanese youth take part in mission trips. These cross-cultural experiences leave a profound impact on their lives. One teen noted, “I led the worship time and thought to myself, ‘I’m praising God in another country!’ I was deeply moved by how sincerely the people worshipped and my tears flowed uncontrollably.” Another participant remarked, “I could see the strong tie between Thai Buddhism and their landmarks. I realized the similarities with Japan and that we must pray that these places in both Thailand and Japan be dedicated to God rather than idols.” Japanese youth’s active participation on mission trips helps deepen their faith, encourage gift development, and give perspective on how to effectively pray for other cultures. Japan’s ministry to and through its children is a powerful testimony to what can happen when we entrust the gospel to the next generation.
For some, ministry to children and youth is seen as secondary. Global Missions’ dedication to fostering a legacy of faith to the next generation is more than commendable; it is biblical. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 19:14 NIV). Thank you for your support of Open Bible churches worldwide through the investment of prayer, time, energy, and finance as we seek to reach, disciple, and engage the next generation for the Kingdom of God!
About the Author
Tammy Swailes
Tammy Swailes is passionate about cross-cultural Christian education, so working with INSTE Global Bible College to disciple and equip leaders throughout Europe and beyond is a great fit! Tammy has lived in Europe since 1999 – first in Hungary and now Ukraine. Before that, she was in Japan as well as Spokane, Washington. She now serves as INSTE regional director in Europe, assisting INSTE programs in five languages. Tammy has her undergraduate degrees in both Missions and Christian Education, and a MA in Intercultural Studies. Photography, good coffee, multi-cultural experiences, and the family’s Yorkie are some of Tammy’s favorite things.
Attend one worship service at Pastor David Moreno’s Open Bible church in Guanajay and you’ll quickly find there are no limitations or “embargoes” on God’s presence in Cuba. Rich worship, inspirational teaching, and the robust moving of the Holy Spirit are enduring hallmarks of Pastor David’s church, Templo Evangelico de la Biblia Abierta. This flagship church reflects what God is doing in and through Open Bible Churches across the country of Cuba.
The spiritual health of this church belies the fragility of life in Cuba. Scarcity of food and medication, heavy fuel rationing, and steep inflation ─ over 30% last year ─ define their grave economic reality. These conditions have already pushed hundreds of thousands of Cubans to leave their homeland in a daring quest for a better life.
Open Bible’s 149 Cuban churches are much more than houses of worship. Beyond offering crucial salvation and discipleship, they are community centers, helping to fill the gaps for the people they serve. Daily they provide miraculously obtained food and other essential items so desperately needed by the Cuban people.
The spiritual health of this church belies the fragility of life in Cuba.
As the director of Mission Esperanza, over the past year I have had the privilege of partnering with Pastor David, who also serves as the president of Open Bible in Cuba, and his national leadership team. Mission Esperanza’s call is to serve and encourage the Cuban people and churches by facilitating pastoral leadership conferences, assisting in the construction of churches, and shipping essential items from the U.S.
In February 2024, I led a group of nine Open Bible pastors and leaders on a vision trip to Cuba. I was grateful that Open Bible President Michael Nortune was able to be part of that group. Pastor David ferried us around for three days, visiting several Cuban Open Bible churches and pastors and helping our group to learn firsthand of the hardships and opportunities in Cuba. A real highlight of the trip was hearing President Nortune preach in Pastor David’s church that Sunday morning. He delivered a Holy Spirit inspired message of encouragement and issued a biblical challenge that was enthusiastically received in the crowded sanctuary.
Previously, in October 2023, Mission Esperanza held our first Pastors Conference with 350 pastors and church leaders in attendance. Pastor Aaron Keller (Des Moines, IA) joined me in hosting our conference speaking team of Pastor Raul Escalante (Sunrise, FL), Pastor Pablo Urra (Miami, FL), and Pastors Marcelo and Bernarda Rodriguez (Grecia, Costa Rica). The Lord moved powerfully through our gifted speakers, each one covering ministry subjects particularly relevant to Cuban churches and the failing Cuban society. That our speakers were all fluent in Spanish and understood the Latin culture multiplied their ministry effectiveness. Many times, sessions concluded with prayer at the altar during our three-day conference. I was blessed watching Mission Esperanza’s team move across the sanctuary praying with our Cuban brothers and sisters as they poured out their praise and ardent petitions to our Heavenly Father. Time paused as the Holy Spirit filled the hearts of His people. I have received many reports of the blessing of last October’s conference, praise the Lord! Mission Esperanza is looking forward to our next conference scheduled for May 2024, where we anticipate another 250 pastors and leaders from a different region in Cuba.
Certainly, Cuba needs our prayers and support. Please prayerfully consider supporting the people and churches in Cuba by giving through Global Missions’ Mission Venture Plan (MVP). There are two ways you can bless Cuba under the MVP category of Humanitarian Aid. You can give a one-time amount to the “Cuba Aid” fund, or you can give monthly by selecting “Cuba Adopt-A-Church.” This program is a $30 to $50 monthly commitment, which will support a local pastor and church.
The Church is growing rapidly in Cuba. People are coming to Christ across the country, new churches are being planted every year, disciples are being made, and 350 students are being trained and equipped for ministry. Recently, while discussing the Lord’s work in Cuba, President Nortune reminded me, “The story continues, and we all can be part of it.”
The needs are great, but just as there are no spiritual embargoes in Cuba, there are no limitations in Christ!
*Credit for all photographs goes to Tim Wedhe.
About the Author
David Bethany
David Bethany is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is blessed by his wife, Carla, and is dad to four adult children and “papa” to eight energetic grandchildren. David is the Director of Mission Esperanza and has been the Construction Director for MOVE Ministries for the past thirty-one years. He owns a construction consulting firm in Los Angeles and attends Village Church.
“In order to really reach our world, we can’t do it by addition – it has to be by multiplication.”
Rich Kopp lives by these words, and the evidence is in the fruitful church planting plan he helped launch in West Africa.
Rich, an Open Bible minister, church planter, missionary-at-large, and co-founder of the Church Planting Academy, collaborates with other experienced church planters to train teams of new church planters in Ghana and Liberia. Beginning this fall, they will be expanding into Kenya.
It all started in 2014 when Twum Bosiako, Open Bible’s director in Ghana, invited Rich to Ghana to hold evangelistic meetings. While Rich was there, Twum, who also happened to be Rich’s Bible college friend from the early 1970’s, lamented the declining numbers of churches in Ghana. As they conversed, the Holy Spirit reminded Rich of a church planting plan he helped write years earlier. While a good plan, it never got off the ground in the United States. What if it could work in Africa? After praying, teaming up with another friend, Nick Mahabir, and contextualizing the program for Africa, Rich and his team launched the first month-long Church Planting Academy in Ghana in 2016.
Kofi Gyansah and Dominic Darkwa were part of that first group of students. At the Academy, two prospective church planters are partnered together to sit, learn, take tests, and get evaluated as two-member teams. After a month of training, they’re sent out as a team to plant a new church. Many graduates plant churches in their own communities in unchurched areas, allowing them to continue to support their families. Others go to outlying communities where there is no Gospel witness or where there are believers who aren’t able to attend church regularly because of distance.
Graduates of the Church Planting Academy have begun no fewer than twenty churches in Ghana and Liberia in just under eight years.
Kofi and Dominic started their church plant in their nearby community in Kumasi, a city in the south. Today, Kofi’s and Dominic’s church is a thriving church plant full of young people. Their church is expecting to send out church planters soon to plant yet another church. Kofi was invited to become a member of the Academy’s teaching team with Rich and Nick and has since begun leading Open Bible’s church planting ventures and the Academy in Ghana.
The Church Planting Academy produced such good fruit in Ghana that Open Bible’s churches in Liberia wanted to use the training. Victor Dayougar went through the Academy in Liberia and co-planted a church. Rich and Nick invited Victor to teach the evangelism aspect of the Academy training because he was especially gifted in this area. More than just theoretical lessons, Victor’s coursework included hands-on evangelization in the surrounding villages. After taking the first course, teams of two went out and a few days later were able to baptize three of the new converts in the lagoon! What a fantastic way to top off their “homework” assignment!
Graduates of the Church Planting Academy have begun no fewer than twenty churches in Ghana and Liberia in just under eight years. In 2024 the Academy will begin in Kenya. Only God knows where He will lead next. These African churches and communities are as diverse as the teams that plant them. But the seeds of the Gospel are sown and grown into the communities, bringing in a harvest. Rich and Twum could never have imagined that God would use their 50-year-old Bible college friendship and a forgotten church planting plan to rekindle the passion for church planting in West Africa.
Want to invest in the West African church plants? Check out their MVP Giving pages HERE:
Tammy Swailes
Tammy Swailes is passionate about cross-cultural Christian education, so working with INSTE Global Bible College to disciple and equip leaders throughout Europe and beyond is a great fit! Tammy has lived in Europe since 1999 – first in Hungary and now Ukraine. Before that, she was in Japan, as well as Spokane, Washington. She now serves as INSTE regional director in Europe, assisting INSTE programs in five languages. Tammy has her undergraduate degrees in both Missions and Christian Education, and a MA in Intercultural Studies. Photography, good coffee, multi-cultural experiences, and the family’s Yorkie are some of Tammy’s favorite things.
