UIM Connection

As you may, or may not, be aware, I've not been "settled" for a number of months. I'm not complaining or looking for sympathy, just stating a fact, letting you in on my little world. Since responding to the call of the Lord to serve UIM International as Executive Director, our personal life has been "unsettled." Let me explain.

My wife, Julie, and I have been living in Michigan for the past six years. The task of selling a house "in Michigan" in this present economy and moving to Arizona has been, well, unsettling. We "expected" to move quickly. After all, despite the economic conditions and its effect upon the housing market, God is able to bring "just the right buyer, at just the right price." But, nope, hasn't happened! Consequently, we've been unsettled.

All things considered, that's just fine. Really! It has provided for us in a very practical and daily fashion an opportunity to exercise greater faith and growth in learning to be content in whatever "state" we find ourselves. The Lord will provide. He's already demonstrating that in other ways. Though our house has still not sold, we are making a move to Arizona by December.

Are we "settled in yet?" Well, yes and no. We are settled in the Lord. We know He knows our every need. We are settled in the work of the ministry He has called us to. We are settled in our hearts that there is a great work to do and many people who need to be reached with the message of the Gospel. Do we have a house to settle into yet? No. That day will come, and when it does, hopefully we will not become too settled in.

Whether or not your life is "settled" at this time, I do appreciate the fact that you remain connected with UIM International. We are reaching many people who are not yet "settled in" with the Lord Jesus. They've not yet heard, and, if they have heard, they have not yet received the Savior.

Pray for us. Pray for our missionaries and Native leaders who are seeking to reach the First Nations people of Canada, the Native peoples of the United States, and Hispanic and Mexican peoples of Mexico. Pray that UIM International will not "settle in" until we can reach everyone with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Jesus comes or calls us to Himself, then we can "settle in."

Almost daily, whenever I am looking out the window of my Glendale, Arizona, office window, I observe a colorful parade of ethnic diversity pass on the street and cross the vacant lot, primarily people of Hispanic and Mexican descent, but also Native American, African, Eastern Indian, and Middle East. Every Tuesday children arrive at the UIM apartment next to our offices for a time of Bible stories (and cookies, too). This is precious in the sight of our Lord! We are reaching "anyone" the Lord may send our way, making connection with them to introduce them to Jesus Christ!

Thank you for keeping connected with UIM International. Your participation and partnership mean more now than ever! Pray! Participate! Provide! Each gift is used for the glory of God, the greatness of Christ Jesus, the grandeur of the Gospel as we serve with gratitude!

Not yet settled in ...

Dan Fredericks, Executive Director
UIM International

KFC in Warden, Washington

Jim and Kathy Brock saw 20-30 Hispanic youth come to Sunday school as a direct result of their summer TOTEM Ministry outreach. They knew they would need a program for them that would focus on personal discipleship. They put together a leadership team from First Baptist Church of Warden, Washington, and last spring kicked off Warden's Kids for Christ, Warden's KFC, "the only KFC in town." It is true! There isn't even a McDonalds in town! Their vision is to train and disciple a team of Christian Hispanic young people to serve Christ in missions outside their local church through evangelism, using puppets and mimes to present the Gospel, and within the church and the community through service projects.

God has given them 13 youth ranging from 5th grade to high school and a couple of college age young people to help with leadership. KFC meets every Tuesday night at the church for about three hours. Most of the youth are from very poor and broken homes, but they desire to meet every week to study the Bible and learn how to walk with God and what it means to live and serve as a Christian. They also love the snacks and are excited to learn the skills to make a puppet come alive and to perform a mime.

It is exciting to see how God is raising up these young people to be followers of Jesus Christ. So many of them are responding and growing in their faith. It is difficult and takes time to break through the many bad habits and worldly thinking they have been so used to all of their lives. This idea of a ministry team is new to them, and for so many of them there is no support at home from their parents. Gangs and drugs are a pull for many, yet there is a hunger to meet together and learn about God's Truth.

The team's first performance was for Easter last spring and the youth did a great job. This summer they served the community of Warden as it celebrated its centennial. The mayor complimented the team after the celebration for their service. It was a great testimony. In 2011 they anticipate another successful and fruitful summer of ministry.

Jim and Kathy desire to see the youth become Roman 12 Christians, sold out to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Col. 3:23-24 NIV).

Warden's KFC