prayer update 28 April 2011

Dear Prayer partner,

Oh my how time flies!  Has it really been nearly one month since I sent our last prayer letter?   I can hardly believe how rapidly time has flew by.

We bring you greeting in the name of our risen LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  This past weekend (Easter Weekend) was a wonderful time.

Updates on our prayer requests in the last letter.

1.       Unpacking went well.  We have almost everything unpacked and put away.  Some of the things are left in storage until needed.  Home assignment is good for “packrats” like us, as it helps minimize the supply of things.

2.       The Land  Issue we were dealing with was the Government’s plan to acquire some of our property to drill a water well.  We finally signed a lease agreement at least then we will get a little money.  Our main concern is that there is a great possibility that the city water well drilled in close proximity to ours and three times deeper will lower the ground water level and therefore cause our well to dry up.  We will wait and see.  At least right now we have Solar water supply which is free.

3.       The Easter Revival Camp organized by the Zion Church of the Nazarene was a huge success.  The camp was totally organized by the Zion Church Board, which was a tremendous relief for me as all I had to do was attend and bring a morning devotional and preach at the Sunday sunrise service at 5:30 a.m.  So with my limited responsibility we could just attend and enjoy the services.

Youth Worship team led by Brother Dickson Manongi

Some of the Highlights of the Easter Camp:

Rev. Maisel Boude, Papua New Guinea Defense Force Chaplain, was the guest speaker.  The messages and the classes he held were timely as they dealt with living a holy life in Melanesia. 

Saturday night the fire fell and many came to the altar under conviction.  It was a great service as young and old alike came to the altar.  After the altar service there was a spontaneous testimony time.  It kind of reminded me of camp-meeting time when I was young.  It was one of those really special services that you just have to be present to fully appreciate. 

 

Children that came to the altar wanted to share their testimony, but in this country it is difficult for children to just go to the front of adults and share, but these children talked to their adult leaders and these leaders scheduled a time for them to share during the Sunday evening services.  Words are inadequate to describe the thrill in my heart as these children got up with tears in their eyes and testified to the saving grace of God.

This is the first time I have ever witnessed this among the Solomon Island Children.  Normally I do not see the young children even going to the altar in the Solomon Islands, unless we have a special children’s service, then they feel free to come forward.  This is a breakthrough and a direct answer to your prayers.

During one of the sessions that dealt with some of the “witchcraft” issues in the Solomon’s, one man questioned Rev. Maisel and it brought out into the open some of the pluralism in the Solomon Islands, as they attempt to merge Christianity with their animistic/ancestral belief system.  This lead to quite a discussion and some deliverances from some of the demonic activities.

Baby Wesley held by George and parents standing near.

We had three churches participate in this camp.  In addition to the Zion Church, we also had the Macedonia Church and the White River Church (Preaching Point).  The pastor’s wife of the Macedonia Church delivered a baby on Good Friday.  They asked me to name the baby so I gave him the name Wesley, after my brother.  The White River Church has a lot of children and we request prayer for the salvation of their parents.  Also pray that these children will grow strong in their faith.

One of the board members who helped organize this camp, made the comment that this is the first camp ever where no one complained about anything.  We could definitely feel the presence of the Lord around this place.

There was a drama during many of the services.   The youth presented the crucifixion drama and everyone was in tears.  The White River pastor commented, “If just a drama will make you cry, just think about the being present at the real event.”

Prayer request for Upcoming events:

1.       Bible College Class from May 25 – June 8.  Sylvia Holiday from New Zealand will be the guest lecturer.  This time we will offer three classes.  Sylvia will teach two courses a. Interpersonal Communication and b. Church Worship.  Then I will teach an elective course on Hebrews/General Epistles so those who have already completed the other courses will have a choice.  Pray for me as I prepare for this class.

2.       Miller’s Vacation/ACE Conference: We will be away from 20 June to 4 July in Australia.  We will be attending the SCEE [ACE] conference in Brisbane from 21 – 23 June and while there we are going to take a little vacation time.

3.       District Youth/Women’s Camp: This is to be held 20 – 27 June.  This is the second year that they have held a Youth/Women’s combination camp.  That is certainly different from our Western Culture.  Pray for God’s blessing upon Pastor Revelation Kalia, the District NYI president and Sister Mairy Wale, the District Women’s Ministry President as they organize this.  This Camp will be held in Munda at the site of one of our newer churches, Sovereign Grace.

Also Pray for:

1.       Those who have committed their life to Christ this past weekend.

2.       Me as I bring a message this Sunday and try to keep the momentum from this revival services flowing.

3.       Continue praying for the appointment of local DS.

4.       Pray for rain as it has been dry.  That was probably in answer to the Christian’s prayer for fine weather for the many camps and special services going on around the country.  It definitely was beautiful weather for the Easter Camps and meetings.

George Miller, 

Solomon Islands -Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 712, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Office/Home: 677 25-109     Mobile: 677 74 68920

USA Contact:

c/o 10109 Links Fairway Drive

Rowlett, TX   75089

Phone: (469) 377-0400

email: george_nancy@reachone.com

Blog: http://georgeandnancymiller.blogspot.com   -   http://oceanianazarene.org

Responsibility - Developer - Positivity - Woo - Empathy

 Crucifixion Drama

Prayer Update 13 October 2010

Prayer Update:

Dear Prayer partner,

Bible College Classes:

The Bible College Classes were a huge success and well attended. We had a total of 22 different students attend one or all three of the Bible College classes. In addition we had 2 people who audited one or more of the courses. We are grateful for Dr. David McEwan from our NTC in Brisbane, Australia. This is his sixth consecutive year for him to visit our campus and teach block courses for us. God is so faithful and is doing awesome things in the Solomon Islands.

In Church Growth and Evangelism Class it was great and I feel the students were all challenged to return and evangelize their local communities. We emphasized the “Each One, Win One”, “Big Brother, Big Sister”, and “Prayer Cell” plans for church growth and evangelism. We are trying to get back the book of ACTS strategy for evangelism. The Church of the Nazarene was begun as a movement and our desire for the Solomon Islands is to return and develop the passion for souls as in Acts and once again rekindle the fire.

I was busy preparing for the pastor’s conference and so did not attend Dr. McEwan classes but he reported that they went well.

I request prayer for two of our Bible College Students. John is a relatively new believer and is called to pastor. He is beginning his pastoral ministry in the church where his uncle is currently pastor. This uncle is elderly and the church is spiritually weak. In this church John is the one of only a few men attending regularly. Pray for a smooth transition and that John can reach out to the community, which is mostly relatives.

James is a new student, beginning a new church on the island of Vella la Vella. A day or so after James and his father arrived in Honiara so James could attend BC class, a man from their place living in Honiara died suddenly and the belief was that James &/or his father performed witchcraft on this man which caused his death. So then the angry relatives of the deceased man, burned James’ and his father’s houses at home. Then James received word that his teen age daughter was seriously ill, so he left the Bible College early. I am really encouraged because after arriving home James called me and told me that he is not deterred and has already moved out into a new area. Pray for the light of the gospel to penetrate these people’s hearts so steeped in witchcraft and spirit worship. They have accepted Christianity, but are still deeply attached to their animistic religion.

Pastors/Wives’ conference:

The pastors and wives’ conference was a huge success. I knew it would be good and the Lord would bless because during the week leading up to the conference there was a lot of things that came up attempting to distract us from the final preparation. I don’t have time to mention all of them but to give you an idea our printer went out as I was printing the materials for conference, we had a water leak in the bathroom, the school held their end of term program and fund raiser, and many other disturbances most of which required urgent attention.

Note: The printer was repaired, the water leak is still dripping with a bowl under it, and the school fund raiser was a huge success.

District Superintendent Rev. Peter Degene, from the Hagen district of Papua New Guinea, and Evangelist Rev. Nicholas Wako also from PNG delivered the messages and taught classes that really challenged our pastors.

The theme of the conference was Living a Life [worthy of the calling, of love, and pleasing to the Lord]. This was taken from Ephesians 4 & 5 and Colossians 1.

As an illustration of unity, I had each pastor set beside his wife for the entire program. Culturally husbands and wife set on separate sides of the church. We saw husbands and wives reconcile to each other and some came to the altar and testified how their was disunity in their relationship and how it had hindered their ministry. The challenge was given to pray and seek the source and not chase after money, cargo, and other resources. They were encouraged and challenged to run their church without asking for outside [that is without asking anyone but God in prayer] assistance. We want our pastors to have a new mentality, please remember them in prayer as it will not be easy but we will continue to bring a change.

WEF PLUS Challenge 2010 offering: {For all my Nazarene Prayer Partners}

In November, Nazarenes from all over the world are being challenged to give the single largest offering for World Evangelism in the history of our church, a WEF PLUS offering. As you know the WEF is the life-line for Nazarene missions and your continued support pays the missionaries’ salaries and keeps them on the field. Our global church is witnessing unprecedented growth, which brings with it financial challenges. Also the world-wide economic downturn intensifies the challenge, but Nazarenes have always been faithful in rallying to meet any and all challenges.

Our Solomon Island district NMI President, Osborn Fagea, gave the challenge for each adult member in town to give a donation equivalent to US $10 per person which will be quite a sacrifice for our Solomon Islanders. As your local church gives this challenge please give the most generous offering possible.

For further information or to give a secure gift on-line please check it out at Church of the Nazarene: Challenge 2010

Deputation Schedule:

Our home assignment is only 9 weeks away. Please remember us in your prayers, as we prepare for home assignment. Below is our schedule and we still have a few dates open that are available in the Oklahoma City area so we can be near family & grand children.

December 7, 2010 - Depart SI

Dec 7-11 – Preparing presentation, doctors visits, etc.

December 12 – Pittsburg, TX a.m. – Glenda McNeil

December 12 p.m. – Kilgore, TX

December 19 – Owasso, OK (Silver Creek) a.m. – Nathan Burns

December 22 (Wed) (Open)

December 23 – 25 Holiday and time with family

December 26 – Camp Creek a.m. – Sara Miller

December 26 – Clinton, OK p.m. – Rick Brewster

December 27 – January 4 Vacation time with family/available to speak in churches where our children attend.

January 1 – Nancy and George 40^th Anniversary Celebration – Choctaw, OK, Church of the Nazarene

January 5 (Wed) (open)

January 9 – Carnegie, OK both services – Chip Perkins

January 12-23 – Dallas District Tour – Julie Torres

January 26-February 9 – South Carolina District Tour – Brenda Haynes

February 13 a.m. (Open)

February 13 p.m. – OKC Southpoint – Mark Williams [Doug Veneer Pastor]

February 16 (Wed) (Open)

February 19-27 – Arizona District Tour – Marilyn LaRue

March 2-13 – NorthWest District Tour – Kay Schlotman

March 14 – 21 Vacation time/preparation to return to the Solomon Islands

March 22, 2011 – Return to the SI

Especially pray for two teens as we depart Solomon Islands for home assignment. Hannah has been staying with us this year and attending our ZCA school, where Nancy is the Principal. Ezra, has a chicken project near our house and takes care of his chickens to pay school fees, also attending ZCA. They are both strong Christian young people, very active in the church, and I know the Lord will watch over them, but pray that they will have peace, and experience the Lord’s provision.

District Meetings and Assembly:

Be in prayer for our District Assembly and meetings coming up November 10 – 13. We will have our conventions, assembly with the business, and Bible College Graduation.

George Miller, District Superintendent

Solomon Islands District - Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 712, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Office/Home: 677 25-109 Mobile: 677 74 68920

email: george_nancy@reachone.com

Responsibility - Developer - Positivity - Woo - Empathy

12 September 2010

Prayer Requests:

Bible College Classes/Pastor’s conference

I need you prayers during the next 3 weeks. Wednesday 15^th we begin Bible College classes. The 15^th – 21^st I will teach a course on Church Growth and Evangelism. This is a 1-week intensive block course – 6 hours per day for 5 days. That will keep me busy.

Dave McEwan for NTC Brisbane will arrive on 21^st and then hold 2 courses – Theology 1 in the morning and New Testament Survey in the evening.

Then following the Bible College Class we will hold a National Pastor’s/wives/District Leaders Conference. This will be for 3 days – Oct 5^th-8^th. Pray for Rev Peter Degene as he is coming from Papua New Guinea for this conference.

Prayer Updates:
National Elections:

The National Elections are over and we have a new Prime Minister and Government. Pray for them as they have big challenges ahead of them. There were only a few election incidences: 1. the water pump and gardens from a high school was damaged and disrupted forcing the week closure of the school. 2. In another area some ballot boxes were burned. 3. Then a celebration party got out of hand and ended with a man being shot by the RAMSI police force. If you are interested in more Solomon Islands political or national news you can check Solomon times on-line or Solomon Star web.
Schools in Honiara were dismissed for the elections and the town was busy as it was a school holiday but the businesses were open. I routinely shop on Wednesdays because that is the day when the town is less crowded and I can finish my business in a fraction of the time, but the election Wednesday was equal to a Friday.

(Community Based Health Care) Trip

Dr. Becky Morsch, a Missionary based in PNG, visited Solomon Islands from August 21^st through September 6^th. She held CBHC workshop and training in two communities in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. Mairy Walesara, our district Women’s Ministry President, and treasurer accompanied her on this trip. I went along for the first week of the two-week trip. The courses were well attended and received. We trust that they will implement the things that they learned.

The first week we went to village of Iriiri Pasapasa on the island of Kohiggo in the Vona vona lagoon. There were representatives in attendance from 10 different communities around the church. We’re praying that this will make a big impact in their lives.
Then the second week’s workshop was held in Munda at the Sovereign Grace, Church of the Nazarene. I returned after the Sunday morning service to prepare for the Bible College/pastor’s conferences schedules, but Becky and Mairy reported many blessing from this time.

Thank you for your prayers as I was sick for one day with stomach flu or something and Becky was ill the next day while in Iriiri. Mairy went as a translator and also so she would know how to teach the course. With Becky sick that afforded her an excellent opportunity to teach. Pray for Mairy as she has retired from NPF (National Provident Fund) after 21 or so years and is giving her time now serving the Lord. She is kept busy with our District and SICA (Solomon Islands Christian Association).

Your Partners in His Ministry,

George Miller, District Superintendent

Solomon Islands District - Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 712, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Office/Home: 677 25-109 Mobile: 677 74 68920

email: george_nancy@reachone.com

Blog: http://georgeandnancymiller.blogspot.com - http://oceanianazarene.org

Responsibility - Developer - Positivity - Woo - Empathy

Listing of Miller's Deputation Schedule,

Here is our Deputation Schedule for our next Home Assignment. If we are near where you live we would love to see you. If we have a district tour on your district and you want us to speak in our church please contact you district’s deputation coordinator for scheduling.

· December 7^th – Depart to the USA

December 12th - AM Service, Pittsburg, TX

· December 19^th – AM Service, Silver Creek Church, Owasso, OK

· December 26^th – AM Service, Camp Creek Church, near Taloga, OK

· December 26^th – PM Service, Clinton, OK

· January 9^th – Both Services, Carnegie, OK

· January 12^th-23^rd – Dallas District Tour

· January 26^th-February 9^th – South Carolina District Tour

· February 19^th-27^th – Arizona District Tour

· March 2^nd-13^th – Northwest District Tour

· March 22^nd – Return to the Solomon Islands

As you see we have a few gaps but not many. Most of the gaps we would like to fill up with services near the grand children, which will basically be Oklahoma or Dallas area. Join us in prayer for transportation, as we make a decision about flying or driving.

George Miller, District Superintendent

Solomon Islands District - Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 712, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Office/Home: 677 25-109 Mobile: 677 74 68920

email: george_nancy@reachone.com

Blog: http://georgeandnancymiller.blogspot.com - http://oceanianazarene.org

Responsibility - Developer - Positivity - Woo - Empathy

Prayer Update 13 July 2010

Dear Prayer Partner,

I want to thank you so much for partnering with us through your prayers. Also I want to thank you for your faithfulness in your church’s Faith Promise offering and other gifts to the World Evangelism Fund.

Extension Bible College Class in Munda:

We held a very successful Bible College Class recently in Munda at our newest church Sovereign Grace Church of the Nazarene. We had eight (8) students in attendance. It was very encouraging because we started on time each morning and the students were faithful in their attendance. That was quite an accomplishment considering we were competing with the World Cup. There were a couple of places in Munda with TV set ups so people could go and watch the soccer match [pay for viewing]. Soccer is big in the Solomon Islands and these matches drew large crowds and attention.

Trip to Iriiri Pasapasa:

From Munda we took a trip to Iriiri Pasapasa. It was encouraging to see the new people coming to the church here. Chris is a nurse who recently attended school in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. While in PNG he was involved in the Church of the Nazarene. He is now back in Solomon Islands as the Director of Nurses at the Helena Goldie Hospital, outside of Munda. He has been on holiday [vacation for USA partners] near the Iriiri church. He attended all the services and will be quite a resource person for the church in the Western Province.

The name Iriiri Pasapasa means “a well of bitter water”. The name came from the shallow well dug that is mixed with sea water and has a bitter taste. Their new church is near completion and they decided to change the name of the church to Petra Church of the Nazarene, because it is literally built on a rock, but more than that they want the church to be built on “The Rock”, Christ Jesus. Thank you to those who gave money for new church buildings that has made this possible.

The pastor, Jimmy Kwaisui, and two young men (Raymond & Apollos) have been teaching early childhood classes in the pastor’s house. They have 20 students enrolled in these classes. Apollos is now in Honiara attending a class to learn how to teach phonics and he plans to stay on for at least one term to observe at our Zion School.

Trip to Vella la vella:

Vella la Vella is an island in the Western Province, accessible only by outboard motor boat from the provincial center, Gizo. I went the Vella la vella to check on a couple of churches there. We have mission churches in two locations Barakoma and Malesova with requests to start more. Pray for strong spiritual leaders for this work and for many other areas throughout the country where doors are opening. Pray that the Lord will give wisdom, strength, and patience as Christ-like disciples are being developed to pastor these churches. Pray for God to call men and women who will be servant leaders and will rise to the challenge to pastor these new works.

The Barakoma Village completed their church building and so we went to dedicate and take some photos. They decided to rename their church in honor of the church in the USA that donated the funds to erect this building. They have a school with a current enrollment of 20 students.

Malsesova Church currently meets in the home of one of the members. They also have a weekday school to teach early childhood, phonics so they can read well. They minister to 10 students through their school.

Education:

Pray for Rev. Dolasi Baesi, our Nazarene National Education Secretary. Dolasi went with me on this trip to the Western province. For much of the travel two people can travel as cheaply as one. Dolasi went to check out the schools operating or planned in each of these villages. Teaching reading is one of the big needs in the Solomon’s. For some reason children here, as a general rule, tend to read very late (3^rd – 6^th grade) if at all. Our Nazarene education system (ACE curriculum) using phonics teaches them how to read, so by the time the child is ready for the 1^st grade they can read. So many of our new schools teach Kindy (equivalent to USA pre-school) and ABC or Prep (equivalent to USA Kindergarten). In addition to that they many times will offer after-school remedial reading for students of any grade from the public school system. We have seen remarkable results.

National Election:

Pray for our national election coming up. It took a while to settle on a date but it is set for August 4^th. Following election then the parliament will vote on the new Prime Minister. Last election time sparked a riot that burned China Town. Pray that this election will proceed peacefully. Pray that the election of Prime Minister and transfer of power will go smoothly. The police are making preparations and have been holding “riot drills”.

ZCA (Zion Christian Academy):

This is the final week of school break for ZCA. Of course the teachers are not on break. Pray for Nancy as principal and the teachers, esp. Martha, head teacher for the primary, and Salome, head teacher for the High School. They need wisdom, as this is a huge ministry opportunity for our church. Many of our high school students have failed out of the Solomon Island system. We take these “drop outs” {Those whose test scores are not high enough to get a place in a high school.} and we give them a second chance. Unfortunately some of the students have been cheating by stealing test score keys. Pray for the challenge Nancy and the teachers face.

Schmelzenbach’s visit:

We were privileged recently to have a visit by Harmon Schmelzenbach, our FSC (Field Strategy Coordinator) and his wife, Cindy, and son, Quinton. We are privileged to have such caring, servant leaders, over the Melanesia/South Pacific fields. The main purpose of their visit was to visit with and disciple the two Nazarene missionaries in the Solomon Islands and especially to look at our “Clifton StrengthsFinder” results. For those who are not familiar with this, it is from Gallup and involves an on-line assessment which we completed. We received the evaluation now we know our top 5 strengths.

For those interested here they are in order 1^st-5^th:

Nancy:

Learner – Loves to learn; Input – Inquisitive, likes to collect things; Intellection – Likes to think, mental activity; Belief – Has certain core values that are enduring; Responsibility – Takes psychological ownership for anything committed to.

George:

Responsibility– Takes psychological ownership for anything committed to; Developer – See potential in others, try to help others experience success; Positivity – Generous with praise, quick to smile, and on lookout for the positive in any given situation; Woo (Winning Others Over) – Enjoys meeting new people, strangers are rarely intimidating; Empathy – Sense emotions of those around, ability to feel what they feel.

That explains a lot. Those who know us well can comment if you agree with that assessment. It would be interesting to see what our next 5 strengths are, because as I read through the book I saw others that describe me pretty well. When we return from home assignment I plan to bring some of these books back and have our district team and English literate pastors take the assessment. As we train our key people to utilize their strengths.

CBHC:

We have an upcoming visit by Dr. Becky Morsch. We are planning CBHC visit into two communities, Munda and Iriiri Pasapasa. Pray for this outreach. We will have some local volunteers accompany Dr. Becky on her visit. This visit is scheduled for August 21^st – September 4^th. Begin now to bathe this in your prayers. We will keep you updated on this in future news letters.

Your Partners in His Ministry,

George and Nancy

George Miller, District Superintendent

Solomon Islands District - Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 712, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Office/Home: 677 25-109 Mobile: 677 74 68920

8 June 2010 prayer update

Dear Prayer Partner,

 

Thank you for your prayers.  We have been so busy that I have not taken time to write.  During these times of silence on our part, please continue with your intercession.  I really appreciate those of you who have inquired about our silence.  Your prayers have sustained us. 

Home Assignment Date Change:

Please note our home assignment dates have been changed.  We have moved the date forward one year.  Now we will leave for the USA on 7 December 2010 (this year).  We will only take a 3 month furlough, instead of the 1-year previously planned (2012), and will be available for deputation services through 6 March 2011.  We are trusting the Lord and praying that even with this change we will have a full slate of services.  Be in prayer supporting us.  God has always blessed us with a full schedule and we know as we are faithful He will make up the difference.  We will be residing with or near our grandchildren, which is in the Dallas & Oklahoma City areas, but we do not mind the travel and would love to get to our LINKS district(s).  We realize that district tours have probably already been set, but we are available if you can work us in.

The dates of our upcoming  Home Assignment - Dec 7, 2010 – March 6, 2011

For those of you who have booked your missionary speakers and unable to have us early 2011, here are the dates for our next home assignment (Mar. 16, 2013 - June 15, 2013).  Looking forward to seeing you.  Please contact us if you would like a deputation service.

Bible College Class & Trip to Western Province:

Bible College Class ended Friday.  This is the main thing that kept me busy.  During the block classes we hold two classes per day for 2 and half weeks.  Sometimes we use visiting teachers, but this time I did the teaching, and it certainly keeps me busy.  The classes are over now except grading of the final homework assignments and turning in the grades.  We had 10 students this time.  We were down some but last time we had eight or so students come in from Western Province but I felt for that many students I should travel there and teach a satellite course.  It should be less expensive for one teacher to travel to Munda than for 8 to 10 students to travel to Honiara.  Pray for me as I prepare to depart for this class on June 19^th.   Pray for Pastor Alick Hagi and the Munda congregation as they prepare to host the Bible College Class.

During this trip (June 19 – July 3) I plan to also travel around, following the 1-week course in Munda.  I plan on visiting two churches in the Western Province (Iriiri Pasapasa and Barakoma).  They have both built a new church building and I need to go check on them and get some photos to send to the donors.  Pray for Jimmy Kwaisui as he leads the church in Iriiri Pasapasa.  Pray for Kendrick Lonisasa in Barakoma.

Pray for this trip as I will also check in Munda on the progress of the land application.  While in Iriiri I will see about the possibility of CBHC (Community Based Health Care) working there.  Then I will check on the newly started “kindy” school that these two communities are operating.

During this time away I will not be on-line, but Nancy will be at home and will be able to reply.

Pastors and leaders:

Pray for pastors called into the ministry.  Pray for local leadership as we move forward.  We need to identify some diploma graduates to send for further schooling to obtain their bachelor’s degree.  We have a need of Bible College teachers.  Any gifts toward a scholarship fund to assist qualified students with their tuition and transportation costs, would be appreciated. 

Honiara Church: 

The Honiara church under the leadership of pastor Jeremiah Akoeasi has really caught a vision to help others.  They are a missional church and are looking at ministry opportunities these days.  It is exciting seeing the paradigm shift in this way.  Their church tithes and offering is up and their giving for others, which is a reflection of their emphases.  Continue to pray for our Honiara church as they have had some struggles in recent weeks.  Continue to pray for our youth (last prayer letter I sent you their names).

On a related note, Sunday I was informed that they are beginning a preaching point in the White River area.  Pray for this new work.  We have a number of members that travel from the White River area to our Zion Church and it will be great having a church near their residence.

ZCA School Break and ACE Training:

ZCA (Zion Christian Academy) will have their semester break beginning June 18.  Our teachers will be involved in an ACE training course.  There is a couple from New Zealand visiting the Solomon Islands who will be conducting training for ACE teachers in the Solomon’s. 

Water update:

Thank you for your prayers and support for this project.  It is much improvement, but for some reason I still haven’t achieved my aim which is when you turn on a tap water comes out.  I’m trying to figure out if the supply is inadequate, or we are leaving the taps open and wasting water or a combination.  We are using solar power to save money on electricity. 

Speaking of utilities, the power has been really dependable lately.  There have been only a few blackouts over the past few weeks and usually they have only lasted for minutes.  Thank you for your prayers.

Chickens:

Pray for Ezra and his chicken project.  The chickens are ready to dress and sell now.  Pray that he will have a good market for his birds.  He is doing this to raise money for his school fees.  He is a hard working young man.  I’m trying to help him with entrepreneurial skills.  He feels God has called him into ministry, and desires to serve the Lord when he finishes school.

Your Partners in His Ministry,

George & Nancy Miller

PO Box 712

Honiara, Solomon Islands

george_nancy@reachone.com

http://oceanianazarene.org

 

 

 

Prayer Update 28 April 2010

I want to thank you for your prayers. 

 

Easter Program: 

The Easter program at church was a huge success.  I posted a story and pictures on our blog:georgeandnancymiller.blogspot.com   

 

Trip to Malaita:

Thank you for your prayers.  I went and installed a pastor at a very small church.  Pray for the work on Malaita, Satan is hard at work there.  Please pray for unity and cooperation [team work] among our members, pray for the pastors’ families and especially their marriages and training of their children.  It seems there is much attack on the family, which is not surprising since this is the Biblical picture of Christ and the Church.

 

During one message, an illustration came to my mind, and after the message a lady came to me to explain to me her side of the story and how it all happened.  I was dumbfounded and replied, “What are you talking about?”  She asked, “Didn’t . . . [her husband/pastor] tell you anything?”  I had heard nothing but the illustration I used was exactly what was going on in her life.  It’s amazing how the Lord preaches messages through ordinary people.

 

Zion Christian Academy:

Remember Nancy and the ZCA school board in your prayers.  The school has really been making progress but they have some challenging issues concerning discipline of students and staff that needs to be bathed in prayer.  Today the Queen’s baton (Equivalent to the Olympic torch) is making its rounds through Honiara and will be visiting the school around 2 p.m. en-route to the commonwealth games to be held in New Delhi this fall.

 

Water:

We praise the Lord for our water well and supply.  This past Saturday I spent the day repairing the pastor’s rain collection system so we will have more water available.  It was a hot job on the roof.  Thank you for your prayers.  Also a special thank you to those who contributed toward this project. 

 

Land in Munda:

Pray for pastor Alick Hagi as he has put in a request to the government for land in Munda.  We now have a building we are using for worship but it belongs to someone else and we need a more permanent arrangement.  We need the Lord’s direction.

 

Elections:

Elections are coming up, sometime in June (a definite date is still to be announced).  This is always a tense/uncertain time in the Solomons.  Many people seem to forget about God and chase after politics, or their politician.  Our Parliament was dissolved this past weekend so the members and other intending candidates can campaign for election.

 

Rose Muaki:

Pray for Rose, a charter member of our Nukukaisi church (and Solomon Islands District).  She has been ill for two months now and she is now bed fast.  Dickson, her son, and family are planning a trip to Makira island to be with their mom.  Pray for her husband Dick, who has been visiting family in Australia, and will soon be returning to the Solomon Islands.

 

Youth:

Pray for our youth in the Solomon Islands.  They are facing lots of pressures and temptations as they have new freedom and electronic gizmos.  They are connected now with the rest of the world as never before, but with that connection comes a lot of garbage.  Let me give you some names to pray for.  Shema, Sophia, Simeon, Hannah, Jesse, Lisa, Barbara, Mona, Hephzibah, Alira, Ezra, Elishama, Franklyn, Melissa, Karen, Jimmy, William, Jonathan, Mary Esther, Enoch, Liev, John, Sandra, Noelyn, Jean, Crystal, Moffat, Margaret, Florence, Sally, Nicholson, Raymond, and Hudson.

 

Upcoming Trip:

Pastor Dolasi and I are planning a trip to Fiji departing May 4 returning May 8.  This is to attend the SPNTC (South Pacific Nazarene Theological College) Board of Trustees meeting.  Bathe this meeting with your prayers.

 

Bible College Class coming up:

Be in prayer for our next Bible College block classes coming up.  (May 19 – June 4)  This time I’ll teach Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation) and Church History 2 (post Reformation).

 

Home Assignment:

This is a ways off but I need you to begin praying for the work and replacement etc. to cover for us during the one year home assignment December 2011 through November 2012.  Also we would love to schedule a service in your church.  There is a new electronic way to schedule services now and I have no clue how to do it.  I suppose I need to find out.  If you are like me and have trouble with the on-line scheduling, but would like to have us in your church just contact us and we’ll put you in contact with someone to help you.

 

Final Remarks:

It has been very challenging getting our work done, I mean, with the power outages, Internet server down, photocopier on the blink, etc.  Pray for grace and patience.  As someone prayed, “Lord, I need patience and I need it now.”

 

Your partners in His Ministry,

George & Nancy Miller

PO Box 712

Honiara, Solomon Islands

george_nancy@reachone.com