June 2019 MAP Update
575 US Highway 250 | Greenwich OH 44837 | Office: (419) 962-1515 |
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Velda and New Beginnings Legacy Wall and CommUnity Crusade
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Velda and New Beginnings |
Good things have been occurring at New Beginnings Homestead, and it’s the perfect time of year to remember that new things take the place of old things. That’s exactly what’s happening here at the homestead, and I want to share some of that with you. Currently, four young ladies are calling New Beginnings Homestead their home. Our latest sister joined us in April, and it’s been wonderful having her here with us. Katrina has been able to find her little niche at Beyond Measure Market, and she’s doing a great job there. She also recently got her driver’s permit. I’ve watched her become very involved in spiritual matters, such as going to church and being part of small groups and Bible studies. It is such a blessing watching her and the other young women seeking after God and being changed, and I can honestly say that is the greatest joy about ministry! However, life has not been completely without mishaps. Elaine hurt her knee/leg, and has been off work for some time. It has been challenging for her in various ways, but she’s been dealing with it like a champion. Needless to say, it will take a while for things to be completely back to normal for her. Through all the good and the bad, God has been supremely good. One of the girls just recently shared with me that she gave her heart to Jesus, which is yet another demonstration of His great grace and mercy! Whether it is through seasons of waiting, happiness, sadness, or joy, God is always faithful in His ministry to us. We are forever grateful to Him for what He is doing! Until next time, Velda Kaye Miller |
Magda Returns |
You may remember that Magda traveled to the US in 2018 and spent three months serving with MAP. Today she has an update for you, along with some prayer requests. She writes: I graduated from University of Amsterdam last October and started working at a bakery three days a week. When I am not working, I help take care of my niece and nephew. I enjoy every single minute I get to spend with them! When I returned home after my visit to the US last summer, I immediately had a desire to return and serve with MAP. My dear American hosts, Wayne and Chris Vallowe, communicated with the immigration service to find out whether or not there were opportunities for me to get a longer-term visa. The Lord ended up making the visa process very smooth, and I got a volunteer visa for six months (with a possible extension for another six months)! Glory be to Him! I hope to arrive on July 23. While in the US, I plan on helping Velda Miller in the New Beginnings Homestead, as well as helping in the store and the MAP office, just wherever I am needed. This trip means giving up my job and residence, but God is in control of that. I do feel the Lord’s calling on my heart, and doesn’t He ask us to give everything up for the kingdom’s sake? Thank you for taking the time to read my update! I would also appreciate your prayers, since leaving my family, friends, and boyfriend behind for such a long time will be hard. Your sister in Christ, Magda Adriana |
Legacy Wall and CommUnity Crusade |
We’re excited to announce that we are in the final stages of building our New Beginnings Homestead. After hanging a few pieces of trim and a couple doors in the basements of Apartments B and C, we will be ready to close this chapter! Looking back, the most amazing part about this journey has been seeing God provide for the cost of the apartment building in full! Together we raised almost $400,000! Thank you! As a reminder of all the sacrifice, time, and labor that went into building these apartments, we have created a plaque that lists all the names of people who were involved in making it happen. If you ever get a chance to come and visit, we would love to show you our “Legacy Wall,” made from beautiful oak and filled with gold-plated name tags. It hangs in the New Beginnings Community Room for all to see so we will be continually reminded of you, God’s people, and your sacrifice and outpouring of love to make a difference in our generation. Since opening the doors on September 1, 2018, nine women from six different states have lived in or are currently living in our New Beginnings apartments. On another note, God is stirring hearts in many different Amish communities. One of those communities is Middlefield, Ohio, where both young and old are surrendering their hearts to Christ and following the Lord in baptism. In one case, an Amish husband got saved and got baptized by immersion; as a result, family and church members removed his wife from her home, fearing she would follow in her husband’s footsteps. In addition, many Amish churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and northern Indiana are threatening and banning members from family fellowship and community— simply because they got saved and are attending Bible studies. An Amish bishop recently asked a member, “What can we do to keep our people from leaving the Amish?” The member replied, “Take their English Bibles away and force them to stick with the old German transcript, and you will keep them.” Unfortunately, these kinds of situations are not uncommon. We have been seeing more and more of it happening. I’m often reminded of the immense grip that traditions and man-made rules have on a culture; they overpower the grace and simplicity of the gospel and freedom in Jesus Christ. Beginning June 5, we are having another CommUnity Crusade in the Middlefield, Ohio, area. There will be nonstop worship, prayer, and preaching—24 hours a day—for four days. You are welcome to join us; we are expecting God to move mightily! —Joe Keim |
It All Adds Up |
After five years of faithful service to MAP, accountant Rosa Warner has made the difficult decision to move on. She worked here part-time, but recently got a full-time job, and although she tried hard, working both jobs at the same time was a lot for her to handle. We want to thank her for her hard work and dedication, and we wish her well in her new job. |