AUGUST 2007  

PRAYER & PRAISE REPORT

Dear Beloved TMCI Family,

What a Mighty God we serve! Isn't it amazing that He holds the universe in His hand yet still cares for even the smallest details of our lives? Over and over again, He reveals His glory and grace by guiding us through every challenge we face. The two things that God cannot do is lie or fail. So, let's boldly face life's uncertainties with total confidence in Him!

Though most of the TMCI fellowship is busy ministering in our local communities, this is also the season of supporting God's work around the world through short term missions. This month we want to highlight our visit to Pastor Philip Boimah of Monrovia Liberia. For three years now, he and his congregation have diligently prayed for establishing a ministry partnership with TMCI. The "Grass Roots Women's Prayer Ministry" led by Sister Gloria Boimah, played a major role in that. These ladies have proven their motto that "when women pray, things happen!"

Missionary to the homeless (and now abroad) Brother Steven Getz writes "As I got off the plane in Liberia, I was surrounded by people grabbing my bags trying to get a tip to carry them. I was overwhelmed. Immediately, a large man came forward telling the people to get back. He looked at me and said, "Brother Steven!" I knew instantly it was Philip Boimah... His eyes said to me that everything was OK. I could see and discern in my spirit that he was and is a man after the Father's heart." Steven had sensed the Lord’s call to Africa 15 years ago. God is so faithful!

As Americans, very few of us can understand the horrors of war that Liberians endured in the 1990's. Everyone there has been touched by tragedy and heartache at some degree. The evening before the United Nations forces came and restored civil order, a desperate city wide prayer service was held at the local soccer arena. Liberian Christians are quick to testify that the Lord heard their cry. This nation has experienced the grace of Jesus Christ in a special way. Though significant social challenges remain, they are so grateful for the end of the violence. As a result, they are creative and ambitious to serve God and let His light shine through them.

Pastor Philip Boimah came to faith in Christ as a teenager. He knows the cost of losing all for the sake of Christ and looks back with no regrets. He is a great example of the optimism shared among Liberian people. Along with pastoring, Brother Philip leads a Bible Certificate program. A very special part of our time with him included the graduation 15 lay pastors. These dear saints will carry on important outreach and church planting initiatives to the surrounding communities and villages. This service was a sacred and powerful time. Pastor Boimah was so moved in spirit that he had to pause several times before proceeding with their commissioning. We had the joy of providing a love offering for an agriculture project and a computer to help with their growing administrative needs. God is good!

Remember this year’s Annual Conference here in Columbia is September 19-21. There will be much more news on Liberia and other overseas partners. Each year we are reminded through one another that God’s promises are being fulfilled daily in our midst. Please come if you can!

In the love of Jesus, Brother Scott Szalwinski

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"
(Psalm 37:4)

                                                                            Grace Prayer Sanctuary