Written by Paul J Bucknell on September, 06, 2023
Prayer Letter #385

Lots of Happenings!

Dear Prayer Partners,

We are in Pittsburgh for a busy and exciting week. Besides meeting with two church mission committees, Paul will be part of an ordination council for a dear brother serving as pastor at PCCO. We will meet with many old friends, pastors, elders, and coworkers. Over the years, we have seen quite a few people from our congregations go into full-time ministry from both Chinese churches. Many churches depend only on their full-time staff rather than expend energy to develop new leaders. Our Chinese churches have had to keep training more leaders because of a high turnover rate in a predominantly college-student church.

I also have the privilege to preach God’s Word at OIF, the congregation where we formerly attended and served. Last Sunday, we worshiped at Austin Square Baptist Church, which first sent us out into the mission field in 1981 to Taiwan for church planting with OMF.

Zoom Session #6 with the pastors in India is complete. I address these pastors' many struggles while teaching through Overcoming Anxiety: Finding Peace, Discovering God. I asked for and received a list of more than twenty worrisome issues. My translator is in the picture. They are so appreciative. Several stated that they want more training.

We thank the Lord for giving Jagannath a safe return and strength to lead the team to train many new coworkers attending his training school in West Bengal, India. Their unique method is to come together and train for a month at ministry school and then return to their villages to start churches. They will return for several more training sessions.

I recently received my book for church strategy from my editor. This global plan utilizes the church’s unity to complete the Great Commission. Keep praying for God’s powerful work in His people. 

 Praise

• The Indian Zoom classes have four sessions left, each Friday morning. Each recording has been added to our Telugu resources!
• The Lord graciously continues to give me faith and ideas for many writing projects. The fourth article on AI and the Christian church awaits editing.
• Linda has traveled well despite her heart condition. We spent time in New England with our moms and extended family; Linda’s Mom celebrated her 90th birthday.
• Pastor Jagannath had an emergency room visit when with us. Praise God he had bought a good USA health travel policy. He managed to present his work at our church but returned to India early.

Pray

• I asked one brother to translate my new strategy book into Chinese. He rightly wondered whether the church could accept this book. I agree, but join me in praying that the church might be revived.
• I just received the book back from the editor and plan to upload it today before publishing it. This brief book will be free; I’m encouraging Christians everywhere to send it out as much as possible.
• Pray for Jagannath, the leader of KMM India ministries, as they train a new class of coworkers in the Lord.
• Though still seeking healing for Linda’s heart, she is fairly prepared for the Sept. 27th surgery. Pray for this and no infections.
• Grace as Paul presents BFF ministry to the 2 churches this week.
• Pray for the Spirit to use Paul's two messages this weekend powerfully.
• Paul’s mom needs to move to another long-term care facility this weekend. Pray for a smooth, peaceful transition for her.