April 2024 Ministry Report

 Dear Prayer-Partners, Friends, Fellow-Laborers,

 

Kathy and I are very aware of the part you play in the ministry we have in missionary care with Liebenzell Mission USA (LMUSA). Thank you.

What do I mean, when I speak of “Missionary Care”?

I think the easiest way to describe it is to remember two simple facts: Before missionaries were missionaries, they were people. People need spiritual care. What we are seeking to do is to provide pastoral care to our missionary family. As far as LMUSA, we are the first personnel specifically tasked with this function in the recent past, maybe ever. What does that look like?

•       We host a monthly Zoom meeting for praise, prayer, news and encouragement. between three and ten of our missionaries (different folks from month to month)  participate.

•      I send out a monthly article called, “An Encouraging Word.” The name is self-explanatory.
•      We are available—sometimes we make ourselves available by making a call—to encourage, pray with, and counsel with missionaries.
•      I send birthday and anniversary greetings to the missionaries. When possible, I send a birthday present to missionary kids.
•       We travel to visit missionaries where they serve. I was recently in Zambia. We are sorting out schedule and other complications for a trip to Guam. I’ll be in New Jersey next month.
•      I serve as a “consulting member” on the LMUSA Board of Trustees. This gives me the opportunity to advocate for the interests of our missionaries.
•      I’m involved in encouraging churches in their efforts in working with the missionaries they send out and/or support.

    ·     When appropriate I am involved in speaking to churches and groups, and mission conferences to encourage Great Commission involvement. On my recent trip to Zambia, I spoke eleven times. I’ll be one of the speakers at the Hudson Taylor, Founder’s Day Event, May 17-19, at LMUSA Headquarters in NJ. If you’d like to join us, let us know.

·       As in any small ministry, we seek to help out where we can.

As we seek to minister to the fine folks who make up our LMUSA missionary family, I am often reminded that they are people of whom the world is not worthy (Hebrews 11:38). It is a privilege.

We are privileged to serve in this way as volunteers. Our personal and household needs are met by retirement income. We do, however, maintain an account with LMUSA to cover expenses. This year I’ve travelled to Zambia, California, and New Jersey. Both of us plan to go to New Jersey for the Founders Day, and we hope to travel to Guam, where several LMUSAers serve. You can donate to our account via the online portal at the bottom of this letter, or write us for other options.

Most of all we thank you for praying for us.

·       While in Zambia I spoke twice at the Amano Christian School Staff retreat, eight times at the Zambia Baptist Association Leaders Conference, and at the Sunday morning service at Luanshya Baptist Church. Thanks for your prayers. I made it.

·       Missionary service can bring stress to families. Pray for wives, husbands, parents, and kids. Pray that Kathy and I will have wisdom.

·       One missionary family I was just with is much in need of a car. If you’d like to help them, I’d be glad to help you help them.

·       Wash your ears out with this. We hear lots of bad news South of our US border. LMUSA missionaries are planting churches, discipling believers, training leaders, and raising up missionaries to reach the unreached. Our team in Latin America is growing.

·       Please pray that we can coordinate schedules to have a productive trip to Guam. Our folks there have had a tough time.

·       Pray that we’ll be creative and diligent to encourage and help these dedicated servants in the LMUSA family, and where possible, even beyond.

By His Grace,

 Howard & Kathy

 

 

 

      Recruiting at the Biola U Missions Conference with colleagues Prisca and George Shakwelele

 

****************************************************

A Supplemental Update from the Merrells:

I have mentioned for a while now a trip to Guam. At first, I mentioned Kathy going by herself, and then most recently both of us going. We have actually scheduled a trip, May 19 – 29.

I’m currently working on details for when we are on the ground on Guam.

LMUSA has several personnel on Guam, and we have several more allies who are involved in ministry at Pacific Islands University, where Kathy and I served for 4.5 years. We want to check on all of them that we can. I’ve also been asked to participate in the PIU Board Meeting.

There was a lot of kind response to our last report, which, described the work we are doing encouraging missionaries. Thank you. If you would like to partner with us in continuing this ministry, please pray and see the link below.

The picture was taken at the PIU staff appreciation banquet, shortly before we left Guam four years ago. The mask around my neck is a reminder of COVID days.

By His Grace, we continue to serve,

Howard & Kathy,

 

 

                            

January Ministry Report:

Ministry Update from Howard and Kathy Merrell:

There are several things I need to share with you. You, through your prayers, support and encouragement have a part in what we are doing. We are thankful.

December and January have been a busy two months:

·       Preparation for ministry in Zambia.

·       Christmas Service at Woodland Church, where I serve as interim pastor and Kathy plays piano.

·       Christmas week with family in South Carolina.

·       January 1-17, Africa, more below.

·       Catching up, routine medical appointments, and regular ministry schedule.

It is a privilege to serve. Thanks for making it possible.

Zambia:
My main purpose in going to Zambia was to visit, encourage and check up on our LMUSA personnel

there and minister in ways that are helpful to what they are doing. I was in three locations of this lovely country.

Amano Christian School, Chingola Zambia:
We have two families who serve with LMUSA who are integral members of the ACS team. Martin and Jovita Pflaum and Aaron and Andrea Anderson. I actually arrived in Zambia on the same plane as the Pflaums. They were returning from a furlough in the USA and Germany.
In Zambia the school year starts in January. ACS holds a staff retreat right before the start of the new school year. I was privileged to be the spiritual life speaker of the on campus gathering. The two sessions centered on attitude—specifically the

Christ attitude--from the book of Philippians. I interacted not only with the LMUSA personnel but with a number of staff members. I was hoping to also meet the students and interact with them. Unfortunately, the start of all the schools in Zambia was delayed because of a cholera outbreak, mainly in the Capital, Lusaka. The delayed start date was supposed to be yesterday, but the authorities have declared another two-week delay. Pray for the staff there. They are doing online education.
ACS is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to use teaching interest and education for the Lord. Look at their website, or get in touch with me. I’ll introduce you to the right people. ACS is one of the better schools in Zambia. The opportunity to impact the nation for Christ is there. (The picture is the guest house where I stayed.)

From ACS I traveled to Kitwe, where Francis and Beatrice Manana are involved with Center for Christian Ministry University. I was privileged to be the “mule” for transporting about two suitcases full of computer parts that the school can use. I enjoyed my time in the Manana’s home. Francis and Beatrice are examples of the “internationality” of missions. They are Ugandans. They served several years in church work near Washington DC and now are helping to raise up leaders in Zambia.

From there I went to Ndola, where I was the speaker at the Zambia Baptist Association’s Leaders Conference. The theme of the conference was, “Why Am I Hear?”—why am I in this position of leadership. In seven messages and one Q&A, we explored that question. I thought we connected well. Thanks, Kathy, for your support in helping me prepare. Eight sessions in two days was a lot. I was aware of and encouraged by your prayers. Thank you!

Here are most of the attendees at the ZBA conference. They are holding their gift copies of Paul Seger's book on leadership. Thanks, Paul.

After the conference I stayed at the Liebenzell Guest House, Brita and H. P. Hertler, Africa field leader for LM Germany, took good care of me. H. P. gave me a ride to Luanshya Baptist Church, where I had my last ministry opportunity of the trip.

Thanks for helping us serve. Check our
missions blog for more pictures.

It is a privilege to partner with you,
H&K

More pictures:

Opportunities to make a difference:

 I've been pretty busy since I got home from Zambia, last week.
Part of my business has been getting over jetlag. It actually went pretty well. My lost suitcase finally arrived on Monday.

So, stay tuned, I'll be putting together a complete report, soon.

In the meantime, let me remind you of what my main, missions-related job is. Basically, I'm a pastor to missionaries. While I did a lot of things in Zambia, my main purpose in going was to encourage the Liebenzell USA missionaries (and some partners) who serve there. What a privilege.

I get to rub shoulders, cyber-wise and in person, with really great people, "[people] of whom this world [is] not worthy" (paraphrase of Hebrews 11:38). Some of them are in need of support, others are involved in projects that have the potential to make a great difference. If you are looking for a way to invest in Great Commission ministry let me know. I can share some options.

By His Grace,

HM

A brief report from Zambia

 I am nearing the end of my first trip to Africa. During the first part of my trip I was at the Amano Christian School in Chingola, Zambia. I may have a few pictures from there, but I haven't transferred them to my computer, yet, so, I'll just say that I was received very warmly. I enjoyed my time there speaking to the staff of the Amano Christian School in their Staff Retreat, starting off the 2024 school year. I also visited with LMUSA missionaries and other staff at the school. I'll get the pictures transferred when I can and tell you more about that end of my trip, later. 

I would ask you to pray for Amano, and all of Zambia. I was supposed to actually visit classes and do dorm devotions after school started. However, a cholera outbreak, primarily in the capital city, Lusaka, delayed the start of all primary and secondary schools by 2 weeks.

I was pleased to spend time with Beatrice and Francis Manana in Kitwe. I briefly visited Center for Christian Ministry University, where Francis teaches. I dropped off my load of computer parts there, and enjoyed lunch with some of the staff. These parts will be combined with other components to make computers for CCMU students to write papers, etc.

Earlier today I finished the eight-session series I did with leaders in the Zambia Baptist Association, at their headquarters in Ndola. It was a marvelous experience. We worked together to answer the question, "Why am I here?"--here in this position of leadership.

You can find a few pictures of my time with ZBA folks, here.

A Quick Update on the Way Out the Door

 I just read a report from one of the missionaries I'll be visiting with next. More in a moment, but for now, they mentioned the work it takes to balance family and work. Even as senior, empty-nester, "part-timers," Kathy & I have to work at that. Sometimes life is just full.

We got home, last night, from a wonderful visit with family in SC. 

On the way home we stopped at 2 stores to get a couple of items for two of the missionaries we'll see. The phone store was a zoo.

I was able to rise early every day we were gone, except 1, and I worked while Kathy drove. I got my prep to a phase I can say it is "done." PTL. Thanks for your prayers.

I have session handouts to print today, and packing, including all the "freight" I'm taking to others.

In the morning we'll pack the car and head to church where I am interim pastor. After church, we'll head up to Kathy's brothers where we'll spend the night and then head to Dulles Airport Monday morning.

Here is the schedule I know. There'll be a lot more worked in.

• 10:00 AM 1/1, take of from Dulles for a 13 hour flight to Ethiopia. I arrive there 1/2.
• After a 4 hour flight I arrive in Zambia, just before noon.
• For the first part of my stay I'll be at Amano Christian School in Chingola
  1/4&5, I'll speak 2 times and lead 2 discussion times at ACS's staff retreat.
  
• 1/10 I'll move to a fellow missionary's home in Kitwe.
• 1/11&12 I'll speak 8 times at the Zambia Baptist Association Leadership Conf.
• 1/14 I speak at Luanshya Baptist Church.
• 1/16, 12:45 PM, I start home. One flight will make a stop in Zimbabwe and the other in Rome. I get back to Dulles, 8:00 AM, 1/17.

About that family I just heard from. They are in need of support. In addition they are helping a Zambian family and an orphan college student. If you'd like to "meet" the Andersons, let me know, and I'll forward their letter. One of the items I bought, yesterday, is for the Andersons. If you'd like to make it a late Christmas present, let me know.

Also, please pray for Kathy, while I'm gone.

I'll see you on the other side.

By His Grace,

Howard Merrell

LMUSA Missionary Care Associate

(540) 620-8429

2106 S Carpenter Drive

Covington VA 24426

December News Letter

 

Some of Chad's family with us at Falling
Spring

Dear Partners,

 

I’m sitting out in my little 4 x 8 study. I’m taking a break from preparing some messages to write to you. I’ll be sharing the messages I’m working on in Zambia. I leave for my first trip to Africa on January 1. I’ll be gone for a bit over two weeks. Here is my rough itinerary.

·       I arrive at Ndola in Zambia on January 2.

·       I’ll go to Amano Christian School in Chingola to check in with missionaries who serve there. I’ll also meet with some of the students. I’ll share two messages and      lead two follow-up sessions in the Amano Staff Retreat.

      On the 10th I’ll travel to Kitwe, where I’ll be the guest of an LMUSA couple who serve at the Centre for Christian Missions University.        

      On the11^th and 12^th, I’ll be speaking eight times at the Zambia Baptist Association Leadership Conference. The theme of the conference is, “Why am I here?” I.E., why has God given me this position of leadership?

·       On the 14th I’ll speak at the Luanshya Baptist Church.

·       I begin the journey back on January 16.

In addition to preparing for the trip to Zambia, we continue to speak into the lives of the missionaries who make up the LMUSA Family. I lead a monthly Zoom meeting for missionaries and do some writing. Earlier this month I traveled to New Jersey two times, once to represent Pacific Islands University at a fundraising event and once for the Fall Board Meeting. Kathy is still planning to travel to Guam; she’s waiting for the right timing. She’ll be helping out and encouraging a single lady missionary, there. Watch for an update.

Please pray for our Global Ministries Director, Mike Branch. Mike is on a medical leave undergoing treatment for CIDP, a rare but treatable disease that attacks the nerve coating. To help cover for Mike, eight of us missionaries are taking a measure of administrative oversight for a particular area of the world. My sphere of interest is the USA, including USA territories. The plan is for the arrangement to continue after Mike’s recovery.

·       From the above you’ll notice some things to pray about.

·       You can see that, in particular with the new administrative responsibilities, we’ll probably be doing some more traveling, so please pray that our fund will remain funded. If you choose to invest in what we are doing, see the link below. Our fund is only used to cover ministry expenses.

·       One of our missionary families, who serve stateside, is moving. Pray that it will be a good move.

·       A single missionary lady is dealing with an attack of shingles. Pray that she recovers quickly.

·       Thank the Lord, with us, for the reports of good work that we hear about. Here is a sample.

·       Between now and January 17, when I arrive back home, I’d appreciate you praying for me as I prepare, travel, minister, and travel back. It’ll be a busy time. Please also pray for Kathy. She’ll be keeping things going back here.

We thank the Lord for good health, for a great thanksgiving with some of our family, and for you. You are here with me in my closet-study. You’ll be traveling with me as I fly, as well as staying here with Kathy, and you are part of our ministry of caring for those who share, as well as the teaching, preaching, counseling, and encouraging I’ll do in Zambia.

I probably won’t send another prayer letter until I get back, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas. The angel proclaimed, “[T]oday in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” That proclamation still needs to go forth. It is our privilege to work with and encourage those who are the proclaimers. Thanks for standing with us.

By His Grace,

Kathy & Howard

PS: Merry Christmas

 

 

November Newsletter

 Dear Partners in Ministry,

There are days when the news I hear from the missionary family, Kathy and I are privileged to work with, reminds me of the Book of Job. Did you know that:

·         The parents and grandparents of missionaries die at the same rate—1 each—as everyone else’s mom, dad, and grands?

·         Missionary kids get sick, like our kids?

·         Missionaries’ cars break down at inconvenient times? (Trust me; I know about this one.)

·         Ducks don’t line up just because someone has the title of missionary.

·         Unlike most of the rest of us, many missionaries deal with all of the above, and a great many more things that regular folk are only vaguely aware of.

Our goal as Missionary Care Associates is to be listening ears, compassionate friends, fellow grievers and rejoicers as the situation demands, someone who loves on the MKs (missionary kids) and more. We want to be there for these dedicated servants.

We greatly appreciate your prayers on our behalf.

·         In our last prayer letter, we asked you to pray for Kathy as she spoke at a women’s retreat in New Hampshire. The experience went well. I heard good reports about her ministry. We are very thankful to two dear friends for their help with logistics.

·         The recent death of a lovely friend and fellow-servant reminded to not take the measure of health we have for granted. Thanks for your part in that, through your prayers.

·         Mike, my supervisor at LMUSA, whom I mentioned in our last letter, continues to deal with weakness and tiredness. He is seeking further medical counsel.

There are several things going on right now and in the near future in our ministry. Please pray with us.

·         We are staying in touch with a life-long missionary, one of the toughest, most caring, faithful missionaries--or just anybody--that I’ve ever met. Our friend came perilously close to the “end of the rope” recently. Kathy has carried most of the weight on this one. It will likely involve a long trip for her sometime in the next six months. Please pray for our associate. Ask God for wisdom for us.

·         All human organizations are made up of humans with all our hang-ups and issues. Pray for the leaders in our mission as they try to help us work smoother and more effectively. This should encourage you to pray for them. Sometimes they listen to me.

·         I continue the simple practice of sending birthday greetings (sometimes late) to all our missionaries (at least those who let us know when their birthday is). On behalf of the mission, I send gifts to the MKs. Pray that this simple act will help communicate, “You are loved.”

·         January 1, I’ll be flying to Zambia. It’ll be a busy couple of weeks. We have several missionaries at Amano Christian School, in Chingola. I’ll be doing what I did for decades, pastoral visitation, with them and probably some other servants of our Lord. I’ll be the Spiritual Life speaker at the staff training session before the new school term starts up. I’ll be Uncle Howard to some kids.
I’ve also been asked to be the speaker at the Zambia Baptist Association Leaders Conference. One of our missionary couples works with this group. I’ve been asked to address the question, “Why am I a leader?” I am to speak eight times, five on one day and three the next. As of yet, I don’t even know exactly how to ask you to pray. Just pray! Romans 8:26-27 is appropriate.

·        

I’ll be making two trips to New Jersey in the next couple of weeks. One as a presenter in a fundraising event. I’ll be representing PIU. The other for the mission’s fall Board meeting.

Your generous giving in the past has made these current activities possible. Obviously, some of what I just mentioned will make a hit on our account. I’d be out of line to compare myself with the Apostle Paul, but I do consider you to be faithful supporters as were the folks in the Philippian church.

You have done well to share with us in our ministry . . .. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account . . ..  We have received what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:14-19, personalized by hm )

By His Grace,

Kathy & Howard