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

 

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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,