The Fergusons

September 2012

770-507-5290; 404-406-1332; staceyferguson@bellsouth.net

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments (Ps. 119:10). The psalmist gives each of us a beautiful thought to practice in our daily lives. We should give ourselves wholly to the Lord. The idea is giving our all, a complete devotion and dedication to God. We love him more than anyone or anything else. We cannot give every corner of our heart to God, except. In the New Testament the idea is captured in Luke 10:27 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strengthen, and with all your mind.

PACIFIC ISLANDS BIBLE COLLEGE

We are always thankful to God for you faithfully supporting us to work for the Lord in the North, Central, and South Pacific. Each day I bring before the throne of God my thanksgiving for all the congregations and individuals who make our work possible. Along with that same prayer, I thank God I can serve in his kingdom doing mission work. The Pacific Islands Bible College continues to grow and accomplish the purpose of instruction, edification, and equipping. In Tarawa, we had several new students enroll in the College. This seems to always be the case no matter where we go. Nathaniel and I taught each evening. Nathaniel was teaching Job-Song of Solomon. He explained these books and taught practical lessons that apply for us today. I am impressed with his ability to teach at such a young age. I was blessed to share the Gospel of John with these brethren. Studying in preparation and then teaching it was rich and rewarding. The Christians enjoyed learning more about this wonderful book. Naumata Karotu has been taking the PIBC courses by correspondence. He lives on an outer island and does not have electricity. He has worked diligently to study the Bible college courses. The two classes we taught were his last two in completing all 24 courses. On the final night after we had returned the tests to all the students we gave him his diploma. He was excited to receive it. This was a great encouragement to the other Christians. After we had finished the activities, I had several others who wanted to start taking the PIBC class by correspondence and DVD. They want to receive their diploma like Naumata. During one of the Saturday afternoon sessions, Nathaniel and I taught the men and Renn taught both youth

classes. After class finished, one of the teenagers had a question. We gave her a Bible answer. At worship the next day I learned that she had been baptized later that night. I was talking to her mother. She told me that the answer to her question was one key in her decision to obey the gospel. On the trip a total of 4 people were baptized. Glory to God for the increase.

week, some of the women had gone back to work. Knowing that they still had family obligations and evening PIBC classes I wanted to be considerate of their time, so I would begin the class asking if they had questions. Each time they would indicate that maybe after the lessons they might have some things to ask. After the lesson, they always had some questions. They were unconcerned about hurrying. Oh to be more like that in Bible study.

With most opportunities to serve God, we also learn some things. Had I known before the trip that I would be asked Laborers together with him, so many difficult questions, Im not sure I would have had the courage to give the ladies time to ask what was on Stacy A MESSAGE FROM KATHY their hearts. I have learned by observing others whom I On this trip I was blessed with the chance to spend quite a bit of time with consider great teachers that it is best to let Gods word the Christian women who live in Tarawa. I was very busy, give the answer, and I didnt think I had the knowledge to and I loved it. Not only was I given the opportunity to find those scriptures for them to read without knowing teach the children, but I also taught the ladies of the two ahead of time what topics would be discussed. I wonder congregations that meet there. 1 Peter 3:15 says Be ready how many times in my life I have limited myself in what I to give an answer to every man who asks. Usually when was willing to do because I was nervous. God says in Matthew 25 that by using our I think about this scripture I think Kathy with the Ladies talents it helps us develop other about people who do not know skills in serving. Some of our the truth, but while I was on this greatest challenges can bring tiny island, I realized that it can about wonderful blessings if we also be applied to Christians who prepare the best we know how desire to grow and learn more and trust God to make us what he about Gods word. These women wants us to be. I thank him for challenged me with some very the grace of time that he has interesting questions. At the begiven me which has allowed me ginning of the classes, they would to do more for Him. I spent time start with questions related to the with these ladies trying to enlesson topic, and often that would courage them with the concept lead to others some related and that they could understand the some not. As they became more comfortable with asking for information, their questions Bible without missionaries, or others explaining Gods were about things that touched their personal lives or word to them, and that they could do much for God. With things that they had been struggling to handle. The ques- just a little bit of reassurance I saw some of them try things tion and answer sessions would often last close to an hour. that they were not certain they could do. My prayer for That was after classes had been going for about two hours. them and for us is that we continue to rely on God to take After the first few days, they did not even want to take a up the slack when we are giving our best. With this assurbreak. Before the trip, Stacy had encouraged me to prac- ance and a willingness to serve God as often as we can, the Love, Kathy tice sitting cross-legged. Now I know why! After the first Church will grow.

Stacy & Kathy Ferguson P.O. Box 1405 Forest Park, GA 30298