Building a galvanized metal pavilion out in the jungle was not all that easy. But the Lord helped us!

We piled into the cars.

Somehow managed to erect the tents.

Played lots of fun games!

Got really wet!

Enjoyed the good food!

Sang plenty of songs.

But most importantly: we got into God´s Word!

Camp was awesome! We can’t wait until next time!

January 2021

Dear friends, How can it possibly be 2021 already? Last year was truly one of the most unexpected of our life, and yet with it, God gave so many blessings as well. In this letter, we hope to summarize activities, outline goals, detail progress toward specific goals, and report on needs from this past year.

ACTIVITIES:  This year contained many surprises for the vast majority of the world’s population. However, this year was similar to previous years in some ways: preaching three services per week, other short devotionals, men´s and women’s discipleship groups, personal discipleship, outreach, and evangelism.

We normally visit the nearby tribal villages of Boca Inambari (an Amarakaere village where there is now a body of believers and a leader, Joel) and Santa Teresita (a Yine village), while we also have Segundo visit Tpishca, another Yine village further away, but most of those visits were canceled. This year, however, we sponsored and taught a modular Bible training class and had good attendance and growth.

We hosted a few teams and individuals, and saw great fruit at times, including an amazing medical team in February, which helped us reach out to six different needy villages along the Piedras river. The medical campaigns have been a major part of the multiple church plants in other jungle towns and a big boost here too! Segundo, our tribal missionary-in-training, has continued working in needy hearts and families around the city for the past 5+ years, and he has seen a few professions of faith, although the work is slow.

One of the largest and longest activities, which was obviously not planned by us, was the emergency food relief program. We were able to channel nearly 25,000 bags of food to needy families during the seven months of the quarantine here. I preached the Gospel hundreds of times right here in my front yard, and many responded with professions of faith!

GOALS: In 2020, we continued to focus on making more disciples of Jesus. Although there are lots of methods and gimmicks out there to promote church growth, we believe the main thing is making more disciple makers. Our goal is to see God glorified by reaching the lost, making disciples of Jesus, and training those disciples to do the work of the ministry.

We also planned to purchase the church property for the long-term growth and stability of the church. We received many generous gifts of all sizes, and were able to negotiate the price from $350k down to about $280k for the property which we were renting for nearly 10 years. We planned to have architectural plans drawn, acquire the permits, get some building quotes, and then start building after the rainy season was over! Although all of that took longer than we expected, we are very grateful for the progress. We rejoice that the church chose new officers, and elected its first two deacons!

PROGRESS TOWARD GOALS:  We are thankful to report that although several families moved away, we now have more people involved in serving every week, and we are seeing them grow as they serve. We will again be holding leadership training classes, Lord-willing.

Several members are holding Bible studies in different areas and many are spontaneously sharing the Gospel. Sara, a church member, who has now graduated from Bible college in Cusco is working with us as she pursues a medical degree in order to be of more use to the Lord! Maritza was Sara´s classmate and just arrived for a year-long internship with us as well.

Sofia is a church member studying in the Bible college in Trujillo, and is here serving with us during the break.  We now have Bible clubs and gospel-preaching works in multiple places and requests for help in several more areas.

We are thankful to report that we have several teams interested in flying down to work here, although CV-19 continues to make things uncertain! We are praying that God would send some other groups to help us build during the summer and fall months.  The footers, foundation, floor, columns, and exterior walls for the church-buildings first floor are nearly done. We are about to pour the second floor of the church building, and the folks are getting excited!

NEEDS: 1. We are praying for the construction of the property to go through without a hitch.  We still need to raise at least $10k for the floors and electrical components. 2. There is a group here (pictured below) who is trying to wrangle the property away. Since they have been unsuccessful, they are resorting to misinformation and trouble-making.

3. We are praying about whom God would have to pastor during our fall furlough and subsequently long term. We truly need wisdom and for God to provide. 4. The sink hole near our house seems to be stable after the temporary drains were built, but is now less than 70 feet away, so that is on our minds at times. 5. Our house has had significant leaks during every heavy rain, which caused wood rot. It will need some major repairs soon.

6. Our hearts still yearn to evangelize the unreached tribes, and although they are appearing on the riverbanks at times, God has made it clear that it is not yet time for us to move into the interior jungle. We continue visiting and building ties with the tribes as we can.

In Christ alone, Buddy and Loren

P.S. Please pray for funds and strength for our national co-workers, who often make do with a lot less.

P.P.S. Here are a few more photos, if you like. 

What is trust? How can you trust? Who should you trust? What does the Bible mean when it talks of trust?

Incredible as it seems, there are many Hebrew words for trust. Here a few that show up in the book of Proverbs (my focus of study right now).

Chaçah, khaw-saw´; a primitive root; to flee for protection 

This word has the meaning of “to lean on someone or something”. If you are hiking with a group of your friends and you sprain your ankle, you are going to lean on one of your companions to help you out of the wilderness. God is the one that we lean on when things get tough. We can also lean on our friends and family for support as well.

Prov. 14:32 ^zThe wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,

but ^athe righteous finds refuge in his death.

Prov. 30:5    ^tEvery word of God proves true;

he is ^ua shield to those who take refuge in him.

Aman primitive root; properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain;

Prov. 11:13 Whoever ^rgoes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Prov. 14:15 ^zThe simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Prov. 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

is ^ba faithful messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Prov. 26:25 ^vwhen he speaks graciously, believe him not,

for there are ^wseven abominations in his heart;

Prov. 27:6 Faithful are ^dthe wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Batach, baw-takh´; a primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as 2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure:—be bold

This word has the more concrete meaning of “to cling”. A related word, avatiyach (#20) is a melon which clings to the vine. Even though the melon is huge, just as our problems seem to be, the vine is very small. We may not see God but, his is our strength, the one who nourishes us just as the vine nourishes the melon.

Prov. 3:5    ⁱTrust in the LORD with all your heart,

and ^jdo not lean on your own understanding.

Prov. 11:15 ^tWhoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,

but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

Prov. 11:28 Whoever ^strusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will ^tflourish like a green leaf.

Prov. 14:16 ^aOne who is wise is cautious⁴ and ^bturns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

Prov. 16:20 Whoever gives thought to the word^{2 p}will discover good,

and blessed is he ^qwho trusts in the LORD.

Prov. 28:1    ^cThe wicked flee when no one pursues,

but ^dthe righteous are bold as a lion.

Prov. 28:25 A greedy man ^sstirs up strife,

but the one who trusts in the LORD will ^tbe enriched.

²⁶ Whoever ^utrusts in his own mind is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Prov. 29:25 ⁱThe fear of man lays a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.

Prov. 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

Kesel – properly, fatness, i.e. by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness or (in a good sense) trust:—confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin.

Prov. 3:26 for the LORD will be your confidence

and will ^qkeep your foot from being caught.

Galal – a primitive root; to roll (literally or figuratively):—commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.

Prov. 16:3 ^oCommit your work to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

Prov. 26:27 ^xWhoever digs a pit will fall into it,

and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

Zakhar – primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;

Prov. 31:7 ^plet them drink and forget their poverty

and remember their misery no more.

Mivtach – properly, a refuge, i.e. (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance:—confidence, hope, sure, trust.

Prov. 21:22 ^bA wise man scales the city of the mighty

and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

Prov. 22:19 That your trust may be in the LORD,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.

Tocheleth – to-kheh´-leth; from 3176; expectation:—hope.

Prov. 10:28 ^sThe hope of the righteous brings joy,

^tbut the expectation of the wicked will perish.

Prov. 11:7 When the wicked dies, his ^khope will perish,

and ^lthe expectation of wealth¹ perishes too.

Prov. 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

^hbut a desire fulfilled is ⁱa tree of life.

Tiqvah [876b]; from 6960a; a hope:—expectation(3), hope(28), longing(1).

from 6960; literally, a cord (as an attachment (compare 6961)); figuratively, expectancy:—expectation ((-ted)), hope, live, thing that I long for.

Prov. 10:28 ^sThe hope of the righteous brings joy,

^tbut the expectation of the wicked will perish.

Prov. 11:7 When the wicked dies, his ^khope will perish,

and ^lthe expectation of wealth¹ perishes too.

Prov. 11:23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,

ⁱthe expectation of the wicked in wrath.

Prov. 19:18 ^fDiscipline your son, for there is hope;

do not set your heart on ^gputting him to death.

Prov. 23:18 Surely ^vthere is a future,

and your ^whope will not be cut off.

Prov. 24:14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;

if you find it, there will be ^qa future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Prov. 26:12 Do you see a man who is ^jwise in his own eyes?

^kThere is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov. 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

^cThere is more hope for a fool than for him.

May the Lord use these verses to develop in us a greater trust in Jehovah.

Sources:

http://godspureword.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-7-hebrew-words-for-trust.html

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-Hebrew-words-for-trust-in-God

https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/studies-words/hebrew-words-for-trust.htm 

https://weekly.israelbiblecenter.com/hebrew-trust/

Strongs concordance and Hebrew dictionary. 

Guest post from Dr. Bud Steadman

Cal Thomas recently published an interesting article online relating to political compromise. As I read his challenge to the Republican party in this presidential election year, I was reminded of our responsibility to stay true to the Word of God and the Gospel mission that our Lord has given us.

Citing a new book by the granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Thomas wrote: “Susan Eisenhower writes admiringly about Ike’s pursuit of what she calls ‘the middle way.’ In a decision that still infects elements of the Republican Party today, Susan Eisenhower says Ike’s pursuit of compromise and centrism led to his decision to nominate Democrats as well as Republicans to the Supreme Court. She quotes Ike’s attorney general, Herbert Brownell: ‘The President believed and acted upon the belief that the Supreme Court’s membership should represent divergent ideological points of view.’ She says he believed this approach would ‘foster public confidence in the court…’ Our 34th president gave the Supreme Court two of its most liberal members, Justices William Brennan and Earl Warren. Ike would later come to lament those appointments, saying, ‘I made two mistakes and both of them are sitting on the Supreme Court.’”

Compromising on political issues of relative unimportance may legitimately be part of what our current president calls “The Art of the Deal.” Yes, there is a place for working with people of opposing viewpoints – but only when truth is not at stake.

Truth relating to politics is very important and unfortunately is in short supply with the media and most candidates today. Truth relating to the Word of God and the Gospel is eternally important. As we travel and observe the spiritual climate of churches, we are convinced of the need of revival among most Christians in our land. Too often it appears that the truth of the Gospel is in short supply because so many believers are simply not sharing it.

Why is there so little Gospel outreach being done and what it the impact of that neglect? Cal Thomas closed his article by quoting the title of Texas politician Jim Hightower’s book on the results of unprincipled political compromise, “There’s Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos.”

When a Christian tries to live for the world and for Jesus Christ at the same time, he is living in the middle of the road. Such believers compromise with sin and self, resulting in a lack of power and motivation to give the Gospel to the lost around them. It makes sense that they would likewise fail to be obedient in the matter of sending out missionaries. Where such compromise takes place, the yellow stripe of fear is manifesting itself. Such Christians fear taking a stand, fear being different from the world, fear what people think, and thus shrink from declaring the Good News – truth that is needed today more than ever.

Unfortunately, the result of such failure to share Christ leaves a “dead armadillo” in the middle of the road. When sinners do not hear and thus are not saved, their lives are not changed, but are brought to destruction. How we need the challenge of Romans 10:14-17, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!…So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

In this time of worldwide crisis, may God’s people rise to the challenges of standing uncompromisingly on the Word of God, of leading separated lives of godliness, and of experiencing the power of His Spirit to be bold in the Gospel! Only then will our churches be revived and sinners converted.

Thank you for letting me share the burden of my heart with you. May I also give you a good report of some wonderful things the Lord is doing relating to Baptist World and your fellow missionaries.

Despite the opposition of governments and the fear of the masses during the pandemic, people are being saved, disciples are being made and churches on the foreign field are growing. Consider as an example the impact of Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald in Peru – they have had tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel with the hungry souls impoverished by the economic downturn in the Amazon jungle. The Lord has provided for them to have a significant food distribution ministry in their city, preaching the Gospel daily to hundreds. Only time will tell the impact of this outreach.

Likewise many of you have reported new contacts and expanded interest among those who have been watching your services online. While the goal is to very soon have everyone back to church physically, God has been working in the midst of lockdown and giving fruit. Yes, the Gospel still has power today!

Travel continues to be a major issue for several of our BWM families, especially those who are on furlough and deputation. Will you pray that we will see a return of normalcy in this area so that these missionaries can literally be “going” with the Good News?

The work of the home office continues, though masks (by law) have become a part of our office attire when we interact with the tenants in our building. It has been a joy for our staff and administrators to keep up with you through email, phone calls, social media, etc. We daily pray for each of you on a rotating basis, especially as you answer the office email asking you to send in your requests.

Most of our missionary families continue to have stable income from their supporters. Our burden is that this continues and that the churches thrive spiritually and financially so that they can fulfill their role in funding missions around the world.

Ruth and I are enjoying serving the Lord in our role with BWM. Recently we had the opportunity to spend some vacation time with all of our children and grandchildren on a trip out West – and it was wonderful being Gramma and Papa. Our God is so good!

As we pray for you, may I thank you for your intercession for us around the Throne of God, and please keep it up!

For the Sake of His Name,

Bud Steadman
Executive Director
BWM

We are so thankful for the folks the Lord has sent to help us, as we preach and make disciples!

Richard is one of our deacons.

Segundo is another church deacon. I am discipling him to be a full-time missionary to his tribe, the Yine people.

David (right foreground) is a former intern who recently returned and is showing great growth!

Cris was in an apostate church but got saved and baptized. He and his family have been with us almost a year.

Manuel is a Colombian friend. He comes faithfully to help, but is not yet a believer.

Ester was in a church that is very unsound doctrinally. She started to understand the truth, got saved, and then came to us. Loren has been discipling her. We were thrilled with her testimony to the ladies!

Magnita is a national Yine missionary. She was hoping to return to her village months ago, but has been a real blessing here.

Yanet came to us desperate to get baptized so that she could go to heaven. Praise God, we had the privilege of witnessing to her and her family and now discipling them. She also gave her testimony to the ladies outside!

Pictured here but not mentioned earlier are: Karim, Silver, Miguel, Omar, Cesar, and Margarita. Several of them are new believers, and several are not yet saved. You can see here how God has provided great opportunities at this crucial time! God has given us a great group to voluntarily help with His wonderful work here!

Thank you for your prayers and support!

We truly appreciate your prayers so much!

It has been amazing and strengthening to see how the Lord has worked to provide, allowing us to nourish both body and soul of so many people here! Without your prayer and support this would not be possible. Grace and peace.