Baja Prayer Call! A Call for the Prayers of Many (2Cor 1:11)

Dear BCM Partners,

 Lord God, thank You for faithfulness and loving-kindness in making way for this ministry to bring Your good news to many lives in Baja! Thank you for linking us with such wonderful partners, repairers of the breach (Isaiah 58:12) and touching hearts to be willing to join the "prayers of many" (2Cor 1:10-11) team to partner with YOU... to make a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19).

Lord God thank You for making provision possible and raising up teams to advance the Kingdom of God in Baja… 

We have been blessed with many wonderful teams thus far in 2011. La Jolla Presbyterian Church sent a team last weekend to bring major blessing. Ahead of us. we have a busy weekend and April that was launched this morning that asks for your prayer coverage please…

This morning, Friday, Scott Griffith led a Baja house build team! It’s primarily purpose is to train present and future Baja leaders from Mariners Church, to raise up and make way for more Mariners groups to be established and flow into Baja  to build more houses with us!  What precious news!  Building in the Multiplier! Thank You Lord God! Please keep them covered in prayer! Check out this video from one of their many past builds! Thank you! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSc3Q-bZEj4

Tomorrow morning, Saturday, Ken Primeau, Don and Cynthia Grabow, Greg Keenan and Bill Stafferi are leading a team from Beachpoint Community Church, Huntington Beach, CA to build a church building in Santa Cruz, Baja. Please cover this team in prayer! Pray for great victories and breakthroughs and God's blessing, fullness of joy and protection from the ploys of the enemy to discourage them. Thank you!

Sunday morning, Rolling Hills Christian  Church of El Dorado Hills, CA led by Heather Simons and RH’s leadership team is engaging a very large team of 156 people, April 1-5, to build  9 homes and to reconcile many lives to Jesus Christ our King! Thank you Jesus! Please cover them in prayer for HIS blessing, protection and fullness of joy as they serve Him. Check out this video of one of their past trips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb55uOJmihI

Towards the end of next week we have another Home for Home team from Washington and  First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, CA coming in to serve, thenSierra Madre Congregation, Irvine Presbyterian, Cerritos Baptist and the Crossing Church follow them: Please keep these teams in your prayer! 

http://www.bajachristian.org/current-schedule/ 

 The Word of God through the Bibles/ Purple Books are continuing to spread rapidly and being honored through Baja!  Precious partners recently made another generous gift which allowed two more large cities and regions, Mexicali and Ensenada to be opened up to the gospel through Bible/Purple Book distribution to many spiritually hungry souls.  A total of 85,404 Bibles and PB’s have been distributed to date. 40,986 Purple Books have been completed. Our Baja leadership team is foreseeing our distribution to go over 100,000 mark by the end of the summer thanks to God’s open door and the kindness and generosity of this precious gift! (2Cor 9:12-15) Please join us in praying God’s blessing and protection upon this couple and all the partners that are making all these acts of ministry service possible through God’s guidance, provision and grace!

Your prayers are so vital and appreciated! Thank you for standing with our King and with us in this ministry! May God bless you abundantly!

Bob Sanders

 www.bajachristian.org

Great Promises from God In This Time Of Need!

2 Peter 1:4  states that God... "has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 

When times of trouble come upon the world does not God faithfully promise a way of escape or protection for His people? Do these promises come to us by way of osmosis or do they engage our trust in HIM along with a call to obedience to certain conditions He lays out?  If you do this, then I'll do this. For example, in the message to the church of  Philadelphia Christ states, among other important conditions, (Rev 3:7-13-NLT)  "Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those  who belong to this world. Look, I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown." (Rev 3:10-11-NLT) 

Are we now in the time of history that this great time of testing is happening or about to? Can't say for sure, but with all the evil, corruption, and economic woes that are escalating in  our country and around the world, I think we can all agree, we certainly are in "Times of Trouble."  Will we be left hanging or does God have a great precious promise for His people that we can hold on to for His deliverance?  He has offered this great promise for starters:

Psalm 41:1-2 NLT states, "Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in "times of trouble, the Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies..." The King James states. He will "not deliver him unto the will of his enemies". We all know that terrorists are not our friends and they do have a will against us. 

There are many promises to those who remember the poor! Isn't this time to make this high priority?  I have enclosed a link to an article and compilation of scriptures which I have put together that seeks to answer the question,  "Why is serving the poor so important?"

http://www.bajachristian.org/why-serve-the-poor/

I hope this will bring encouragement to you!

Bob Sanders

www.bajachristian.org

Why is Prayerful Evangelism and Discipleship So Vital Today?

Because… God our Savior, wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).  I urge, you then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for this is good and pleases God our Savior…(1 Timothy 1:1-3). Pray for one another (James 5:16). Pray without ceasing (1Thes.5:17).  Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season… (2 Timothy 4:2)… have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh (Jude 22-23).  …the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the Harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His Harvest field.  Go!  I am sending you… (Luke 10:2-3).

Because… all of this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them (2 Cor. 5:18-19) … He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).  For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all me – the testimony given in its proper time.  And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald… (1 Tim. 2:5-7).

Because… “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit – fruit that will last (John 15:16).  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30).  Therefore… do the work of an evangelist and discharge all the duties of (your) ministry (2 Tim. 4:5).  Thank Christ Jesus… that He considered (us) faithful, appointing (us) to His service (1 Tim. 1:12).

Because… Christ sent (us)… to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that are perishing, foolishness; but unto us who are being saved, it is the power of God… it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (1 Cor. 1:17-21).  Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.  If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not He who guards your life know it?  Will He not repay each person according to what he has done? (Prov. 24:11-12).  Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible… I have become all things to all men so that by all means I might save some.  Run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Cor. 9:19-25).  For… He commands all people everywhere to repent… (Acts 17:30-31).  The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). 

Because…God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son… to save the world through Him (John 3:16-17).  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us (2 Cor. 5:19-20).  For, “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”  But how, can they call on the One they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the One whom they have not heard of?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:13-15). 

Because… This is how we know we are in Him: whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:5-6). – “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Because… I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16).  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom Shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I.  Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Because… You will be my witnesses in all Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)  Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the Name of the  Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20).  Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature… (Mark 16:15).

Scripture verses compiled by Bob Sanders 12/5/03

All verses not from the King James Version are noted as: NIV—New International Version,  RSV—Revised Standard Version, NASV-New American Standard Version, or NKJV—New King James Version

http://www.bajachristian.org/

Thank You Precious BCM Partners--The Best is Yet to Come!

God blessed us with a fruitful year of ministry in 2011. Lives were impacted on both sides of the border… in those who gave, served, and prayed, and also by those who were served and blessed by the hope they received!

Thank you so very much for giving financially and prayerfully to make this happen! Your love and faith-filled gifts are much appreciated!

 Through many enthusiastic and wonderful groups BCM was able to build  97 homes, 2 church buildings, 1 classroom, 1 dormitory at a rehab center, 1 bathroom/shower facility at a different rehab center, 39 latrines, and other smaller projects.

As of this date BCM has distributed over 80,000 Bibles and Purple Books and over 39,000 of these Purple Books have been recorded completed.  Just how much difference can a Bible and discipleship course, along with much prayer, make to spark a permanent, eternal change in people’s lives and even that of a city or nation?

Vicente Morales, the President of the Evangelical Alliance of Tijuana, which represents 1,360 ministries in this city and its suburbs, wrote a letter of thanks on behalf of all the different ministries which have been helped by the ministry of Bibles and Purple Books.

 He writes,  “The study of God’s Word with the Purple Book has positively impacted many people in the northern region of Baja California.... This material is landing in the hands of non believers, new believers, and mature believers, in different places like, Rehab Centers, Orphanages, Jails, Factories, Youth Clubs, Rest Homes, Churches, and thousands of homes, It is being used in many ways such as in, Bible Studies, New Converts Classes, Moral Education in Jails and rehab centers, Sunday School Classes, etc. The method of distribution and follow up which has been implemented with the Discipleship Plan has given us very good and amazing results, in great part due to the fact that the material itself is free of charge to those who receive it, but in greater part because together with the material also comes the agreement of the monthly follow up which is made between the BCM Regional Directors and the Group Leaders of every new group that is started.

We have also seen that the level of crime and violence in general, has decreased and we firmly believe that this is yet another positive result that the distribution of Bibles and Purple Books is bringing to this city, Glory to God for this!

This Discipleship Plan, and the way it is done, together with its results is something that has never been seen in this country, and it is bringing many unbelievers to place their faith in Jesus, and many believers to move forward in their faith, it is also causing much growth in the hundreds of churches that have received this blessing, and as a result it has been igniting much needed encouragement in the lives of their pastors and congregations."

I am enclosing a recent testimony of an inmate that God touched  through the Bible and Purple Book  ministry to transform his sadness and anger into a new creation in Christ now with a life of hope. I believe this is the type of transformation in Christ we hope for…

MIGUEL PALACIOS GARCIA writes, “I have been filled with sadness and anger for the past 29 years that I have been a prisoner, I have not known God or had any spiritual guidance. This book has opened up a new perspective for me, that I can change my life and help others, and if God grants me the wisdom and understanding I can even become a great preacher of His word some day, but first I want to learn more about baptism and be baptized. I thank God and you my brothers for making it possible for me to receive this little book that has taught me to see my broken life from another point of view. .May God bless and protect you and your precious families with His Holy Spirit.”

BCM was blessed with a very good year through our Lord Jesus Christ and through many blessed partners like you who gave, prayed and served!

Thank you very much! Please prayerfully consider standing again with us through 2012!

With gratitude!

Bob Sanders

www.bajachristian.org

Please Help BCM to Stand Stronger To...

Overcome Evil By Doing Good in 2012 Through Christ! 

Hello BCM friends,

God graced BCM with  a very fruitful year of ministry in 2011, and a wonderful year end!  In the final week we were blessed with nearly 300 volunteers serving with us, building houses and lives for Jesus in Baja!  Emmie Harper and her team from Global Expeditions brought a group of nearly 200 missionaries from all over the nation.  

John and Gwynne Houston served with their team from Covenant Community Church of El Cajon to build two houses and do the works of evangelism! 

Doug Miller and Joe Ross mobilized a team from Carlsbad/Encinitas area to build one house.  One of the team members, Tommy Wehsener, filmed and produced a very unique and beautiful video of their experience. Don't want to miss this one. Enjoy!

 http://vimeo.com/34641946

Chris and Andrew Laubach from the Los Angeles area rallied another father and son team, called the "Cub Construction Company",  to build a beautiful house and dog house for a needy family and their dog! Enjoy this inspiring video produced by Chris Laubach:

 http://vimeo.com/34380851 

No doubt we are in perilous, evil times!  When evil seems to be overcoming the earth what does the Eternal God  give as a solution? He says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  (Romans 12:21--NIV) "Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." (Roman 12:21-NLT)"

Edmund Burke said, "All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing".  Let 2012 be the year that we excel in being part of the solution rather than part of the problem, not allowing  ourselves to atrophy into omission!  Let's follow our King to overcome evil by doing good through His grace and faith,  excelling in the grace of giving...

Please stand with us and Baja in 2012, even more than ever, to build more houses, churches and lives in fields where the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are you! Let's make 2012 the year that we excel in Christ's Great Commission rather than be conformed to this world's neglect and omission.  

When Jesus gave us His Great Commission he told us to make disciples of all nations.  In our role as BCM we have approached that command by building houses and churches while doing the work of evangelism and supporting the church through helping to make disciples through providing the tools of Bibles and Purple Books (discipleship workbooks) to build the solid Biblical foundations in the lives of many.  As of last month BCM has distributed more than 77,000 bibles and purple books of which 37,000 plus Bible courses have been completed.  Before yearend 2012 we hope to distribute 100,000 plus and build more than 200 houses/churches. Please mobilize and multiply with us the calling we share. 

Please join our roster of teams again and share a part of overcoming evil by doing good along with us!

For the glory of our King!

Bob Sanders  

www.bajachristian.org