PREPARING OUR TENT TO ENLARGE OUR VISION - Isaiah 54
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VOL. 65, NO. 4 | Winter 2020
PREPARING OUR TENT TO
ENLARGE OUR VISION
Isaiah 54
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SOURCE OF LIGHT INTERNATIONAL MADISON, GA
the REAPER
Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr.
Editor
Brenda Barnes
Assistant Editor
Source of Light Ministries International is Eula Keener
an independent, faith mission that exists Melody Zink
to bring people of every nation, language, Betty Ingalsbe
and ethnicity into a mature relationship with Kimberly Thigpen
Jesus Christ and into fellowship with a local Ray Walker
church family. Reaper Staff
SLM is a world-wide, disciple making, Joel Cockrell
church planting ministry that uses the Graphic Designer
medium of Bible lessons for all ages in both
printed and electronic format to achieve its Ron Barnes III VOL. 65, NO. 4 |Winter 2020
goals. The International Headquarters in Photographer
Madison, Georgia, its Discipleship Training Michael Ventrello
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Branches (DTB), and Associate Discipleship Prepress
Schools (ADS), distribute lessons through-
out the world. Board of Directors
Representatives and Missionaries of SLM Don Lowry, Chairman
are available to present the ministry to Dr. R.J. Sans, Vice Chairman
churches, missionary conferences, and 4 Letter from 18 Striking While
other groups. Contact the SLM PR OFFICE Dr. Paul Seger, Secretary the Editor the Iron is Hot
for scheduling. Darwin Blandon, Treasurer
E.B. Shoff 7 World Wide Bible 21 Strengthening
For information visit us at:
David Meyer Institute Now Online the Stakes
www.sourcelight.org
Steve Woody
or call 800.776.1207
Dr. B.H. Struthers 9 New Season, 22 Expansion
New Needs in Asia
the REAPER is published by Source of Light Administrator’s Cabinet
Ministries International, Inc. and is free of
Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr. 10 For Such a 25 Expansion in
charge to subscribers. Write or call to be Time as This South America
General Director & CEO
placed on the mailing list.
Brian Thigpen
Change of Address or Subscription Chief Financial Officer 12 Expansion in North 28 Prayer
America & Praise
If your address has changed or you are no Phil Winder
longer interested in receiving the REAPER, Director of Operations
please contact us using the postal or email Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr. 16 Prepare Ye the Way 31 Memorials
address on the back cover of this magazine. Director of Global Outreach
Hugh Jarrell
Copyright © 2020 Director of Publications
On the Cover Corrections & Clarifications
Source of Light Ministries International, Inc. Brian Thompson
1011 Mission Road, Madison, Georgia 30650 Regional Director - North America Preparing Our Tent to Enlarge Our For the latest version of the Reaper
Vision — Isaiah 54 go to sourcelight.org/reaper
All rights reserved including the rights to Pablo Correa
reproduce this publication or any parts “Mornings at 15000 feet in the Trans-
thereof in any form without the express Regional Director - South America
written permission of Source of Light.
Himalayan range” — Vishnu Prasad
Scotte Staab
Printed in the United States of America, October 2020 Regional Director - Europe & Asia
2 | the REAPER • Winter 2020 sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 3
Enlarging the a mature relationship with Jesus
Christ and into fellowship with a local
to live. God could have chosen some
sort of fixed structure analogy, but
with what we have been given. Our
Branches have also been attempting
Tent, Lengthening church family,” doesn’t mean we are instead focuses on a structure meant to make sure they are ready for the
the Cords, and even close to fulfilling it and thus, the
Great Commission. There is so much
to be temporary, flexible, movable,
and inexpensive. With so much focus
expansion of their ministries. These
are just a few examples:
Strengthening the more yet to do. placed on facilities in ministries, the
Stakes at SLM This most recent season at SLM has
disproportionate amounts invested Uganda just recently purchased
land for an office, a residence, and
in underutilized facilities over money
Letter from the Editor given us some time to look around facilities that can house some
used to minister to people, it’s
at how we are doing what we are income generating micro-enterprises
There is nothing significant about fitting that God prepared the “barren
doing and evaluate the operation, so that the ministry of SLM Uganda
“numbers” in the ministry and I’ve woman” to whom He promised a rich
the oversight, and approaches to can expand and reduce some of its
always been hesitant in using them blessing to do so from among the
doing ministry with a vision for the overseas dependency.
as some sort of gauge as to whether most modest of accommodations.
future. It has become very clear that
we have been a success. In fact, if I in order for us to achieve the next Brazil is looking to move from its
went off of numbers, certain seasons level of ministry, we are needing to donated office space to a plot of land
of my own individual missionary work “prepare our tents” for expansion, that has been offered to them and
would have appeared to be utter similar to the exhortation in Isaiah 54 build its own offices as God provides
failures, had I not been convinced we verses 2 – 3: the resources.
were in a season of planting seeds.
Enlarge the place Guyana has just finished the
Among mission agencies, some
of thy tent, and let relocation of its offices after adding
might see SLM as “the little guy,” that
them stretch forth an office and storage facility to their
“little mission in Madison, Georgia.”
the curtains of thine church plant building.
There might be elements of that
habitations: spare not,
statement that are true. But given
lengthen thy cords, and Romania seeks to expand their
the size of our administration and
strengthen thy stakes; ministry into a rehabilitation facility
overhead compared to the impact the
for thou shalt break of their own that would see former
ministry is having around the globe,
forth on the right hand inmates continue in their spiritual
our ministry “numbers” often dwarf
and on the left; and thy Guyana: Beginning stage of the SLM office in growth after incarceration, and also
the numbers of the “big guys.”
seed shall inherit the Guyana – Photo by Ron Barnes be trained for various trades.
It is in no way a competition and Gentiles and make the
When one visits SLM they are always The Lord is also challenging us to
we pray diligently for our partners desolate cities to be
surprised to see that it was “bigger stretch the curtains and lengthen
in ministry that they would make inhabited.
than they imagined.” I am thankful the cords. In recent months, we have
judicious use of their time and
God instructed Israel, that in faith, for those who went before me who completed both the World Wide Bible
resources in the same way God has
even in her barrenness, she should invested in ample acreage and those Institute and our Basic Courses in
blessed the efforts of SLM these
prepare herself, craft her life, in whose vision involved expanded Online formats and we have begun
many years.
such a way as to be prepared for facilities. Our modest facilities are uploading them in different languages
But just because SLM has been an unimaginable expansion. The not fancy, but they meet the needs to be used by each of our Branches.
effective these many years at its tent metaphor sets the stage for a of what we need to accomplish for This will give unprecedented access
mission to “bring people of every mentality that I believe to be very our many Branches. But even in to our courses for students from
nation, language, and ethnicity into intentional about how He expects us our facility use, we need to do more around the world and in many places
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 5
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where the Word of God is prohibited. Our Accounting Department has
This will also allow those who desire
a deeper study of the Word of God,
“digitized” many processes that were
time consuming and have reduced
World Wide Bible Institute
particularly the many pastors, the amount of paperwork and “man- Now Online at wwbionline.org
evangelists, and missionaries who hours” for doing some of these tasks.
by Brenda Barnes
have no formal training, to receive We have created systems so that
the training that they have always viewing of their accounts were made
longed for. more accessible to our missionaries
in real time and systems that donors
The Lord has already allowed students and donations can be more easily There are approximately 10,000 Seminaries/Bible
in restricted access countries of tracked. Colleges in the world today.
the Middle East to be taking our
courses in online format. Those who Many of the tasks that required
operate in underground churches missionaries to do on the network These institutions will only be able to produce
have previously been prevented on the main campus at SLM has now approximately 5 – 7% of the needed pastors,
from attending any formal Bible been streamlined so that they are evangelists, and missionaries.
training. We are also making strides available wherever our missionaries
in updating the courses in wording have an Internet connection.
and design and in over a dozen new Less than 10% of all ministers worldwide have ever
languages. We want to make these These improvements have come at had formal Bible College or Seminary training.
courses more universal in their some cost, yes financial, but also
appeal to different cultures and easy with significant learning curves. But
we have been determined to see If there was ever a need to have an World Wide Bible Institute, or
to understand and translate.
the vision and mission of SLM be affordable Bible Institute option, not WWBI, is a three-year Bible Institute
But finally, understanding the frailty continually carried out far beyond just for pastors and missionaries, Curriculum created to be used in a
of our “tent”, particularly as we each of us and bigger than any of but for Christians seeking to deepen structured on-line setting.
anticipate expansion, we have us could dream it to be. So, it has their faith and knowledge, the time
been a small sacrifice and a short is now. WWBI’s curriculum is one that has
spent a significant amount of time
inconvenience, to know that God will been carefully arranged so that it
“strengthening our stakes.”
begin to fill the tent that we have Bible Colleges, Institutes, and progresses from simple to more
Our staff and administration expanded, in His time! Seminaries are struggling in a day complex themes and produces a
have been feverishly preparing and age where cost, competition, “building block effect” where each
and studying for newer and more and accreditation are driving them subject and year builds upon what has
efficient methods to strengthen how out of existence. Many seeking the been learned in another. It also gives
we operate. This training, study, next level of Bible training cannot flexibility to a student’s particular
and research has impacted every afford to go away to school with needs and abilities by allowing a
department and every missionary at jobs, ministries, and families, and student the opportunity of choosing
SLM. We have improved how each of After years of serving as a many find the pace of traditional one or more courses to work on at
us, our foreign missionaries included, church planting missionary,
school impossible to manage. These a time and the functionality of the
Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr.
are reporting various types of challenges are exactly why Source program allows a student to work at
now serves as the CEO for
information for greater accountability SLM. of Light Ministries International has his or her own pace.
and more streamlined administration Follow me @RonBarnesJr created the completely online Bible
WWBI utilizes the very latest
of that information. Institute.
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 7
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techniques in the field of programmed
instruction. WWBI’s materials are
to submit and that is graded by the
professor which allows the student to
NEW SEASON, missionaries about their
accounts.
all produced using the Programmed practically apply to life and ministry NEW NEEDS 2. Cloud-based donation
Instruction Method or PIM. With the information and truths learned by Brian Thigpen
entry software – Donation
this approach, small amounts of throughout that STEP.
entry is more automated
information are given to the student
Finally, a STEP-test is unlocked As Source of Light poises itself to with default accounts
and then an immediate response for each donation. This
allowing the student to access it expand into online discipleship as
is called for in which the student reduces errors and the
when ready to take the test. With this well as continuing to grow our reach
restates in writing the ideas just
with printed lessons, how is the
amount of time required to
imparted. method, students come away with a process donations.
firm grasp of the material they have Finance Department to absorb the
A quiz is used following each section, studied. The goal of this particular additional accounting and processing 3. Email receipting – We
which requires a second response to method is entirely geared towards to support a growing ministry? are also email receipt
that same information. At the end of the student learning the material, capable, giving the donor
the “STEP”, a Pre-Test is constructed having a deeper knowledge and
Consider the fact that the vast immediate confirmation
so that the student again repeats understanding of the Word of God,
majority of missions’ organizations and saving us time and
take administrative fees to pay money in the Finance
the information given. Almost all and the ability to apply it to their life
for finance staff. However, all our Department.
STEPs have an In-Service Project and ministry.
finance staff are primarily supported
by individuals and churches, which Our financial team enjoys being able
allows us to avoid admin fees from to get more done, in less time, with
u$
50 per course uS
tudy at your pace donations, but makes it difficult to fewer errors.
maintain a full staff.
uS
cholarships available for those uS
tudy without leaving home With a total staff of four, and two of
demonstrating their need These challenges are why we have those being only part time, a global
uG
AP year spent the last year and a half ministry spanning over 30 countries
uA
ll 6 semesters are cheaper than and thousands of donors is a
uH
omeschool Dual Enrollment researching and implementing new
one semester at other schools challenge to maintain.
technologies and processes in the
u T ypically transfer of credit is possible uA
ssociates Degree Finance Department. A few examples
It was a steep learning curve for this
in Christian Ministry of improvements:
uA
rticulation agreement with 68-year-old mission agency, but we
many Bible Colleges for guaranteed 1. A New staff portal are now poised to move into the next
acceptance of courses – Our local and global season as Source of Light expands
missionaries are now able with our online lessons launch. New
to see their donations and technology for a new season of
current balances in real opportunity with the same eternal
Brenda Barnes has served
time from anywhere in the Good News.
as a missionary in Hungary world. They can respond
and the Czech Republic as a to financial partners
teacher and discipler as well as
having homeschooled all three
quickly and know when Believing every place is a
of her children. She serves at funds are available. It also mission field, Brian Thigpen
SLM as the Assistant Reaper frees up our finance staff served overseas, taught high
Editor, Hospitality Coordinator, school math, and now serves
and the WWBI Registrar. from regular requests as CFO at SLM.
for information from
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 9
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SLM has been working to get our lessons. He survived, and one of Envision Americans studying lessons
FOR SUCH A evangelistic and discipleship courses his persecutors read the lessons while waiting at the doctor’s office,
TIME AS THIS into an online, globally accessible
format. The advantages to this would
and came to Christ. Another of his
fellow workers, however, was recently
Africans reading the Gospel as they
ride public transport, Asians sharing
by Kimberly Rae Thigpen
be immense. murdered and the motorcycle he used lessons in secret, device to device.
for ministry stolen. For Muslims or Picture a great wave of new seekers
Even before the Covid shutdown, those in Communist countries, even learning, growing in the Lord, and
Source of Light’s first lessons were
our missionaries around the world asking questions about Christ can then reaching others.
hand-cranked through a mimeograph
were seeing the need for courses be dangerous. Online lessons would
machine.
online. Madison Discipleship School allow them to seek God on their We recently heard about forty new
Director, Brian Thompson, says, pastors in one country, men who had
“There are situations even in English- before been graders of SLM lessons.
speaking parts of the world where That is the sustainable, reproducible
it is too expensive to send lessons ministry we strive for — planting
to those who need them. We have seeds, reaping the harvest, and from
had people desperate to study God’s that harvest to planting more seeds.
Word, but lessons would get lost
Online lessons are not to replace our
going the long distances to reach
print ministry here at Source of Light,
them in countries where we have no
but to expand it. More people getting
Branch or Associate Schools.”
the Gospel. More being discipled.
Machine used in 1952. Right now, we have countries waiting There are currently more mobile device That’s why we are here.
connections online than there are people
on delivery of courses. Locations in the world.
Please pray with us that God will use
Over the 68 years since, millions of in Peru are requesting hundreds of
phones or tablets or computers. this new tool in a mighty way. We
lessons have been mailed, hand- lessons, but the Branch does not
Those around them would have no expand our ministry to expand His
delivered, loaded onto transports, have that many in stock and could
idea they are not playing solitaire or Kingdom!
or shipped by barge. SLM now ships not travel to deliver what they do
doing online shopping. Imagine the
about three tons of material in a have. As Esther was told during a time of
possibilities!
single year. great crisis, before a time of great
Through online courses, Thompson
Covid has shown us the great power deliverance, who knows if we are
But what happens when shipping says, “God is providing a way to send of the Internet as a tool for the Gospel “come to the kingdom for such a time
costs skyrocket, civil unrest blocks missionaries, via the Internet, to message. In Mexico, a Vacation Bible as this?” (See Esther 4:14)
deliveries, or a global pandemic places we have been unable to help School was offered online rather than
shuts down international trade? before.” in person. Expecting 200 – 300 as in
What do we do for the millions of previous years, they were amazed
people in closed countries, where Online courses would allow those
to see logins from over 1,000
holding a Bible lesson in their hands in countries hostile to the Gospel
computers.
could result in prison or death? And to share the Good News phone to Kimberly Rae Thigpen,
how do we most effectively reach a phone or computer to computer, Already, the results of initial online author of 35 books, is
married to SLM’s CFO,
generation more comfortable with a with much less risk to themselves attempts are, as one of our directors Brian Thigpen, and
gadget in their hands than a book? or those seeking truth. One of our declares, “amazing.” Ministry leaders currently homeschools
Branch Directors has been beaten are able to reach beyond their local their two children.
It’s time to expand! and left for dead while carrying areas, and even beyond borders.
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opportunity to significantly expand buy seed for another crop for next
their ministry space and finally own year. This has the potential to keep
EXPANSION IN their own office facility. This will give the ministry self-funded for years to
NORTH AMERICA: them around 1,000 more square feet
to operate with. It is in a residential
come!
STRENGTHENING, area, so we need your prayers as Canada – Pray for the harvesting
of the crops that will pay for the
BROADENING, AND city re-zoning regulations are worked
through with a planning technician. ministry after they are sold in
ENLARGING We rejoice with them as they work October. Leon and Susan Scott
by Brian Thompson
with almost 2,000 active students.
Madison
New Mexico – Office Building Project: Brian Thompson supervises the
Pray for the needed funds, help, and home office School that has
planning it is going to take for the students in all 50 states and some
Often overlooked in the rush
new facility in Las Cruces. even overseas. Over 100 salvations
overseas, North America has equally
as needy unreached people groups were reported in just the first half
according to the same standards of the year! The staff works hard
we use for foreign statistics. Our at perfecting a means to use the
Joe and Penny Homontowski
lessons and see an impact in lives
seven Branch offices diligently share
Kansas for eternity. All the Branches in North
the Gospel even during a pandemic
America deal with inmates in prisons
this year. Leon Scott oversees our Branch in and jails, but over half of Madison’s
the Midwest. They serve to help student body are incarcerated. The
Beside the office in Madison, SLM
many to know Christ and to follow new opportunity that they are taking
has Branches in Canada, Kansas, Darryl and Joan Evans Him in obedience. Their 4,400 on this year is to manage the grading
New Mexico, Haiti, and Jamaica. At
active students are learning what it of lessons on-line. This has a great
these locations, our Branch Directors Canada means to be a Christian and how to potential to reach many more souls
lead the discipleship programs that
Joe Homontowski runs the Canada live for Him every day. This year they for Christ. They are also involved in
reach many people all over their
Branch out of his home/office in are working on upgrading the mission reworking the grading keys, revising
regions.
Saskatchewan. They have a thriving building. They will end up fixing the courses, and developing additional
ministry especially with the children gutters, computers, the indoor lights, resources for counseling.
New Mexico in Western Canada. They keep and the parking lot lighting. They
Darryl Evans heads up the office in enough inventory of English and need these upgrades to keep up the Madison – Pray for the Lord’s work
Las Cruces, New Mexico, working French lessons to facilitate their work discipleship work they are doing. in our students’ hearts and to bring
with English and Spanish language and provide lessons to Associates, in many new students through the
students. They call their ministry, across Canada. This year they were Kansas – Office upgrade project: online courses.
“Bible Studies by Mail” which began able to plant canola in a donated Between the indoor and outdoor
in 1979 in George and Mary Baker’s field so that the proceeds from the projects, they still need $5,500. West Jamaica
home. After significant growth, the crop could benefit the ministry. As Please pray that God will protect Don Schiffer started Follow the
ministry moved to a rented office it is harvested and sold, there is a everyone who works to remodel and Source after several trips that made
space for over 30 years. In all, it good possibility that it will provide upgrade the lighting and computers clear the need to reach the school
has been 40 plus years of blessing $25,000 for the work of the ministry. at the office. Praise the Lord for His children in the western part of
upon blessing! Now they have an Some of the funds will be held to provision for the supplies. Jamaica. They called the ministry
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“Follow the Source” because the for the ones that complete all the “PREPARE YE THE WAY team, for provision, and
“Source of Light” name was already courses in French. Every few months OF THE LORD”- THE SLM safety.
in use at the Kingston Branch. Now a new class from one of the twelve OPERATIONS TEAM 4. Our ministry donors
they are well-established with a Associate Schools holds a ceremony. by Phil Winder who donate goods, time,
national candidate being developed talent, and finances for
for future leadership of the Branch. The country is experiencing great
John the Baptist came on the scene the team to build, repair,
The schools have given them an open economic and political upheaval and replace, and maintain our
to prepare the way of the Lord (Mark housing and buildings.
door to share the Gospel and the it makes travel and daily life very
1:3). The primary responsibility of
lessons during the school year. They challenging. They have not had any the Operations Team is the ongoing We also maintain a fleet of vehicles
have thousands of children through power for months. They need to maintenance of the headquarters for our team’s use, which includes
using their teachers as distributors. put in solar power to the newly built building, mission housing, and transporting missionaries to and from
They also host mission teams that go headquarters near Port-au-Prince. vehicles. In a sense, perhaps you the airport, hauling mail, or taking
into the schools with programs and With solar power, they would not could say we are preparing the way of missionaries to meetings. We always
presentations. have to rely on the government to run the Lord by preparing the home office need additional vehicles for our fleet.
the electronics in their compound. and grounds for His people’s use.
Follow the Source – Security Project: More could get done and it would be SLM Fleet Project: SLM needs a
Please pray that God would provide sustainable. Our mission housing hosts fuel-efficient vehicle, a truck, and a
the needed $2,700 to finish missionaries who serve the Lord at minivan or SUV to replace our aging
the security fencing around the Haiti – Construction of a solar power the SLM office in Madison, as well as fleet.
headquarters compound and for array: Please pray that the Lord guests who come to visit, volunteers
monthly funds for their national would provide the resources for the who come and spend their vacations Would you consider a donation of
partner who will take over leadership solar array at a cost of $2,500. serving here, retirees, interns, and funds or a vehicle you no longer need
in the coming months. our own missionaries from around for a tax-deductible receipt or “a gift
SLM Lessons for North America: The the globe who come stateside for in kind” letter?
current 2021 budget for printing for furloughs to report to and make
the entire region of North America new ministry partners. Our houses In order to succeed, we need all our
is $27,000. It is our prayer that God are “home away from home” for our team members; we need more team
would provide the entire amount guests and our own missionaries. members and we heavily rely on our
so that we can fully provide what volunteers.
we anticipate being the needs for You can see the value in maintaining
all Branches in North America for mission housing, but it takes a team In order to “enlarge our vision” and
2021! to accomplish. Let me introduce you “widen our tents” we need additional
Don and Elaine Schiffer to our team. team members to join us. Would you
consider volunteering or serving at
Haiti
1. Our maintenance men SLM?
who work diligently every
Claudy Jean-Baptiste has made the Brian Thompson is the day for the Lord.
North American Regional After years of owning
most of wonderful opportunities in 2. Our volunteers who and managing businesses,
Director. He oversees the seven
difficult times. He has Associates Branch offices in that region come to serve alongside Phil Winder now serves
that are using the materials to while overseeing the Madison of our men. They come for as Director of Operations
evangelize all over the country. Discipleship School. He came a day, a week, or in some and Coordinator of
Volunteer teams.
They are distributing 7,500 lesson
to work at SLM after spending cases forever.
12 years as a church planting missionary in Maine Contact Phil:
books every month. The wonderful using SLM lessons to help establish the church. 3. Our ministry partners pwinder@slmin.org
thing is that they have graduations who pray fervently for our
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 15
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LOOKING TO EXPAND GLOBAL
YOUR VISION?
CONSIDER SERVING WITH SLM IN OUTREACH
MADISON
Come Spend a Day, a Month, or a Year With Us
FUND
An expanding ministry will mean expanding needs
and expanding opportunities in Madison. We are
seeking work teams, visitors, retirees, and experienced
missionaries. Every skill level is welcome- what we are Source of Light International in Madison, Georgia operates and
seeking most is willingness.
ministers to each of its missionaries without any administrative
Contact hr@slmin.org to find out how to get started. fees charged. We rely solely on gifts and regular donations
SLM is looking for: in the same way as any of our missionaries, purely by faith.
Receptionists Maintenance In order to continue to operate this way, we are asking God, by
Graphic Artists Landscaping faith, to raise up new individuals, churches, and foundations
Designers Accounting
to support the work of the home office through the Global
Social Media Influencers Data Entry
Marketing Office Administration Outreach Fund.
Small Engine Repair IT
Construction Discipleship Would you prayerfully consider partnering with SLM through
Carpentry
the Global Outreach Fund?
16
Our desire in the coming years is to the seed for some of the orphans as Over the years of ministry in DR
STRIKING expand into new Branches where we
have laid some initial groundwork and
they grow up learning the trade to be
able to start their own farms whether
Congo, they haven’t been able to
trust the mail system and delivery
WHILE THE have trained workers on the ground
and so our desire is to raise about
they became full-time farmers, or they
choose to use it as a micro-enterprise
methods that were in place, so many
times shipments of much-needed
IRON IS HOT $400 per month support for Burkina for their own ministry ambitions. This literature never arrived. And often
IN AFRICA Faso and Benin in the next year, and
slowly adding additional ones in the
type of model opens the door for more
ministry to be accomplished and less
they would wait extended periods of
time uncertain if the delivery might
by Ron Barnes
coming years. Please pray that God need from foreign resources. It has eventually come before they would
would provide supporters for the been the vision of Ivory Coast Director, place another request.
Africa is seeing one of the greatest vision of establishing these two new Isaiah Bernasko, for many years, and
evangelical movements in the world. Branches. to see this come to fruition would be This has caused many of the schools
Source of Light Ministries has been an answer to his prayers and ensure to travel great distances, by boat,
involved in the front lines of this from Expansion obviously comes with the expansion of the ministry of Ivory by motorcycle, and by car on some
the earliest days of its existence. a price, and one of the things we Coast. of the most dangerous roads
But the momentum of the Gospel is are aiming to do is to have many imaginable.
evident in all our countries. of the costs covered by in country Ivory Coast – Pig Farming Project:
Please pray for the Ivory Coast Pig
Farming Project and the $13,000 it
will take to see this off the ground.
DR Congo
Expansion in Africa will also
entail creating facilities that can
accommodate a broader future of
ministry. In DR Congo, we are looking
to establish a ministry center that
would house our offices and material
Nelson in front of the old school building in Local leaders from Ivory Coast meeting with in a location more easily accessible Brian Trapp and the SLM staff in DR Congo
Liberia. Director Barnes
to schools and partners. Vedette
Currently, we have Branches in self-supporting possibilities like Nlandu is the Director of the SLM So, having a place where someone
Branch in Kinshasa, DR Congo, and
Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, micro-enterprises. could come to get rest after such a trip
it has been his vision to see the
Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, as well as to receive better training
ministry center used very broadly to
and South Africa. These Branches Ivory Coast and tools would be an excellent way
accommodate the offices as well as
also reach into neigh boring coun- to minister to our partners.
In Ivory Coast, “Pig Farming” has been to serve to accommodate the visitors
tries with training and discipleship
determined to be an excellent way of who often come from great distances
resources in Botswana, Mozambique, Vedette hopes that some of the land
doing such a project. It would help to carry the courses back to their
Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo, Benin, would be used to also restart some
cover many of the costs of running remote areas. He would love to have
and Burkina Faso. Our materials span of the micro-enterprises they have
the Branch as well as helping to meet a place where they can be housed,
many of the rest of the languages attempted in the past, but with less
the needs of the orphanages that trained, encouraged, and then send
throughout Africa. overhead by using their own land. The
SLM has. It would also be used to be these partners back to their home
vision to expand the future ministry
areas well trained and refreshed!
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 19
18of Congo will really be possible when to expand. The school has been an STRENGTHENING As with introducing any new program,
the groundwork of this project is laid. excellent way to attract unbelieving THE STAKES OF OUR there were some challenges getting
families into their ministry and church TECHNOLOGY started. However, many of the staff and
D. R. CONGO – Ministry Center and as well. by Ronnie Barnes administrators were already familiar
Offices: Please pray that God with the Google Suite from having been
Several years ago, the Lord put it on taking weekly training courses on the
would provide the necessary funds,
their hearts that education was a way For years we’ve run into challenges subject for the past year.
approximately $24,000 for the with the HR, statistical, and
into the community that would broaden
completion of the ministry center. the influence of the Gospel and they accounting reports we send out to our Since this change, the amount of time
have continued to see that to be true. missionaries and Branches abroad. that we spend troubleshooting has
Liberia The Lord further put on their heart the Our reports were being sent back as dropped significantly because more of
establishment of a larger school on corrupted files, worksheets returned our staff are fairly proficient with the
Liberia has been a focus of instability
a different property which they would blank, and some struggled to even program! Even some of the processes
on and off for nearly its entire history.
own, thereby bringing the costs down open the files. Countless hours were our home office staff were undertaking
SLM’s early work in Liberia was all but
which would allow for more resources spent troubleshooting problems and has become significantly less time
erased as civil war destroyed all its
for the ministry, and allow the campus questions over the phone. It seemed consuming as they underwent their own
offices and materials, sent the workers after carefully reviewing these issues,
to also house a pastors’ training facility training.
into exile, and saw any trace of its we were able to narrow down the issues
for pastor and ministry leader training.
official existence burned. to one key problem. We discovered that For the past two years, we have
Liberia: Construction of a School nearly everyone who struggled with been challenging our staff to spend
But the Gospel, the discipleship, and
Building and Offices – Please pray the reports were using either outdated time weekly learning more about the
the burden of those early missionaries programs that they regularly use, with
that the Lord would provide the versions of the Microsoft products we
allowed the smoldering flames of the goal being that we can leverage
resources for the school and offices were using or some form of knock-off
the ministry to be rekindled. Exiled all of our resources to the highest
at a cost of $46,831. versions.
missionaries, who studied for the possible degree so as to be the best
ministry in Ghana while in exile, Last November we decided we needed stewards of not only the finances given
returned to Liberia to reestablish an SLM Lessons for Africa: Paper
to reduce the amount of possibilities to SLM but also our time and tools.
office and attempt to pick up the pieces Partners for Africa 2021
for errors. We considered buying all of
of ministry and put them back together. our Branches the latest Office software, We praise God that we have significantly
The current 2021 printing budget
but the cost of getting each Branch reduced the IT troubleshooting
After a few years now, they have seen for the entire continent of Africa throughout the organization as well
their own membership and the fact that
ministries, churches, and individuals is $82,000 US. It is our prayer I would likely be the one on the phone as increasing the productivity of all
reconnect with SLM Liberia with great that God would provide the entire trying to explain each step, potentially our missionaries in their various
zeal for the Word of God and a great amount so that we can fully provide presented even more challenges. assignments. These recent measures
desire to grow through the use of the what we anticipate being the needs will help us tremendously as we
lessons. Nelsen Cyrus and his wife for all Branches in Africa for 2021! We started looking into what our non- broaden our ministry in the future.
have been spearheading the effort as profit license for Google Suite had to
the DTB Director and have been doing offer. Each staff member already has
so with extremely modest resources, their own Google Suite account with
but a clear and evident calling from God. access to Google’s version of everything Ronnie Barnes lived the
that Microsoft has. The key differences majority of his life as an MK
After years of serving as a involved with church planting
The Lord allowed them to establish a church planting missionary, are that nothing needs to be downloaded, in Hungary and the Czech
small school where the community has Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr. everyone can use the same program, Republic. He has served for
embraced their passion for education now serves as the CEO for we have more control over the files, and 8 years with SLM even while
SLM. completing his university
and their commitment to excellence. we can easily collaborate on the same studies and is the HR and
The community has seen their love Follow me @RonBarnesJr file when our Branches run into issues. Media Outreach Coordinator.
and have continued to ask for them
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 21
20Evangelists go wherever the road
takes them – Photo by Tory Doughty
“. . . FOR
WITHOUT ME
YE CAN DO
NOTHING. . .” Children listening to the Word of God – Photo by
JOHN 15:5 Tory Doughty
by Scotte Staab
experience with God through His coming weeks and months. Please pray There are three villages where I
Jesus taught about abiding in the vine dear Son. As a result, we have seen with us as we prepare new co-laborers. serve. Recently, I took my laptop and
(Himself) and that if we (the branches) 53 people come to know Christ. Our showed the children Christian films
expanding ministry has branched India North East Zone Projects: and preached the Gospel in these
would abide in Him, we would bear fruit
out to DARJEELING 100 miles Evangelist Support: $100 Monthly – communities. Their hearts responded
for His glory. Expansion in the ministry
can happen as we abide in Him and north of Calcutta, ALIPURDUAR 800 With our difficult task at hand, we to the Gospel and in two weeks we
grow and disciple and train others. miles north of Calcutta, DINAJPUR need help. For $100 a month we will have ten people to obey the Lord
In Asia and Europe, we desire to (North) 600 miles north of Calcutta, can support an Evangelist with food, in believer’s baptism. Praise the Lord!
continue to “grow” the ministry through MURSHIDABAD 60 miles north of materials, and transportation. I currently need ministry aids that will
discipleship. Calcutta, BANKURA 80 miles west of help me in this area and resources
Calcutta, BAGUA (HOWRAH) 50 miles Ministry Vehicle: $4,000 – As a to provide for the evangelists who will
We currently serve in the nations west of Calcutta, AMTA (HOWRAH) 40 shepherd for these servants, I could follow up after the initial outreaches.
of India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Japan, miles west of Calcutta, MOURIGRAM use a vehicle to encourage the
Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and (HOWRAH) 40 miles west of Calcutta, believers and spread the gospel India Central Zone Projects:
Romania. I would like to highlight just a BANKURA 80 miles west of Calcutta, throughout our entire region. Data projector $1,000 – so I can
few areas of expansion in our regions. GANGASAGAR 100 miles south of show Christian films and lessons to
Calcutta, BISHNUPUR 100 miles south the people, plastic mats $100 for the
India Central Zone – by “D. W.” Branch people to sit on, so they do not have
of Calcutta, and BARUIPUR 50 miles
Asia Director. I have recently returned from to sit in the mud. And lastly, we have
south of Calcutta. We also work in the
India North East Zone – by “K . J.” a series of villages on the border with nine village evangelists who need
regions of Assam, Tripura, and Manipur.
Branch Director. Our goal in these Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These support of $40 a month since their
days is to teach and promote “one God is opening significant doors are tribal villages where, as I serve supporting church closed due to the
on one” evangelism and discipleship. throughout northeastern India and them, I must adapt to their culture. Covid virus. We are praising the Lord
This model has been so effective. SLM India North East Zone wants to I cannot wear normal western style for His goodness and looking forward
We have distributed Bibles and SLM be prepared to be able to respond with pants but wear the tribal clothing. I to celebrating with the tribal village
Bible lessons and shared our personal the right people and resources in the cannot even take pictures. baptism.
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 23
22EXPANDING church planting, prison work, the use of
mass media, and support for hundreds
THE SLM of local churches. There are thousands
of testimonies from Argentina, Bolivia,
VISION FOR Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and
Peru of how God has used each Bible
SOUTH course to transform lives. The materials
AMERICA touch thirsty souls who give their lives
to the Lord to be part of the militant
By Pablo and Dalila Correa Church of Christ.
And it is throughout this enormous
An unexpected pandemic has failed to Spanish-speaking territory, the hand of
SLM Philippine director has a vision throughout The staff of SLM Romania – Photo by Ron Barnes stop the development of the Church the Lord continues to manifest itself
all the Philippines and Asia – Photo by Chuck in a powerful way. Today the vision, as
Roswell of Christ. A Christian song that is
sung in Latin America says, “Oh glory, an obvious result of the changes, is
Philippines – by Dr. Abraham Vallega. rehabilitation facility of their own that oh hallelujah, in struggles and trials, spreading in each of our Latin American
Finally, on a “grass roots” level, we would see former inmates continue in the Church continues to walk . . . .” Branches. Given the situation that
have an Associate School that is their spiritual growth after incarceration, The Church of Christ kept walking, emerged, each one has ventured
expanding in Gamay, Northern Samar and also be trained for various trades. even has extended its stakes. Christ into the use of technology, joining the
in the Philippines. Based in the Blue This has been a vision for many years, commanded us to make disciples, virtual era. Using all possible networks
Ridge Baptist Church, Pastor Dalina but the project has been slow in raising teaching them to keep all the things to continue the task of discipleship
has celebrated his fifth year with this funds. that He had taught. And the things he is resulting in more Christians being
church. To get to this small Island of taught are not just to be fulfilled in a involved in disciple-making as the Bible
Samar, you must arrive by boat. This Romania Rehabilitation Facility teaches.
certain building, chapel, cathedral, or
remote area is needy for the Gospel Project: $128,263 – Will complete
temple. We are the temple of the Holy
and the local church is committed to the next phase of this project. We are striving to reinforce the stakes
Spirit and we are the Church, called to
discipleship and evangelism using the to extend out before the clamor of
Let’s take this time to make sure that complete the task.
Source of Light lessons, as evidenced Cuba, Venezuela, and Honduras, to
by a baptism on August 2. The Lord our roots are grounded in the Vine, Source of Light ministry in Latin America provide them the tools to reach their
is moving in this young church. They Jesus. As we serve, may the Lord has been reaching thousands of people own people. We have an unlimited
currently need Bible lessons. Would expand our vision and bear fruit for His of all ages and socio-economic levels, future to reach more countries of Latin
you consider joining “Paper Partners” glory. with printed Bible lessons. The power America.
and support this ministry? of discipleship has been shown, in
Each Branch in Latin America is
Philippines – Paper Partners Project: committed to the proper use of each
$14,000 – Would you pray for God to Bible lesson that is distributed to local
provide the necessary funds to provide churches, schools, prisons, retreat
this new area with evangelistic and centers, camps, children, and youth.
discipleship resources? All these countries have projects that
Scotte Staab and his wife
Beth Ann served in Romania
they long to see achieved, believing
for many years prior to that nothing will be able to stop the
Europe
coming to SLM as the vision that God in His mercy has
Romania: As mentioned in the European and Asian Regional granted them. This southern part of the
Director’s article, Cristian Oprea Director.
great American continent is a land of
Mexico Director Manuel Lopez Teaching by Zoom
seeks to expand their ministry into a opportunities, but with huge needs.
– Photo by Vicky Lopez
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 25
24Argentina THE SOUTH AMERICA… need to have fresh life breathed into
Under the leadership of Jorge Ovando, WHERE THEY DON’T it with a new vision for the future.
SPEAK SPANISH Samuel Milanez (Director) and Sergio
the ministry is reaching hundreds of
Rodrigues, his Assistant Director, are
people through social means, in his by Ron Barnes
two new faces of SLM in a broadening
country and even outside its borders,
ministry. They have attempted to
like Paraguay, requesting Source of make the courses available to schools
Light courses. throughout Brazil in both printed and
Guyana
electronic form. They are also doing
Argentina: Fuente De Luz Christian Dwayne Daniels grew up studying the live discipleship and training with
school needs $1,300 to connect Church in Tarija, Bolivia – Photo by Miguel Source of Light materials and used students via video conferencing as a
gas pipes to the SLM school before Sanchez them in the ministries he served in as part of a broader vision to utilize the
in-school classes can be resumed. an adult. As he saw the ministry of SLM latest methods of communication and
They also have a Camp Project and the north coast of the country, near Guyana begin to struggle to meet the media to spread the Gospel and make
need $25,880 for construction of the border with Venezuela. This will demands of those who were involved disciples among Portuguese speakers
dormitories. expand the ministry significantly and is in using the lessons, he offered his in Brazil and beyond.
a strategic area of need. services to help the ministry.
Bolivia Brazil: DTB and Assistant Director
But when it became clear that the Support – The Branch is attempting to
Colombia: Printing Press Replacement-
Our Bolivia Branch, in the central west current leadership was unable to raise $500 a month support so that
It will take $8,000 to replace the
of South America, is led by Miguel meet the day-to-day needs of running an Assistant Director can be paid full
aging printing equipment that has
Sanchez who has been serving God the office, he began to inquire of SLM time to serve in the Brazil office and
produced tens of thousands of lessons leadership if he might be of help to
from Tarija as a church planter and over the years. for various office needs. Please be
the SLM Director. His ministry extends resume its operation and respond to in prayer for God to raise up monthly
throughout the country, but he has a the great demand for the courses and partners.
The current 2021 Printing Budget for
particular vision to go to the unreached training. He not only saw the current
Spanish Speaking South America is need; he saw the future potential of
villages. Few have this vision and even SLM Lessons for South America: Paper
$39,000. We trust God to provide the how God could use the SLM ministry in
fewer could handle the trek. Partners for South America 2021
total amount to supply each Branch in a much-expanded way among churches
the region for 2021! and schools. SLM’s history in Guyana The current 2021 budget for printing
Bolivia: Branch Work Funds and
has been rich, so Dwayne has a desire for Non-Spanish Speaking South
Director Support: Miguel serves
to cultivate those earlier relationships America is $9,000 US. It is our prayer
faithfully while significantly under
and see a broadened ministry of SLM that God would provide the entire
supported. To function fully, he needs
Guyana. amount so that we can fully provide
$300 monthly for support and $400
what we anticipate to be the needs
for Branch ministry expenses. Guyana: DTB and Director Support- for all Branches in South America for
In order to rebuild and resource the 2021!
Colombia Branch in Guyana we anticipate the
greatest need to be $800 monthly for
This is our newest Branch in South support and office needs.
America even though it has been Dalila Correa has ministered
using Source of Light lessons for over with her husband, Pablo, in
Peru for nearly 40 years. Brazil
15 years. The office is in Bogotá and After years of serving as a
Though now living in Colorado,
has been printing lessons in-country they travel frequently to Peru,
SLM has been in Brazil for decades church planting missionary,
reaching prisons, rehab centers, especially now as the ministry and has seen scores of people saved Dr. Ronald J. Barnes Jr.
and discipled, as well as seeing it used now serves as the CEO for
schools, and churches. God placed in in Lima is in a process of
SLM.
reorganization. in local churches quite extensively.
Gilberto Vanegas a vision to expand
the ministry to the Guajira, an area on In recent years, their office too has Follow me @RonBarnesJr
seen a transition in leadership and a
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 27
26PRAYER PRAISE
u Please pray that God will provide they will find a way to be able to continue u We praise the Lord for how He has associates pass away. They have been a
additional financial resources for printing to serve their students currently in these been able to encourage our SLM great encouragement to their Directors
materials. We have many open doors situations. personnel through online prayer and by meeting with them online and over
for distribution, and our international praise meetings during the pandemic. the phone ministering to them during
u S.S., in Source of Light India’s North times of great loss. We are so thankful
Branches are eager to serve more From different places around the world,
Zone, is planning to have the children’s that God had them in place “for such a
people as resources become available. our International Directors have kept us
Source of Light courses translated time as this.”
updated on how God is working through
u Some of our Source of Light mis into Hindi. They are looking for just the
their ministries. In many areas the u We praise the Lord for his faithful
sionaries are serving in areas that are right person to do the translation work.
lockdowns were very tight, and these provision for Source of Light ministries
particularly hostile to the work of Christ. Please pray that God will lead them to
Directors who are used to traveling and missionaries during the COVID-19
Recently a pastor was returning from this person.
extensively to minister to people have crisis. We have seen several of our
his area of ministry and was killed. He
u Several of our Branches need vehicles. felt “cabin fever” at times. But they international Branches receive the
leaves behind his wife and two children.
During this time of coronavirus, the have embraced the opportunities to use donations needed to complete projects
Please pray for his family that God will
need becomes highlighted even more, media resources that will continue to during these months.
provide all their needs. Pray, as well, that
because it is so difficult to maintain enhance their ministries in the future.
his ministry will continue and that many u We praise the Lord for our “paper
social distancing when traveling by public
people will come to Christ in the area u Most of our Branches have been able missionaries” that continue to serve
transportation. Many times, the taxis
where he was serving. It is a village of to bring needed relief to many during people when we cannot meet with
and buses in the Third World countries,
about 2,400 people. the world-wide health crisis. They have people face to face. In April, when the
where many of our staff serve, are
provided food and hygiene supplies to lockdowns began, Ron Barnes, Source
u The orphanage run by our Branch in poorly maintained and the drivers are
numerous people, while at the same of Light’s CEO, challenged us to pray for
Togo, West Africa, cares for 18 children. reckless. Please pray for these servants
time, sharing the Good News of Christ. people who had lessons laying around
One of the youths is away doing an of the Lord that God will provide reliable,
One Branch Director became a barber that they had not finished, that they
apprenticeship in welding. Two more secure, and comfortable transportation,
for the day and went to an elderly man’s would pick them up during the lockdown
recently left to do apprenticeships in and that He will protect them in the
home to cut his hair. He said, “I cannot and resume their studies. Madison
hair dressing and sewing. That will leave public transport they rely on until these
cut my own hair,” as he pointed to his Discipleship School reports that they
16 living in the home. Some of the needs are met. have seen inactive students returning
hair in the online meeting, “but I can help
children have special health challenges u Pray that God will comfort the family others.” One missionary reported going their lessons. God is answering our
that require regular medication. The of Ray Hill, an Associate Discipleship house to house delivering vegetables. prayers. One prisoner wrote to thank
orphanage provides food, housing, School Director, who went to be with the She said, “We have to social distance, Source of Light for their continued
clothing, schooling, and for the medical Lord. Ray had a very effective ministry but we are seeing many people come to correspondence at a time when they
needs of the young people. They are working with the homeless, and his know Christ!” were locked down and could not attend
currently needing additional funding so Associate Discipleship School serves the regular prison fellowships.
they can adequately care for the needs u Mordecai asked Esther in Esther
many inmates. Please pray that God will u We praise the Lord for our lesson
of the children. Please pray that the Lord 4:14, Who knoweth whether thou art
direct and provide for all they need to graders all over the world who are
will provide the $1,100 monthly to meet come to the kingdom for such a time
continue the work he left behind. grading or have graded lessons from
their budget needs. as this? We have felt like this about our
u Our Regional Directors who faithfully South America Director, Pablo Correa, their homes during the lockdowns, so
u The Madison Discipleship School that our students could continue their
minister to our National Directors see and his wife, Dalila, who oversee our
(MDS) struggles to meet the restrictions studies. We are also grateful for our
many needs each day. Pray that God Spanish-speaking ministries. They were
faithful ministry directors who have
and changes that are being instituted will give wisdom, words of comfort and just settling into this new role at Source
shuttled lessons to and from the homes
by some of our prisons concerning encouragement, and partners who will of Light when the pandemic hit. It has
of their staff and volunteers.
materials that can be mailed to assist them in providing the families been very devastating in their region
prisoners. MDS requests prayer that they serve with relief in crisis times. and they have had many close ministry
sourcelight.org /slmin.us @slmin 29
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