Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 55Last summer, John and Marion McMillan gave valuable and muchappreciated service to the work at Kita Suzurandi as they filled-in for theSterretts who were home on furlough. We express our sincere thanks tothem for their willingness to serve.A significant blessing to the Lord's work in Japan has been the ordinationof a new pastor, Sumito Sakai, who completed his Seminary work, and whohas been installed now as Pastor at Hontamon. He brings fresh vigor to ourlabors there. Pastor Masanaga, at Higashisuma, has announced plans toretire.Two members of the Foreign Board, Bob Henning and Bruce Backensto,visited the field in March, seeking to improve our understanding andoversight of our mission work there, and we are asking Synod for time for abrief report.The Board continues to seek an ordained teaching elder to accept the callto serve the Lord in this needy area of our world. The number of Christiansin this nation still stands at less than 1% of the population, so those withouthope are in the millions. Pray with us that God will raise up one of Hisservants to strengthen this vital work.The other major mission commitment of our Church is in the island ofCyprus. The establishment of an indigenous (RP) church in Larnaca, theTrinity Christian Community Fellowship, has been a source of greatencouragement, and we again acknowledge the valuable contribution of theStegalls to the realization of this accomplishment. Ron and Kathy and familyare planning to return home this summer to stay, so the Board has beenendeavoring to assist the Cypriot church in securing a new pastor. This infantfellowship is continuing to depend on the financial help of the American andIrish R.P. churches, but is seeking to move toward self-support status as soonas possible.Foreign mission work is also being carried on by Reformed Presbyteriansserving with other agencies in many parts of the world. These areas includethe Middle East, Africa, China, Russia, and Nepal. Limited financial supportis given by our Board, along with counsel and much prayer, for thesespecialized ministries.We would call your attention to the fact that this year marks the 100thanniversary of the beginning of RPCNA mission work in China. We arehappy that the Business of Synod Committee has arranged a specialconvocation commemorating this event at this Synod meeting. We humblyremember the years of faithful work by our missionaries and rejoice that fruitborn from that work is continuing, and that even under severe persecutionthe gospel is advancing today in China with dramatic power. We acknowlegethe wonderful contribution of the work of the Reformation TranslationFellowship to the past and future propogation of the true church of Christ inChina.Up-to-date information on our current foreign mission program isprovided by our Executive Secretary through the Prayer Phone (812) 378-