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The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions
   
   

The Independent Board for Presybyterian Foreign Missions was begun with the sole purpose of sending God’s servants “into all the world, [to] preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Like the Apostle Paul, our missionaries spend their time “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence …” (Acts 28:31). This purpose is as needful today as it was in 1933 when the Board began.

Any who have read the history of The Independent Board (click on the History page of this website for more information) know that it began in the midst of a momentous struggle between true Bible Christianity and the Christ-denying tenets of Modernism. Many of our founders gave up their ecclesiastical “careers” in order to remain loyal to Christ and His Word. Their consuming desire was not just to send men and women to help people in foreign lands, but to promote “truly Biblical Missions.”

These many years later, The Independent Board seeks to remain faithful to this same mission which was so precious to our founders. We would ask you to pray for our missionaries, and we invite you to consider supporting them. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have or provide additional information. Please read about their work on this website.

Or, perhaps the Lord has called YOU to serve Him in another land. Christ told His disciples: “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Some may think that the need for missionaries is not as great with the advent of modern communications technology. However, my experience in visiting distant lands has been that NOTHING can replace the on-site witness of consecrated servants of God!

Please contact us and discuss how you can become involved in the fulfillment of this Great Commission which Christ has given to all of His followers!

In Christ,
Brad Gsell
President

    
Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved.
   
January - February 2012
16. INDIA – Dr. and Mrs. V. Gaikwad request prayer for the new believers that have come through their ministry. Praise the Lord for the funds to help in the construction of a church building. Praise the Lord for the unity of believers among many churches during this past Christmas. Pray for another couple to help the Gaikwads in the medical work.

17. GUATEMALA – Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker praise the Lord for the thousands of Bibles that have been distributed at a cost of approximately $2 each. Praise the Lord for the 5,000 copies of John’s Gospel that were freely distributed. Pray for the Ricker’s support, as both their monthly giving and overall account is low.

18. FURLOUGH – Joan Davenport thanks everyone for their prayers and support last year, as well as for God’s mercy and goodness. Pray with her for good health in 2012, especially concerning the flu. Pray for her testimony to family and friends, and for opportunities to witness to others in Texas.

19. ANDES MISSION – Rev. and Mrs. Bjur give thanks for the Christmas program and Cantata last month; pray for lasting spiritual results. Pray for Becky as she has already started her second semester at BJU; praise the Lord for the gift she was given enabling her to come home for Christmas. Pray for the preparations for next month’s VBS program.

20. LONDON – Rev. and Mrs. Tim Ki thank the Lord for traveling mercies for their family as well as others in the church, over the holidays. Praise the Lord that their sons were able to spend time in London; pray for a safe return to Australia. Pray for an increased effort to evangelize the area (through tract distribution and training sessions).

21. MISSIONARY FINANCES – The following missionary accounts received below the necessary amount from supporters in December as we closed out 2011: Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon, Miss Marion Willits, Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker, Rev. and Mrs. Ken Olson, Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim, Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Kang, Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Jara, Rev. and Mrs. Paul Durand, Miss Joan Davenport, Mrs. Judy Creamer, Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi.

22. HOLY LAND – Remember on this Lord’s Day, the Baraka BP Churches in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, along with their respective pastors, Sunday School teachers, and outreach ministries. Pray for continued faithfulness to the Word of God, and a burning desire to reach their neighbors with the Gospel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

23. ICCC – Today is the opening meeting for the 18th World Congress of the ICCC, being held in Serra Negra, Brazil. Meetings will continue through Saturday, January 28. Keep the brethren in prayer as many will come from Central and South America, as well as other locations around the world. Pray for safe travel as most will be departing January 31.

24. GUATEMALA – The Kangs request prayer for the new students at Zion, that they will adjust to the new environment. Pray for the new Bible program: chapel, Bible class, and Bible Club. Finally pray for the family: Spanish studies, Joshua’s school life, health, and safety.

25. ANDES MISSION – Praise the Lord for recent evangelistic sermons delivered in Chiguayante and Chillán Viejo, and Paul’s message to the regional ladies group. Pray for those who attended the Bible Institute classes and the AFFAL and CIEF Young Peoples' Directors' meetings in this month. Pray for Maribel's continued recovery.

26. KENYA – Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon are thankful for the term break. Eben reported on successful trips to Ethiopia and Rwanda. Pray for the family as they make preparation for a brief furlough in early 2012. Pray for those who will fill in for the Yoons at BCEA in their absence.

27. BRAZIL – Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim request prayer that God will send His students to the seminaries for ministry preparation in 2012. Praise God for Rev. Kim’s recovery from surgery and safe return to Brazil; pray for good health for Rev. and Mrs. Kim this year. Pray also for funds needed to build the Fortaleza church sanctuary.

28. MISSIONARY CHILDREN Today let us pray for the youngest of our missionaries, those children on the field: Jeremy, Joshua and Deborah Sue Bjur; Ruth Meylí, Jonathan Edward and Melissa Noemí Jara; Joshua Kang; Ha-Eun, Ha-Jin and Ha-Hyun Yoon; Geneva, Isaiah, Josiah, Anna, Sarah Grace, Katie, and Faith Victoria Durand.

29. KENYA – Judith Collins gives thanks for the many who continue to pray for and support the Rendille Outreach. She suggests prayer today to be focused on the Lord calling and equipping godly, competent national church leaders to be able to fill in the duties currently held by missionaries; may the Lord bless the indigenous church.

30. PRAYER SUPPORT – Read Colossians 1:9-15; pray for the ongoing spiritual battle today, in our own land and worldwide. Please do not tire of this important ministry as we face enormous obstacles and a crafty enemy.

31. MISSION GOALS FOR 2012 – In a concentrated effort, let us prayerfully wait upon the Lord for at least one new missionary couple this year. Let us also pray for consistent financial support for every missionary, on a monthly basis. Finally, pray for the overall health and well-being of our thirty-four active, and three retired missionaries.

February

1. ICCC – Praise God for the results of the fine messages, fellowship, and meetings at the 18th World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches, held in São Paulo, Brazil. Delegates should have returned to their home churches by now, so pray for lasting good results.

2. KENYA/USA – The Johnsons are so thankful for the Kenyan pastors who are carrying on in their churches, and as teachers at the Bethel Bible School in Kenya. Do remember these pastors in prayer, and also for the Johnsons in the various ministries here in the United States.

3. ON FURLOUGH – Joan Davenport prayerfully remembers those back in the Holy Land, and asks that we remember the seed she planted in the hearts of many. Pray that God will continue to give her good health, as well as for her family. She remains thankful for those who continue to pray for her.

4. ANDES MISSION – The Jaras are thankful that those living near their church are starting to attend services now. Pray as they prepare for this year’s VBS (Feb. 13-19). Pray for the salvation of Mrs. Jimena Molina and Vivana Sepulveda. Pray for the evangelistic outreach every Friday near the church.

5. BRAZIL – Rev. and Mrs. Woo Sun Kim thank the Lord for the mission team of 17 from the Bethesda church that served (January 1-9) at the Petrolina and Juazeiro churches doing a VBS. Pray for God to send new students to the seminaries in Brazil for the new year.

6. GUATEMALA – The Rickers praise the Lord for the newly elected President and cabinet; pray that the violence will diminish throughout the land. Pray for contacts in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras for the distribution of Gospels of John in these countries.

7. INTERNATIONALS – Judy Creamer gives praise to God for a safe and productive trip to Tennessee and Ohio; for time with Zhous, Zhangs, and about 30 Chinese friends, the Arab Church, and the Isaacs. Pray for a long-term compatible housemate.

8. KENYA – Today is the 47th Anniversary of Bible College of East Africa. Pray for mid-term exams (Feb. 14-17). Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim are thankful for the 800 adults and 500 children that attended the college’s church service at Christmas. Continue to pray for health and strength for the Kims.

9. CAMBODIA – Rev. and Mrs. Luke Kim ask for continued prayer for their ministry, health, and support. Pray for the churches that have started, the pastors that have trained under their ministry, and for continued good working relationship with regional government leaders.

10. CAMBODIA – Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi thank each one for the support they have received over the past months. Praise God for His mercy in this new year. The Chois request prayer for their church members to grow in faith more and more.

11. GUATEMALA – The Rickers request prayer for classes (a small theology class in the morning and English classes in the afternoon) which will begin today. Praise the Lord for the thousands of Bibles that have gone throughout Guatemala; 5,000 Gospels of John are ready to go out now. Pray.

12. MISSIONARY FINANCES – The following missionary accounts received below the necessary amount from supporters in January as we began 2012: Rev. and Mrs. Eben Yoon, Miss Marion Willits, Rev. and Mrs. Hal Ricker, Rev. and Mrs. Ken Olson, Rev. and Mrs. Mark Kim, Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Kang, Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Jara, Rev. and Mrs. Paul Durand, Miss Joan Davenport, Mrs. Judy Creamer, Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Choi.

13. MISSIONARY CHILDREN – Today let us pray for the youngest of our missionaries, those children on the field: Jeremy, Joshua and Deborah Sue Bjur; Ruth Meylí, Jonathan Edward and Melissa Noemí Jara; Joshua Kang; Ha-Eun, Ha-Jin and Ha-Hyun Yoon; Geneva, Isaiah, Josiah, Anna, Sarah Grace, Katie, and Faith Victoria Durand.

14. LONDON – Rev. and Mrs. Ki thank God for the Christmas and New Year’s gatherings, the beginning of the new Bible Study sessions on Saturday, and the Young People’s Bible study led by Daniel Ki. Praise God for the collection taken for Kenya famine relief.

15. RETIRED MISSIONAREIS – Mrs. Evelyn Cunningham, Miss Marion Willits, and our former Board President, Dr. William R. Le Roy make up our retired missionaries. Please keep them in your prayers, remembering their walk with the Lord, health, support, and continued ministry.

16. ANDES MISSION – The Durands offer praise for the completion of seminary classes, and for young people who attended the two-week Bible Institute at Chillán. These young people also ask prayer for their upcoming Confederation of Evangelical Fundamental Churches (CIEF) youth directors’ meeting, and the Durands’ housing project.

17. KENYA – Miss Eun-Young Bai thanks everyone for their prayer support and is thankful for God’s mercy in the new year. Pray with her for her two classes, for daily health and physical strength, and for the grace to accomplish all the tasks that have been assigned to her at the Bible College of East Africa (BCEA).

18. BRAZIL – Rev. and Mrs. Ken Olson thank the Lord for the opportunity to host the International Council of Christian Churches there in Brazil last month. They pray the Lord will bless the hearts of those who attended and that they will use what they learned through the various messages.

19. INTERNATIONALS – Judy Creamer requests prayer for the Friends of Internationals new semester activities. Also pray with her for wisdom regarding her relationship with her church in Georgia as well as the IBPFM. Finally, pray for wisdom dealing with Judy’s schedule at the pregnancy center, because of the shortage of mentors there.

20. GUATEMALA – Caleb and Debra Kang thank the Lord for the 90 students for the 1st and 2nd years of Zion Middle School. Pray that these will give their best effort to learn, and that the teachers will properly lead the students with love and care. Pray for the Bible programs, safety and health for the family, and especially for Joshua’s allergies.

21. ANDES MISSION – The Bjurs remind us that today is the start of their weeklong VBS; pray for the many children who will come and the decisions that will be made for the Lord. Pray for the teachers and helpers also. Praise God that Becky returned safely to Bob Jones University, and that the rest of the family was blessed by their time at the International Council of Christian Churches meeting in Brazil.

22. LONDON – Rev. and Mrs. Tim Ki invite us to pray for the congregation of the New Life BPC, that they will grow spiritually, and have a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6 is their theme verse). Pray for the continuing Bible studies, prayer sessions, and the active evangelism around the church and in other communities.

23. KENYA – Judith Collins and Peter Lkayo ask that the Lord will grant to Baalah Bible Presbyterian Church and the Primary School, the blessings He granted long ago: “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31.

24. INDIA – Mr. M. J. Eapen perseveres in the distribution of Christian literature in the small villages in his region. As the Lord grants him health and strength to travel, preach, and witness, pray for solid results in a spiritually dry land. Praise God for his family, who is able to assist him in many ways.

25. FAITHFUL DONORS – Let us praise God together for the faithful and generous prayer and financial support that is received each month. As we look to the Lord to meet our daily needs, we thank Him for each one who willingly gives of that which the Lord has faithfully supplied.

26. KENYA – Pray with the Yoon family as they head out to Korea and later the USA, for a few months of furlough. Pray for profitable meetings, mercy in travel, and opportunities to share with others how Christ is working in Kenya. Pray for those who are in charge of the Kindergarten program and have taken other responsibilities in their absence.

27. BIBLE SCHOOLS AND SEMINARIES – On this Monday, let us pray for the training ministries under the IBPFM. Pray for the individual faculties and students of the schools located in Kenya, Tanzania, Brazil, Guatemala, and Cambodia. Pray for the young men and women currently being trained to serve as pastors, teachers, and evangelists, as they graduate, that they will minister with all their heart as unto the Lord.

28. INDIA – Dr. and Mrs. Gaikwad’s vital medical/evangelistic work needs prayer for their ministry to the sick of northern India. Pray for the faithful staff members, the Gaikwad family, as well as the church they work with. Finally, pray for another Christian medical couple to assist them in this work.

29. MISSION GOALS FOR 2012 – In a concentrated effort, let us prayerfully wait upon the Lord for at least one new missionary couple this year. Let us also pray for consistent financial support for every missionary, on a monthly basis. Finally, pray for the overall health and well-being of our thirty-four active, and three retired missionaries.
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Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved.
    J. G. Machen's Profession of Faith

On Sunday evening, March 17, 1935, Dr. Machen preached in the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, Pa. In his sermon he said:

“Just before I stand before that Commission next Tuesday morning at ten o’clock in the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, New Jersey, I have a profession of my faith to make. I cannot make it before the Commission because the Commission has barred from discussing everything really relevant to the questions at issue and has thus refused even to hear my case. But I am going to make if before this congregation tonight, and I know that every real Christian will sympathize with me when I make it.

My profession of faith is simply that I know nothing of the Christ proclaimed, through the Auburn Affirmation, by the Moderator of that Commission. I know nothing of a Christ who is presented to us in a human book containing errors, but know only a Christ presented in a divine Book, the Bible, which is true from beginning to end. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly was and possibly was not born of a virgin, but know only of a Christ who was truly conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not work miracles, but know only of a Christ who said to the winds and the waves, with the sovereign voice of the Maker and Ruler of all nature, 'Peace, be still.’ I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not come out of the tomb on the first Easter morning, but know only of a Christ who triumphed over sin and the grave and is living now in His glorified body until He shall come again and I shall see Him with my very eyes. I know nothing of a Christ who possibly did and possibly did not die as a substitute on the cross, but know only of a Christ who took upon Himself the just punishment of my sins and died there in my stead to make me right with the holy God.

I must be true to that Christ of the Bible, despite all efforts of the Auburn Affirmations and the ecclesiastical machinery to make me unture. I promised to be true to that Christ when I took my solemn ordination pledge as a minister, and I cannot break that promise now. I cannot support the anti-Christian propaganda now being furthered by the official Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. I cannot place the shifting votes of the General Assembly or any other human councils in a place of authority that rightly belongs only to the Word of God.

I have offered to defend my position about both these points. I have offered to prove that the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America is unfaithful to its great trust. I have offered to prove that the action of the last General Assembly requiring me to resign from The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions is contrary to the Constitution of the Church. The Commission has refused even to listen to my evidence. It has refused to listen to any argument by my council, Rev. H. McAllister Griffiths. It will of course condemn them. But I had rather be condemned for an honest adherence to the Bible and to my solemn ordination pledge than enjoy even the highest ecclesiastical honors and emoluments as the reward of dishonesty.”

    
Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. All rights reserved.
   
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