December 2009 The Suriname Ministry Hough Family 1. Where do you see God working in the Suriname Ministry?

We are at this time helping a house church that is predominately Hindustani. There is one more of these churches that we would like to include helping when we return from furlough. We will only be in the U.S. for about 2 months because of Micha and Melodys school will begin in August. We have a Brothers Circle that is meeting once a month. We discuss topics that involve worship and things that are pertinent to men that are coming out of Hinduism. We are also going through the Second Coming of Christ study that we have with the entire church group. There are about 20 to 30 in the group. We have about 4-7 men attending our Mens Circle. We have prayer meetings on Tuesdays. The home church that we are working with now is meeting in a school. The second Hindustani group is also no longer worshipping in a home, but in a school. There are many, many things that are needed spiritually with the groups. Especially one pastor needs lots of help. Healing and prosperity is the main subject of his ministering, but he wouldnt admit it. 2. What needs do you see on the Field for your work in Suriname at this point? Our primary needs here in Suriname is mainly keeping fresh spiritually and keeping our equipment up-to-date, etc., LCD projector, fresh Hindustani Christian music. We find that music is a big help in creating the atmosphere of worship and praise coming from a Hindustani culture perspective along with western praise music that is praising, but not entertaining. Another concern as a parent is Michas and Melodys education. Schools overseas in generally is expensive. I dont think people in general realize how expensive overseas schools are that can prepare your children for college. 3. What unique opportunities and disadvantages for ministry do you have in the Suriname? As an Afro-American it is a very interesting and unique opportunity to see how people react to our ministry. One of the disadvantages is peoples preconceived idea of putting people in a category. The other opportunity is to see how the love of Christ in your life melts these preconceived ideas. It doesnt go away completely, but it gives you a big foothold in holding them accountable to their spiritual walk and growth in the Lord.

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What significant events (related to the work or to political, economic or religious events) have occurred in the Suriname Ministry? We just had our elections and now we are really in line for major changes in the government. The political partly that has the majority of votes is now responsible for forming a coalition government to get a quorum to govern the country since they did not get enough votes for this quorum to do it without forming a coalition government. What is interesting is that the head of that political partly was once a dictator in the 80s and there is a big possibility that he will become president. There is an international arrest warrant out for him through INTERPOL for drug smuggling and racketeering. There is a big history surrounding this person here in Suriname. We ask that for prayer for this country during this transition of the government.

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What prayer request or praise to the Lord do you have for the work in the Suriname Ministry? 1. Praise Item: We are working with about 25-30 Believers who have come out of Hinduism and are struggling to find their identity in Christ. And for the most part, have a heart that is open to the Lord. Praise/Prayer Item: The effectiveness our radio program in Sarnami and programs on CDs. A Prayer Item: For Micha and Melodys school tuition in the coming year. Praise/Prayer: I finished the 1st level of Devarani (Hindi script) language and am now struggling with 2nd level. Prayer: The Lord will meet the needs for this ministry. 6. Prayer: Bro. Santokie who is a pastor or leader of the Believers where we are ministering to -- to have a heart that is open to the Lords way. He has difficulty in many areas of his life and it comes through in his leadership in our group. He has a spiritualizing mentality in his ministry without really trying to study the truths behind his conclusions of scripture interpretations. 7. We just want to take the time to thank you for your prayers and concerns. We pray that God will continue to bless you and your endeavors for Him. M. Hough International Families, Inc. Postbus 1919 Paramaribo-Zuid

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M. Hough International Families, Inc. 14713 Prince John Ct. Burtonsville, MD 20866

301-879-2604 240-938-4833 cell until 8-25-2010

Suriname, South America 011-597-433398 - Telephone