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Presbyterian Missionary Union

& Venture Guild International
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Web: www.presbyterianmissions.org

JUNE 2008, #229 u “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples!” Psalm 96:3

News to Know
Myanmar Believers’ Response to Tragic Cyclone
• Paauwe News
Rev. Kima writes of the tragedy in his now faced with the problem of the rise of Dr. Paauwe underwent a sec-
country after a cyclone hit on May 2, leaving prices. Life in Myanmar will be so diffi- ond surgery on his back May
over 133,000 dead and missing. “The situa- cult right now. I do not know how long 23. Lehia Paauwe writes, “Ed
tion in Myanmar is still terrible. But I am God will allow us to walk under this is home now from the hospi-
sure God has a wonderful purpose behind tal and continues to make
trial. But God is with us. As David once
this natural disaster. I believe that this disas- steady progress. Praise the
said, ‘Even though I walk in the valley of Lord. Thank you all for pray-
ter will open the door for sharing the Gospel the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For ing.
in Myanmar. So we Christians are to be alert you are with me; your rod and your staff, EBI has completed the Pre-
in this time and be ready for the Gospel. they comfort me.’ marital Counseling and the
“We all are safe by God's grace. We are (Continued on page 2) OT Survey courses. Please
pray for the students as they
have exams in the universi-
ties.”
Field Director Visits Four Asian Countries • BP 72nd General Synod
The BP Church in Edmonton,
Dr. Pine was greatly blessed to see God’s work in Asia, visiting India, Singapore, Alberta, Canada, will host
Cambodia, and Ch_na to oversee our works and engage in new ministries. this year’s synod from July
In India Dr. Pine was joined by Dr. Backus in being blessed by the Presbyterian Chris- 31—August 5, 2008. The
tians from April 14-25th. Rev. Hiralal Solanki of the Faith Bible Presbyterian Church in theme this year is “Beholding
Delhi and Rev. Anup Hiwale of Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Dehradun invited God, Pursuing Godliness,
Proclaiming Christ.” Infor-
Drs. Backus and Pine to come and minister. The work of our Bible Presbyterian fathers mation regarding registration
can be found at the BP web
site: www.bpc.org.
• Please pray for….
⇒ BPC of Myanmar as they
seek to reach out to those
around them with the gos-
pel of Christ. Especially
pray for the people in Ir-
rawady Division who are
suffering the most.
⇒ Miriam’s preparations to
return to the States in Au-
gust for three months of
was evident, as many of the churches can be directly linked to the work of missionary furlough.
⇒ Mark as he continues his
John Dorsey. Drs. Pine and Backus spoke at a three-day retreat to pastors from different
studies and seeks God’s
parts of India. Some of the pastors traveled three days to attend the retreat from the state guidance for location of
of Orissa, where they have been persecuted ministry.
for the sake of the gospel. What an encour- ⇒ Team Timothy Bolivia as
agement these men were. Retreat topics fo- final preparations are made
cused on how to establish and grow Bible - for their ministry.
believing, confessional churches. Drs. Pine ⇒ Support levels raised to
meet increasing costs.
and Backus also had the privilege of speaking
⇒ Regular support for Rev.
to the students of Presbyterian Theological Kima (Myanmar) and Rev.
Seminary regarding confessional churches. Quisbert (Bolivia) is criti-
From India, Dr. Pine traveled on alone to cally low, only at about
Singapore. Met by Pastor Jack Sin and his 50% or less than what is
wife, Angie, Dr. Pine spoke at Life Bible needed. Please help!
Presbyterian Church at a conference entitled,
“Father God or Mother Earth? A Christian Banner Photo above:
Response to the Ecological Crisis.” Over 250 Christian Ecological Conference at Life BPC Elephant Terrace at Angkor Pal-
ace complex, Siem Reap, Cambo-
(Continued on page 2) dia

Presbyterian Missionary Union is a non-profit missions agency associated with the Bible Presbyterian Church. Our purpose is to
advance the cause of missions that are biblically based and practiced and to stand against any compromise of the saving gospel of
Jesus Christ. PMU is directed by a Council of Christian leaders who volunteer their time to guide the ministry. To learn more about
missions opportunities through PMU, or about the BPC, please contact us. The Missions Banner is published ten times a year for
interested individuals and churches. It seeks to promote the clear stand of the BPC by providing a biblical perspective on issues,
fads, and theories in missions and church development. Our Editor is Len Pine, and our Publisher is Morris McDonald.
Myanmar, cont.
“My great concern right now is the people in Irrawady Division where people suffer most. Today I watched a video
taken of the people in that area. I feel so sad when I see those people, so I cannot finish watching the whole CD. I want
to help them. I want to share the Gospel with them. I want to give them the true hope. So let us pray for them, and let us
be their friends by bearing their burden through our prayer and gifts.”
In the midst of this tragedy, Rev. Kima has also been involved in starting another church in Thing Lei on the border
of India. Kima writes, “The church is well formed by the grace of God. But being a newly formed church, they need
guidance, encouragement, prayer and even some financial helps. So please pray for them. There are 70 members includ-
ing children.”

WRS Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry, Rejoices at Graduation Ceremonies

Western Reformed Seminary is celebrating its 25th An-
niversary this year. In this silver year, the seminary gradu-
ated two students: Roland Porter, age 82, who is seeking
ordination after providing pulpit supply for years at a local
community church, and Laurie Copeland, who majored in
theology and plans to use her training to combat heresy over
the internet.
WRS’s primary role is to train men in theology to serve
as ministers and other church leaders. Rev. Chris Lensch,
WRS’ Registrar notes, “This is
done in a supportive environment
that offers interaction with the
professors and other like-minded
students outside of the classroom,
and in conjunction with the per-
sonal support and service opportu-
nities provided by the Tacoma
and Olympia BP churches.”
Several different degrees are
offered at WRS. The three year
Dr. Battle, President programs include: M. Div., Master
of Religious Education, or Bache-
lor of Divinity and Bachelor of Re-
ligious Education for those entering
with an AA degree. Two year pro-
grams include: Master of Biblical
Studies (OT or NT), Master of
Theological Studies (Systematics or
Ecclesiastical History), and Master
of Christian Ministry (Ministry or
Biblical Counseling). A Master of
Religious Studies is offered in three
years through a night program. Rev. Lensch, Registrar
Challenges facing WRS in the
next 25 years include recruiting BP students, growing our
seminary, and finding qualified faculty to assist and, ulti-
mately, to take the reins of WRS in 10-15 years. Please
pray for the seminary, as it continues to train up men and
women to serve God in our present generation.
For more information contact Professor Chris Lensch
at registrar@wrs.edu or 253-272-0417.

Asia Trip, cont.

people attended the conference from various churches in the area. Afterwards, a panel, consisting of Dr. Pine, Dr. Jack
Sin, and Rev. Charles Seet (pastor of Life BPC), fielded questions from the audience. Dr. Pine had the honor to speak at
the Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church on Sunday, as well as speak on “The Call and Cost of Discipleship” on Sunday
afternoon. He also had the opportunity to meet with Life BP Church’s Missions Committee for a great discussion about
missions.
Next, Dr. Pine was able to spend six days with Rev. Mark Baldwin in Phnom
Penh, Cambodia. They were able to tour the city to look for potential church plant-
ing sites, as well as get caught up on ministry plans for the future. Dr. Pine was
excited to see how much progress Rev. Baldwin had made on his language study.
They also traveled to the historical center of Cambodia — Siem Reap and the
Angkor Wat temple complex. It was not only a time of refreshment and fellowship
for both, but also an opportunity to study more of the religious history of the coun-
try. Spending six days with Rev. Baldwin allowed Dr. Pine to experience everyday
life in Cambodia such as riding a moto, trying to get on the internet, and other
more pleasant opportunities. While there are many things we Americans would
consider challenges, Mark has adjusted and is very much at home.
Last, Dr. Pine was able to visit Miriam in Ch_na. It was a blessed time to see
how God is working in that country. Miriam is very busy, and was excited to
show Dr. Pine different aspects of her life and work. One burden is for the ex-
patriot churches there in the capital city. This group of over 1 million people have
very little in the way of any sort of ministry aimed at them. About 300,000 are
English speakers. It’s a burden of our friends there that a fellowship should be
Mark and Len dwarfed by strangler fig roots started specifically aimed at this group. There are a few other gatherings in the
at Pa Thom temple area, but they are basically concerned with ministering to people who are already
believers. Most are also theologically
unsubstantial, which is another concern. There is almost no evangelistic Temple of Heaven,
outreach into the expat community. We need to pray that God will raise up Bei Jing
men to serve as leaders to His flock in that place.
Dr. Pine also had the opportunity to present a seminar on “Music in
Church History” to a small group Miriam has been teaching on Sunday af-
ternoons. It was a great joy and blessing. He returned to the US on May 12.
You can read a full account of the whole trip on the web at
http://www.lenpine.wordpress.com.
Please pray for these fields. “Except the Lord builds the house, they
labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1a).