The Frontlines

Vol. 1, No. 1, Spring 2007

Dear Laborers,
Family of Faith has been blessed to see how those who have been sent out from us have started new works in foreign countries, across the United States, and have labored in various capacities locally to see the Kingdom of God advanced on the earth. It has been well established that God has ordained Family of Faith (FOF) to be "A Light to the Nations" (Isaiah 49:6) and that the passion and prayer of this body of believers is to see that "every creature" (Mark 15:16) is touched with the love of Jesus through the power of His Gospel.  One vital area in orchestrating this worldwide penetration of the Gospel has been in being obedient to the command to "send out laborers into His harvest field" (Matt. 9:38).
As a means of better serving the body and strengthening the bond we have with one another to fulfill the Great Commission, we have created a structure that enables us to better communicate with you. This newsletter is an effort to help us all be involved in the lives of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, who have placed their lives and their family's lives on the "Frontlines" for the sake of the Kingdom.
"For this reason also, ... we have not ceased to pray for you and ask that you may be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding, ...bearing fruit in every good work and increasing the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Colossians 1:9-12

"Prayer Changes Things"
Steffen and Joanna Fickus, graduates of Family of Faith College, send us greetings from Malaysia, Joanna's home country and their current place of ministry. This dedicated husband and wife team are currently busy working in God's ministry in Shah Alam, the "Muslim Capital" of Malaysia.  Malaysia consists of twenty-five million people with different religious backgrounds such as Islamism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity (the minority).  Joanna shared that many people there are born into their religion and rarely have the chance to even choose their own religion. Despite the fact that they are located in the middle of this "Muslim Capital," the church is still growing and many are coming to Christ. They are extremely encouraged by the continuing presence of God in their lives.
Steffen and Joanna remain increasingly busy in the local church, working with Joanna's father, David Ramayah.  Their working hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the church but often extend well past 5 p.m.  Steffen is the youth pastor (leading in youth services and cell groups), helps with multi-media presentations, and also ministers to adults.  Joanna works with the children's church and also has various jobs in the church office while teaching extra classes for students. Their world will soon include much more busyness along with a lot of joy as they will be welcoming a baby girl into their family in July.
Steffen and Joanna ask us to pray that the lives they touch will change their nation quickly. Joanna strongly believes that the youth and children that they are earnestly praying for and serving will be the next generation of intercessors for the nation of Malaysia.  Prior to each Sunday service, they pray for an hour to further touch their church and all of Malaysia.
Steffen and Joanna feel a great direction from God to prayer.  "Prayer changes things," said Joanna. "Even though we have always known this, God is speaking for us to know it in our hearts and cling to it .  He wants us to have a heart of prayer."
"It's always an encouragement to know that people in Oklahoma are still thinking of us!" Joanna said. Lastly they want to leave us with this, "Please keep us in prayer and keep in touch with us.  We love you all!"

Spring 2007 ICLC Conference
The International Christian Leadership Connections (ICLC) network recently had its bi-annual leadership conference which was held in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on March 1-3. We as a network have been learning about "Kissing the King" and paying homage unto God.  Lamar Boshman, who joined us from the International Worship Institute in Dallas,Texas, shared with us that it is also time to "Receive His Kiss."  There is a place of greater intimacy that we need to enter, and we must take the time to step back and allow God to pour out on us His great love and grace.  Sam Matthews also further released that God wants to pour out "A Niagara of Blessing" on His people.  We as His people need to invoke His name so that there could be a greater pouring out of His blessing. Bennett Smith from Alabama released that this is the time to follow after the older generation and cleave to them.  Just as Elisha ran after Elijah and would not let go, we need to cling to those before us and glean from them. God is doing so much in and through His people all over the world.  We must have ears to hear every word He says and eyes to see the next steps we are to take that will further build His Kingdom here on earth.  

 
REACH Ministries 
an outreach of        
Family of Faith Church                                   
P. O. Box 1442 
Shawnee, OK 74802                               

THE FRONTLINES staff
Amy Winter
Lauren Sadberry
Jessica Harper
FOF-REACH@hotmail.com