December 2000/January 2001

Dear Prayer Partners,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Daily living can be pictured as a walk.  In the New Testament the believer's experience is called a walk.  Prior to being called "Christians" they were known as "those of the Way" (Acts 9:2).  In other words, they were known by their walk; as noted in Hebrews, this is the walk of faith.

The Islamic faith in Nigeria today is more forceful, energetic, powerful and imaginative than at any time since the days of Usman Danfodio, the first man to aggressively propagate Islam in Nigeria.  According to the LA Times, in a recent poll conducted in Nigeria, over 80% believe Islam should play an active role in politics and should be taught more in public schools, 72% believe religious leaders should play a larger part in politics and 52% are opposed to democracy.  Amidst this 'thought' climate, two other coordinating centers have been added to the Emmaus vision in the Northern states between October and December 2000. Please pray for their stability and growth.

In Ghana, at the assembly in Kumasi, the brethren remain faithful.  Please remember in prayer, Emmanuel Amankwah who lost his father recently.  Also, remember sister Rose who has become engaged and will wed early this year.  Both Frank and Emmanuel are working hard at their Emmaus courses and are very focused and active in the meeting.  Praise the Lord for them and their example!

On the home front, Cyprian returned to Los Angeles on the 20th of December.  We were blessed to be able to spend the Christmas holidays together as a family.  Joy has recovered well from her stroke and we thank all of you for your prayers.  Stephen was in a motorcycle accident on Dec. 15th in which the Lord spared his life. Praise the Lord for this with us.  He sustained broken bones in his leg and arm, but is recovering at a steady pace.  Jessie has returned to Maryland to resume her studies.

Summary of Praises and Prayer Requests:

PRAISES

1. For the new coordinating centers in the Northern states
2. that Cyprian returned safely
3. that Joy is doing so well physically
4. that Stephen's life was spared in his accident

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. for a climate of political stability in both Nigeria and Ghana that
would allow the Lordıs work to continue on undisturbed
2. for a permanent building (meeting place) for the young church in
Kumasi
3. for the Kumasi assemblyıs continued spiritual growth and maturity
4. for the opportunities Cyprian has to minister the Word both in the United States and in Nigeria/Ghana
5. for Stephen's healing process to be complete and speedy
6. that each of the coordinating centers will focus on evangelism and discipleship; on reproducing themselves.

So for us, who we are and what we do on the Walk, even when no on is watching, is the essence of our being.  As we walk with Him, His dominant Life and Character will change who we are and what we do and  merge with ours (Gen. 5:22, 24).  Happy 2001!

Resting in His everlasting arms,


Joy and Cyprian Kia

Return to Index