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Sri Lanka
Charles Bias
It was a hot day in March! After finishing work at the Character Training Institute, we hit the streets of Dehiwela with some tracts. Little did we know that someone was being drawn by cords of love right to the Savior. Upul and Sereka were searching for employment in one of the local garment factories. We gave the tract, they and spoke very briefly and went their way. They began to correspond with the church through our correspondence follow-up. They both expressed faith in Christ with their written testimonies. In mid April they attended our church for the first time. They have only missed one week since. They have both made clear professions of faith and are growing in the Lord Jesus. In the last two weeks they have been responsible for 3 first time visitors, all of which have been Buddhist like themselves.
New Believers Progress
Bertram is faithful every week and serves by checking up on member's household needs.
Buddhika has grown tremendously in the last 3 months. He participates in tract distributions and is a student in the Bible Baptist Institute.
Niroshini has been saved a short time but is attempting to read the Old Testament through in 3 months.
Felix has shown good sign of growth by asking questions in the new believer's class.
Sheromi has been very faithful during some difficult times in her family life.
Upul & Sureka have demonstrated a real stand for our Lord. They have refused to work on Sundays so they can be in church.
Swarnamalee is beginning to show life as she asks questions during Bible Studies.
Mahinda is still a concern, but has been faithful in attendance.
Odds and Ins
Average Attendance in May and June was 35
Church Camp in May-
30 Attended, 4 Professions
Major Setbacks to English Ministry
2 of our families moved out of Sri Lanka. Judy, Charlene, Denise, and Nicole are now in Australia. Trevor, Christine, and Joanna are leaving this week to relocate in Canada. This brings our English membership to our family and one other family. We must win souls!
Health Concerns
1. Karen and I are expecting our third in late November. We intend to have this child in Sri Lanka.
2. Lalitha- one of our members is recovering from a heart attack.
3. Mahinda- a new believer and a member is recovering from heart surgery.
Prayer Needs:
1. Bible Baptist Institute's 7 Students: Jessica, Shanker, Gobi, Maliny, Victor, Buddhika, Rajesh
2. Continued comprehension and application of the language studies we have undergone.
3. Peace talks just resumed after being stalled for over 2 months. Pray for a permanent
peace agreement between the Government and the LTTE.
4. Upcoming Bible Conference for those enrolled in correspondence course materials.
5. Vacation Bible School in August. Most of the workers have recently been saved.
6. Goal of giving away 1 Million Tracts from our church in the next 12 months.
7. Upcoming Men's Retreat to develop godly leadership in our congregation.
8. Visa Renewal through the Character Training Institute Office in October.
9. Creation Science Video Series as Outreach for the English Ministry.
10. New Children's Sunday School Classes need to get started.
Thanks for your ministry on our behalf.
Charlie & Karen Bias
Sri Lanka
Contact Charlie & Karen by email.
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