In this issue of Reflections from the Director, I want to share some good news with you and then highlight two books written by IPHC Career Missionaries; Rev. John and Edna Parker and Rev. Charlene West: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOHN TUNSTALL FOUNDATION The Seventh Core value that emerged from our collective study of Isaiah 54: 2 and 3 was identified as RADICAL GENEROSITY.
Many of you have had the privilege, as I have, of traveling to Israel. I am sure that you, like I did, visited the Dead Sea. It is a big tourist attraction because it has such high mineral concentrations that even non-swimmers can stay afloat in its waters. The only problem is the smell. Because it has no outlets, any fresh water that comes in, quickly becomes contaminated.
Solomon said, “Be stingy and lose everything. The generous…prosper.” God never intended us [personally or corporately] to be reservoirs that just take in; He called us to be rivers that flow out to bless others. Something interesting happens when you stop focusing on yourself and get concerned with other people’s needs. In 2 Corinthians Paul says, “A person who gives cheerfully…will…have…plenty left…to share.”
If you study the early church you will note that every time the church GAVE RADICALLY the Lord powerfully blessed them and their giving created a supernatural cycle of blessing.
The Proverb writer speaks of the cycle of blessing which generous giving starts when he states, “The liberal soul shall be made fat/prosperous, and he that watereth, himself shall be watered.” Luke the physician put it this way, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” NRSV
This past June, Dr. Frank G. Tunstall called me to tell me that his brother, Mr. John H. Tunstall wanted to talk with me. John and I were able to connect a few days later. In the course of our conversation, Mr. Tunstall told me that the WMMD would be receiving documentation regarding the formation of The John H. Tunstall Foundation. He told me that it had been “in his heart to leave his estate to the WMMD for the specific purpose of providing an on-going support system for indigenous missionaries and our Bible Schools.”
The IPHC currently has 39 Bible Schools outside of the U.S. Support for indigenous missionaries is critical to our being obedient to the Great Commission mandate. It is very obvious that Mr. Tunstall understands missions and understands how important these two purposes are to the expansion of the Kingdom.
I, along with the WMMD Council, have thanked Mr. Tunstall for being a ‘conduit’ and for setting in motion a supernatural cycle of blessing for our Bible Schools and indigenous missionaries.
Shortly after concluding my telephone conversation with Mr. Tunstall, I called Mr. Moses King. He and his dear wife, Ms. Geraldine established the first foundation that benefits the global ministries of the WMMD. In fact, this Foundation just made two significant grants to our ministry in Bangladesh that will enable us to complete the construction of a second and third floor of the main building on our compound. Dr. Vijay and Apa Balla and I are still in awe of God’s provision of funds for this project. Mr. and Mrs. King intentionally positioned themselves as ‘conduits.’ Their Foundation set in motion a supernatural cycle of blessing that since 2006 is having a global impact. Mr. King has written a book titled, “Thy Kingdom Come.” This well-written and practical book testifies to this “supernatural cycle of blessing” in the development of Kingdom ministries. If you have never read “Thy Kingdom Come,” send us an email to wmminfo@iphc.org or give us a call at 1.888.474.2966 and I will give you copy as a gift.
MISSIONARIES RELEASE TWO NEW BOOKS Charlene West and Edna Parker just completed their writing of a book titled, “John Parker Missionary Statesman.” The book chronicles the Parker’s global ministry as they effectively ministered on four continents: Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe over a 50 year time span.Also, Charlene West recently published, “Behold the Bride.” This book is a presentation of the Church as the Bride of Christ, and it urges the Christian to be prepared for this event that will be the greatest in the history of the universe.
You would enjoy and benefit from reading both books, which are available right now on Amazon.com or at LifeSprings Resources by visiting http://lifespringsresources.com/john-parker-missionary-statesman and http://lifespringsresources.com/behold-the-brideUntil Christ returns, I ask you to continue partnering with us in this Kingdom-advancing work through your prayers and your generous financial support.
Thank you for standing with us in the critical work of sending missionaries to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.
-Talmadge Gardner Executive Director |