Quisbert

In Bolivia, Easter is a combination of “Semana Santa” or Holy Week which is Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. This country has been influenced by the Roman Catholic Church. Easter is a huge religious holiday. “Semana Santa” is Bolivia’s second most important holiday season of the year after Christmas. For this reason we wanted to make a difference. We prepared a program to impact the people with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, April 17,  we had our Palm Sunday celebration. Four blocks up from our sanctuary, in the corner of Republic Avenue and Quintanilla Zuazo, we had a small service singing, praying and reading the Bible. Then we returned to our sanctuary in a procession along the Republic Avenue. Our kids and church members were holding palms and singing Hosanna. I used my megaphone to testify about our Lord Jesus Christ in the streets.

On Tuesday, April 19, I preached a sermon to 320 students in the 9^th grade. I was invited by my friend, Rev. Delfin Quispe, chaplain of the American Institute. (It’s a school in La Paz with four thousand students.) The sermon was on Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane. Most of the students are Roman Catholic. This religion teaches one to pray with the “Rosary” (“rezar”) and  repeat a prayer over and over again. I taught the difference between “to pray” and “rezar,” and I taught the students how to pray. We finished with a wonderful time of prayer. Please keep these students in your prayers.

On Sunday, April 24, we testified of the resurrection of Jesus in a Sunrise Parade in the morning. We met with different churches at 5:30 AM in “San Francisco” square downtown in  La Paz. We walked approximately 13 block singing hymns and repeating memory verses proclaiming that Jesus Christ is alive. Approximately 2,500 people attended the Sunrise Service at the gymnasium. I had the privilege to lead in a prayer for the country. Then we returned to our BPC sanctuary for a breakfast with our church members. In our BPC service we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. The resurrection Sunday happened 2,000 years ago, but we are here celebrating until He comes again with power and glory.  Please pray for the Easter evangelistic opportunity in the streets and squares. We hope to join more people for this celebration next year.   — Rev. David Quisbert

Heavy rains caused by the meteorological phenomenon, “La Niña,” have destroyed more than 1,200 homes in La Paz; 6,000 people have been left homeless. Our La Paz BPC and “Majesty” Christian Radio Station are working in solidarity. Once a week we are feeding 300 homeless people in the area, “Villa de las Flores.” So far, sixty-seven people have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We are cooking food, collecting clothes, and giving gospel tracts to these people. Please pray for us. — Rev. David Quisbert. Bolivia

March, 2011

Dear Brothers in Christ:

“Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.” Isaiah 12:5

We can say that the Lord hath done wonderful things in our missionary field. Your faithful prayers have been a major help to us as we’ve worked in different areas of our ministry.

CHURCH PEWS AND PIANO DONATION

In December we received a big surprise. The Canaan Korean Presbyterian Church of La Paz decided to donate 1 piano and 18 choir robes for our Church. (This church was closed because the members were moved to Santa Cruz city, Korea, and others returned to USA).

In January we praised the Lord because we received a generous donation from the Grace Bible Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati, Ohio — $1000 US for our church pews project. You can’t imagine how happy is our La Paz BPC. Praised be The Lord!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

From January 17th – 22nd, we held our VBS, entitled, “Marvelous Creation of God.” Our Bible memory verse was John 1: 1-3. We had an amazing week w ith 53 kids. On Wednesday six children and one mother accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. We gave to each one a New Testament. We are happy for this tool that helps us to share the Gospel with the kids. The lessons were exciting and easy. The crafts were creative.  Every day we had good snacks. My wife Gloria and my twins, David and Prisila, worked hard. I am proud of their using their talents fo r God. This year fewer people of the church were involved in our VBS, but God was with us.

NEW CHURCH MEMBERS

The BPC of La Paz, Bolivia, celebrated the reception of David Quisbert Gallegos, Prisila Quisbert Gallegos, Joel Irusta 
Aguilar, and Alfredo Zuazo Campos into full membership of our church on Sunday, February 20, 2011.  Joel and Alfredo received the sacrament of the baptism. Then we celebrated the Lord’s Super. We thank the Lord for these four wonderful young people who were formed in our BPC.  Please continue to pray for two other people that are taking the new member’s class.

FAMILIES VISITATION

In January and February we visited nine families of our church (Zuazos, Chambis, Huancas, Kelcas, Zolas, Ramirez, Irustas, Cuellars and Mattas). We encouraged them in the faith.  We had days with rain, but the families have been happy with the visitation and the Bible study. We had a great experience with God’s Word. We sang many songs, played games and had snacks.

FEEDING THE HOMELESS

We started this year feeding the homeless in the area near to our church at the “Bus Terminal.”  We provided for the homeless 150 cups of milk and bread. We also distributed some clothes.  We shared the Gospel and distributed 200 tracts. Please pray for these people;  may God change their lives for Jesus.

INTERNET MINISTRY: REFORMED BIBLE BROADCASTING

We are sharing the Good News to the lost of our world with our website and internet tools.  Our Internet server reported in February that we had listeners in: United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Guatemala, Spain, Finland, Canada, France, Brazil, Philippines, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Bolivia, Mexico, Switzerland, China, Chile, Argentina Germany, India, Colombia, Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Russian Federation, Iran, Japan, Romania, Peru, Ecuador, Malaysia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Barbados. 24 hours, 7 days a week our English internet broadcasting is available on: www.rbbradio.com.  Please continue to pray for this area of our ministry.

RAIN IN LA PAZ

The intense rains have destroyed more than 1200 homes in La Paz city. A fault stretching 250 to 300 acres triggered the disaster in La Paz. 6000 people were left homeless.  With three pastors, we went to the disaster area to take information. On March 3rd we returned to the area with food for 300 persons, clothes, and gospel tracts. Many people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our La Paz BPC is working in solidarity. Our plan is to return every week with more help. We are using the Majesty Radio station to ask the Christian people for help and solidarity. Please pray for us.

Praises

• For the wonderful testimony of our VBS.
• We celebrated the reception of David, Prisila, Joel, and Alfred into full membership of our BPC and the Lord’s Super was taken.
• For our new piano and church pews. 
• Praise the Lord! We shared the Gospel to 750 students of the Basil Miller Christian School in “Alto” city. We will continue to work with this school.
• We fed 150 homeless. We also distributed clothes, 25 New Testaments, and 1800 Gospel tracts in the area next to our BPC.
• We had the privilege to lead in prayer at the 26^th Anniversary of Alto city’s special service.
• Thank you so much for your support and love.

Prayer Requests

• On February 26 -27, some 6000 people were left homeless after La Paz city was hit with a “Mega mudslide.” This year’s rainy season has been severe.  Please pray for us as we campaign to provide food and clothing to those in need.
• Please pray for the distribution of 3000 Gospel Tracts.
• Please pray for our AWANA. (Our kids’ Bible club meets every Saturday from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.)
• Please pray for Ladies’ Bible Study. (Mondays 4:00 PM)
• Please pray for the completion of our church building.

“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall  accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing where to I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

Yours in His service,

Rev.  David and Gloria Quisbert, David Jr. and Prisila.

www.quisbert.org

The BPC of La Paz, Bolivia celebrated the reception of: David Quisbert Gallegos, Prisila Quisbert Gallegos, Joel Irusta Aguilar and Alfredo Zuazo Campos into full membership of our church on Sunday, February 20, 2011.  Joel and Alfredo received the sacrament of baptism. The church then celebrated the Lord’s Super. We thank the Lord for these four wonderful young people who were formed in the La Paz BPC.

Remembering Christ’s birth is a wonderful event.  Our sister church in La Paz, Bolivia, enjoyed celebrating Christ’s birth this Christmas season with several special services.

On December 19th, the children presented a program.  The choir sang, directed by Mrs. Gloria Quisbert and Sister Beatriz Sarvia, and five children recited poems. The church enjoyed the God-given talents of the children. Pastor Quisbert preached on Luke 2:1-7.  Visitors were given a New Testament and gospel tract; then 93 gifts were handed out to the congregation.  Beginning with a piano, violin, and recorder concert, the church held a candlelight service on Christmas Eve.  Many Christmas hymns were sung with great joy and enthusiasm, and a sermon was preached.  The church prayed for the Bible Presbyterian churches around the world.  Following the service, hot chocolate, panettone, and cookies were enjoyed.  The following Sunday, December 26th, the church invited the choir, “Dios es Amor” to sing at the service.  New people attended again.

Closing out the year with a New Year’s Eve service was a great joy to the members.  Edgar Zuazo, Fernado Zola, and Martin Irusta prepared a barbecue,  and the ladies of the church prepared salads for the midnight dinner.  At 10:00 PM the service started; members of the church, including the kids, shared their testimonies about what God had done in 2010. Some of the members sang their favorite hymn, others cried during their testimonies, remembering loved ones who had passed away. It was a time of great blessing.  At five minutes before midnight, the members made a circle and joined  hands to pray. They passed from 2010 into 2011 in prayer. They completed the evening with their midnight supper.

One large surprise this Christmas for the church was a donation from the Canaan Korean Presbyterian Church of La Paz.  Due to members moving away, the Korean church needed to close and decided to donate a piano and 18 choir robes to the BPC of La Paz.  The La Paz church is praising the Lord for His mercy to their church.

The year 2010 has been momentous, to say the least! Moving the office to Idaho, more travel in the past year than ever, a new missionary in Asia, a new US church plant, a wedding in Cambodia; the list just keeps going. And all of this while the economy has wreaked havoc around the country and the world. We are thankful for the funds the Lord has provided for us, for our faithful donors, and for the Lord’s goodness in all.

As we look forward to the year ahead, it’s going to be another busy one. The fields overseas are expanding, especially in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Bolivia. The new mission church in Idaho is already taking aim at becoming a particular church in the BPC. Team Timothy ministries will visit Cambodia and Canada for the first time in each country. In short, there are huge opportunities for spreading the gospel light of the Lord Jesus Christ through our various fields of mission. Will you help us? The General Fund, which is so necessary for the functioning of our administrative staff and office, is desperately in need of additional supporters because it is nearly depleted, and existing regular donations are insufficient to meet the 2011 budget.  Our new field partner, Miss Sarah Miller, needs $3,000 to cover her insurance and retirement account budget for 2011. Rev. and Mrs. Mark Baldwin need additional support to cover the costs of keeping a couple on the field. Revs. Kima and Quisbert are still not funded 100%. The Pines in Idaho are tapping into the church planting fund, and Mrs. Pine is now PMU’s full-time Office Manager, with a requisite increase in her compensation (out of the General Fund). We are trusting in our Lord to provide what is needed through His people.

On the back page of this month’s Banner you’ll find a form with all of our support opportunities laid out for you. Will you be a part of the ministry of PMU this coming year with your prayers and financial gifts? May God richly bless you as you do so. Have a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year!

January was a joyous month at the BPC in La Paz, Bolivia. The new building continues to receive finishing touches, and Rev. Quisbert was thrilled when a Korean pastor friend called David to let him know that he wanted to donate some pulpit furniture for the Church. So, David traveled to Iquique, Chile, to make arrangements to transport it back to Bolivia, as well as to shop for a new gas water heater for the showers at the church. (In Bolivia the cost is high and the quality low.) He found all that he needed, hired the truck, and returned in time for the start of the church’s VBS program.

The church held its VBS January 18 – 23 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. They started with thirty-seven children and finished with sixty-one in attendance. Some of the days were rainy, and they thought it would be a difficult for the classes, but kids were faithfully waiting at home and others arrived early for the VBS. Every day they opened the VBS by praying and singing many songs. Memory verses were Psalm 96:3, John 8:32; John 14:6, and the theme hymn was “I Love to Tell the Story.”

On Saturday the 23^rd they rented a bus and went to the “La Florida” park. When they arrived at the park they had a little rain, but as they started to sing and teach the Bible lesson, the rain suddenly stopped. Thank you for your prayers. Twenty-one children accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Pastor Quisbert says, “We praise the Lord because we testified about the Gospel with the VBS program.”

Oswald J. Smith once said, “The mission of the Church is missions.” Presbyterian Missionary Union was established in January of 1985 to help the Bible Presbyterian Church, General Synod, fulfill its mission. Throughout its history, the work of PMU has been focused upon advancing the testimony of Christ through the BPC. In recent years, PMU has enjoyed a growth in the number of “boots on the ground” on various mission fields around the world, for which we are grateful. Also, we have been serving as the “front door” for many folks as they explore what it means to be a Bible Presbyterian, or how to start a church.

In order to accomplish these ancillary ministries, PMU depends upon the gifts of God’s people. We especially look to local congregations of the Bible Presbyterian Church as the primary source for underwriting the work. We are also very thankful for the loving and faithful gifts of those from other branches of the Body of Christ who take part in regular giving or special projects.

The expansion of PMU’s testimony in the world has been costly, and God has been generous through his people. The work has progressed over twenty-five years to the point that now new vigor in financial and prayer support is needed to maintain the home and foreign missions efforts that have developed so well over the past few years. Still, the question begs to be asked: “Why should I support PMU?” Perhaps the best way to answer this question is through some typical stories from the fields on which we serve.

Compassion

Love for the Lost

Before coming to Christ and responding to the Lord’s call to the gospel ministry, Rev. Mark Baldwin was a successful engineer and systems analyst at GE. He left his lucrative salary and nearly all of his worldly possessions behind to travel to Cambodia in 2004 to serve some of the poorest people in the region. And he does not serve them at arm’s length from an ivory tower, but rather in their midst adopting their customs, learning their language, enjoying their food, and assisting them in their necessity in ways that encourage their dependence upon God and not men. His love for them is palpable, and it demonstrates itself in the fervor with which he applies himself to the “3-D” ministry of the gospel among them.

Love for the Church

In 2004, PMU began working with Rev. Khawlrokima to assist him in his burden to reach his native land of Myanmar with the gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly people groups that were largely passed over by other churches in the country. Starting with a house church in Yangon, the ministry has now grown in a few short years to twelve mission stations, two orphanage centers, and two preschool ministries spread across three of Myanmar’s states. The Yangon body is now a particular church with its own well-qualified elders and is actively working to evangelize the city as well as providing oversight for the mission stations. We share Kima’s passion to develop biblically qualified leadership, and regularly send professors to assist him in providing a seminary level education for the future pastors of the Bible Presbyterian Church of Myanmar.

Care

Of Resources

The world is full of incredible opportunities to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of people. Multiple requests for assistance from around the world are the norm here in the office. In many cases, it is not question of the worthiness of the project being promoted: we could spend our budget three times over and still not meet all the requests that we receive throughout any given year. But we recognize that our donors give to this agency because they entrust us to be careful in how the funds are used. Designated funds go to the designated account; every dime that is given for any particular missionary goes to that missionary’s account; great caution is taken to make sure that General Fund dollars are not squandered on items and services that do not advance PMU’s mission; accountability practices are stringently followed to maintain our financial integrity. And, we use what we have to strengthen current fields first before adding other projects, however worthy additional projects might be. When great needs arise from among our brethren in sister churches around the world, we require accountability for the use of those funds. Occasionally, some on those foreign fields take exception to our insistence of accountability; when that happens, the funds cease to go there. We will not compromise on good stewardship of the Lord’s money which is given through faithful donors.

Of Personnel

Staying aware of changing political and social “climates” in foreign lands and home mission fields is a challenge, but we take this duty seriously. Of course, the personal needs of our missionaries and church planters often shift in response to those changes. For example, on our largest field in Asia, Miriam has found that the only constant thing in that culture is change. Through the years as various crises have occurred in employment, government policy reversals, and opposition to her work, Miriam’s calls for help have been answered by changing policies to decrease Council response time, providing clearer parameters for independent action on the part of field personnel, increasing salary when necessary to meet a sudden need, simplifying reimbursements, defending her against brethren (true and false) who would undermine her labor, and making sure that connections back home stay strong. All of this along with doing what is necessary to keep bank accounts healthy enough to not only keep her on the field, but to help her thrive on the field. Caring for God’s servants is a top priority.

Commitment

To Presbyterian Government and Doctrine

In a day when church government grows increasingly congregational, PMU’s missionaries are standing firmly for the propagation of biblical church government regardless of the cost. In Western Australia, Ed Paauwe’s firm stand on Reformed faith and practice has led to the formation of a new church when his former congregation decided to follow congregational and non-Reformed practice and doctrine contrary to the church constitution. It was a painful time, but the Paauwes and the majority of the Session held firm in their commitment. Today a thriving new congregation has been established in the area and is already active in supporting missions efforts of like character in the region. We praise the Lord for their faithfulness!

Here at home, PMU is committed to operating in a functionally subordinate role to the denomination as a whole. All Council members, and all full-time missionaries, are members of the BPC General Synod as a matter of policy. We do not begin to discuss bringing a missionary or church planter on board unless they are first approved by a church Session or a regional Presbytery. We honor the discipline of the Church and will not subvert it by elevating our own goals above the courts of the Church. We work closely with our Presbyteries and local churches to identify potential church planting locations, recruit qualified workers, and provide such resources as may be useful in the pursuit of the mission of the local church. We are first and foremost a Bible Presbyterian entity that exists to aid the Synod in its appointed task of disciple-making and church planting.

To Like-minded Brethren

While it is not always possible to supply regular support for new mission fields at present, we are delighted to be able to serve the Church at large in occasional ministries that aim at edifying brethren who seek us out for training, counsel, and encouragement. For example, Dr. Pine, working with other members of the PMU Missions Council, has had the privilege of providing training in India on church government and biblical connectionalism as an aid to planting churches with a wonderful group of brethren who are the spiritual progeny of BP missions years ago. That training established a relationship of mutual help and encouragement that may eventually result in more concrete ties in the years ahead as the Lord directs. Whether it does or not, PMU has played a vital part in assisting these brethren in furthering their testimony in northern India, and for that we are thankful. Dr. Pine and other Council members have done similar work in Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bolivia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Peru.

Occasionally we also have the privilege of serving the larger Church among brethren in other Bible-believing bodies here in North America, and we count it a privilege to do so. Ministry visits, concerts, conference participation, and being a general resource on a broader scale is also part of fulfilling our purpose for existence.

To Vibrant, Biblical Christianity

At PMU we do not believe that it is enough to have a presence in a community without actually impacting that community. Our missionary to Bolivia, Rev. David Quisbert, demonstrates his passion for a vital and visible Church in everything that he does. His days are full of evangelism through personal contact, tract distribution, radio ministry, web presence, and youth outreach. He takes advantage of opportunities to minister to the homeless and destitute in Jesus’ name, testify of Christ to national leaders in public and private, train others to plant churches around the country, encourage like-minded brethren in their work in various parts of the city and nation without jealousy, and participate in regional ministries that bring faithful believers together from all over South America for a united testimony to the power of the gospel to save souls. All of this work is in addition to the regular pastoral care that he gives to his congregation through the various ministry efforts of the local church in La Paz.

Watching David preach Christ to the president of the country one day, and kneeling down beside a homeless beggar the next day with a plate of food and a tender urging to Christ, we are reminded of the Scriptural admonitions to be ready to boldly give account in the highest echelons of society, and to live out true and undefiled religion in ministering to the poor. In reality, we have now come full circle: this is living out compassion for the lost in ways that are tangible and genuine. We are thankful for such missionaries as these who serve in our ranks.

How Can I Help?

And so our initial question has found an answer. Compassion, care, and commitment add up to an agency that by God’s grace is endeavoring to faithfully do God’s work in the portion of the vineyard known as the Bible Presbyterian Church and its faithful “neighbors.” We are here to help you fulfill your mission. But we need your help in return.

Previous sources of income upon which we built our current efforts were, in the providence of God, unexpectedly terminated in the past year. We have cut extra expenses, trimmed back everywhere that we can while still keeping essential operations going, made regular pleas for additional funds, and still find ourselves coming up critically short. We will soon be tapping limited emergency funds just to keep current efforts going. We find ourselves in the frustrating position of being unable to expand our efforts to meet additional needs that come to our attention. So, the Lord is making it possible for us to see his wonderful provision through his people once again.

Will you be part of that provision through committing to regular contributions, especially to PMU’s General Fund and the account of our Field Director, Dr. Pine? If you already do so, either individually or through your local church, would you please consider increasing the amount that you give? Naturally, pray with us as well:

· That the Lord will provide the necessary resources;

· That he will call people to himself who love the faith “once delivered unto the saints” and want to start churches;

· That he will raise up pastors and missionaries to answer the call to serve;

· That he will preserve us through all challenges to the work.

The work of PMU is vital for the ongoing testimony of Christ through the BPC in this country and abroad. There are many organizations pleading for funds, we know. Presbyterian Missionary Union walks in a unique and committed relationship to the BPC, and in doing so makes itself useful to the larger body of Christ as well. Partnering with you in the gospel ministry is the reason we exist: may God grant that our partnership will be fruitful for Christ for the next twenty-five years. Thanks for your prayerful support.

Beginning in November, we work with our children, practicing for the Christmas Cantata and a drama about the birth of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to reach new families and invite them into our church. Our desire is that they will appreciate the Christmas story and accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Our kids definitely enjoy the Christmas singing and meeting with other children. Our church prepares one hundred gifts. This year, the Christmas program for the children will be held on December 20th. Please pray for our program.

Our Christmas Eve celebrations will begin at 8:00 PM with special music, hymns, and a sermon. The families of our BPC will be participating. We will distribute candles to every worshipper; when the congregation holds the candles it will remind them that Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” At the end of the service, we will serve a toasted panettone with hot chocolate. Then all the church members will return to their homes to have the traditional Bolivian dish with their relatives.

May God bless you this Christmas. – Rev. David Quisbert

As we approach the end of 2009 and look ahead to the coming year, we rejoice in God’s provision of all that has been needed for the work of PMU thus far. In His providence, we are also experiencing the effects of the economic downturn and the challenges of being committed to serving the missionary program of a small denomination. Some of our missionaries’ accounts are doing very well indeed: we praise the Lord for the abundant support for Rev. Mark Baldwin’s work in Cambodia. The Paauwes’ support for their work in Australia is also in good shape. Our other accounts need your help and prayers. Miriam’s monthly support is about $500 under budget. The Kimas’ support is short about $350. Rev. Quisbert’s support will increase next year as the Lord provides. We currently will need an additional $600 monthly to meet the Bolivia mission needs. The General Fund is about $800 short every month. And Dr. Pine’s account is in the greatest need, averaging $1,550 below budget monthly. All support accounts currently have positive balances in them, praise the Lord, and we are able to function. But those balances are not large, and those that are running at a deficit will soon be depleted without assistance from God’s people. We have cut our budget as much as possible while still being able to carry on. Can you help? Pray with us that the Lord will provide through His people so that the vital work PMU missionaries are doing will not be hindered in the coming year. Thank you very much.