August 2012

Dear Pastors and praying friends,

We would like to share with you the latest development in our deputation process.  In May, we had a conversation through email with a German pastor.  In that conversation he told us that the church has been praying about the possibility of asking us to consider joining one of two teams from their church.  Each team would be made up of two German couples and an American missionary couple.  The goal for these teams is to plant churches within a two hour radius of their home church, and they would like to launch these teams within three years.

After considering this possibility and praying about the opportunity, we are interested to see if God opens this door as we anticipate ministering in Germany for a number of reasons.  First, this opportunity lines up with our ministry objective of forming church planting teams with Germans.  We believe that Germans need to take the driver’s seat in church planting in order to reach their country for Christ.  Forming teams with missionaries and Germans affords that opportunity for Germans to be in leadership from the groundwork of church planting.  Second, the timing of a desired launch in three years will work perfectly with us, if we are able to get to Germany by the end of the year.  We would be enrolled in language school at the beginning of next year, and Lord willing, be finished with language training in time to launch with one of these teams.

The timing of us leaving for Germany is crucial for a number of reasons.  The first, mentioned above, is getting through language training in time for the launch of these church planting teams.  The second, being just as crucial, is a deadline set by our sending church.  We are currently at 53.7% of the support we need to live and minister in Germany.  We need to have 100% of our support committed by October 1, 2012.  This means we need an additional $2,714.00 in monthly support by October 1.  From a human perspective this could seem like a mountainous need, but our God is in the business of moving mountains when his people pray in faith.  

Would you join us in praying that God would provide the remaining support we need by October 1, 2012?

Would you seriously consider whether you are able to assist us in meeting this needed support.

Sincerely,

Jim and Sarah Engle

Baptist Mid-Missions

Appointees to Germany

June 20, 2012

Dear Praying Friends,

We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming summer ministry opportunities. The month of July will be very busy as we'll be at three different weeks of camp in Iowa and Minnesota, and a week of VBS in Wisconsin.  Please pray that God will be honored, missions will be bolstered, and souls will be saved.

We are relying on God to provide the necessary funds for us to minister in Germany.  We need to raise approximately another $2700/month by this October 1.  We are excited to see how the Lord will bring this support in, and from whom it will come.  There are several exciting things happening in Germany related to church planting right now, and we hope to be involved and learning the language as early as the end of this year.  Please pray that God will provide our funding.

If you would like us to return to your church to give an update or to get reacquainted with our ministry I have some Sundays available in September.  Please contact me:  515-371-1902 or jdengle01@gmail.com.

If you would like to join our financial support team here is a link to the Declaration of Intent to Support form.  Just simply fill it out, put our name for the missionary, and hit submit (or print it out and mail it in.) http://www.bmm.org/NR/rdonlyres/ACAEB3EF-EC1D-4DE7-96CD-602C269F8895/0/IDISform.pdf

If you would like to give a one time gift to help with our support account or our outfit and passage account, BMM offers the convenience of Paypal through their website: http://www.bmm.org/BMM/Giving/GiveNow/missionary+support.htm
Simply designate to which account you would like to contribute.

May the Lord bless you this week as you seek to serve Him,

Jim and Sarah

Baptist Mid-Missions
Appointees to Germany

May 23, 2012

Dear praying friends,

Thank you for actively being involved in our ministry through prayer.  We know that your prayers will be a vital part of ministering in Germany in the future and your present prayers are invaluable as we travel to churches and camps while on deputation.  Please pray that God would use us to challenge believers to serve Him.

As some of you know last month Creston, IA was hit by a tornado which did much damage to the hospital and the community college there.  One of our supporting churches, First Baptist of Creston, had minor damage to the building, but everybody was safe.  Praise God for His protection during this violent storm.  We were able to go down two weeks ago and spend two days helping with some of the clean up.  There are still many buildings that have much damage and some that have to be demolished.  Pray for the members of First Baptist as they reach out to their community.

On June 3, Fellowship Baptist Church in Des Moines, IA is having a send off service for Mark and Leslie Boyd. They are fellow BMM missionary appointees headed to Germany as church planters.  Praise the Lord that this couple is ready to leave and begin their ministry in Germany.  The Germany Field is also excited about their arrival and transition into ministry there.  The Boyds completion of deputation leaves two on deputation for the field of Germany: Crystal Buegel and ourselves.  Please pray that both of us would soon be departing for Germany also.

Here is our up-coming itinerary:
5/27 - Ithaca Baptist, Ithaca, MI (new meeting)
6/3 - Boyd send off service - Fellowship Baptist, Des Moines, IA
6/4-8 - VBS @ Faith Baptist, Cambridge, IA
6/9-10 - First Baptist, Arlington Heights, IL - (new meeting) missions conference
7/8-13 - Raccoon River Bible Camp - Junior Camp missionary speaker
7/14-20 - IRBC Family Camp 3 as campers - Clear Lake, IA
7/23-28 - Bass Lake Baptist Camp -Senior High Camp missionary speaker
7/29 - Woodruff Baptist, Woodruff, WI (new meeting)
7/30 - 8/3 - VBS @ Woodruff Baptist, Woodruff, WI
8/12 - Grace Community, Rochester, MN (new meeting)
8/19 - Faith Baptist, Albert Lea, MN (update meeting)
9/11-14 - Launch Seminar at BMM Home Office, Cleveland, OH
9/17-19 - Pennsylvania ARBC Annual Conference or Minnesota ARBC Annual Conference (not sure which one yet)
9/24-25 - Crossroads Fellowship Annual Conference - Indiana
10/1-2 - IL/MO Fall Conference - Illinois
10/15-16 - Empire State Fall Conference - Watertown, NY
10/19-20 - Wisconsin ARBC Fall Conference
10/28 - Bethel Baptist, Oskaloosa, IA (update meeting)
10/29-30 - Michigan ARBC Fall Conference

Please pray that our support would increase to over 60% quickly.  We are currently at 55% of our needed support to live and minister in Germany.  We are very grateful to be over the half way point.   Along the way many people have told us that once we reach 50% things will go more quickly.  Only the Lord knows whether that will be true or not, but we certainly hope that He will bring together the right team of prayer and financial supporters in His timing.  We certainly are very thankful for the 13 churches and 14 families that make up our current team of supporters.

If you feel called to join our team of supporters here is a link to an online form you may fill out and submit to Baptist Mid Missions.  Our account/project# is 702037.
http://www.bmm.org/NR/rdonlyres/ACAEB3EF-EC1D-4DE7-96CD-602C269F8895/0/IDISform.pdf

Jim and Sarah Engle
Baptist Mid-Missions
Appointees to Germany

April 13, 2012

Dear praying friends,

We are very thankful for another new supporting church, Calvary Baptist Church in Union, IA.  We look forward to developing a closer relationship with them over the years, as we minister together for the Gospel.  Our current support is now 55%.  Please pray that, in God's timing, more will come in.

We were involved with Forever Be Sure Ladies Quartet in their Arizona Tour last month with nine concerts in six days.  They received many comments about how the music was a blessing.  If you are interested in their story look at their website:  www.foreverbesure.com.  While there, we made several good contacts for our own future meetings and attended the state fellowship meetings.  I have begun the process of contacting those pastors to schedule our own trip possibly this Fall.

Our original plans were to go from Arizona and drive up to Washington for a visit with family and give an update report to a church we visited in 2010, First Baptist in Soap Lake, WA.  But unfortunately our car's transmission gave us some problems on the way down to Arizona, and we had to make the tough decision not to go up to Washington.  We hope to some time in the near future to be able to visit them again.

This past Wednesday I spoke at the AWANA closing service at a supporting church, Bible Baptist Church in Rantoul, IL.  Please pray that the Gospel message from 1 John 1 will penetrate the hearts of clubbers and parents.

Pray also for our sending church, Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor, MI as they are faced with some tough financial decisions concerning their missions budget.  Their next business meeting is Sunday night, April 15. We love Evangel and are excited about what God is doing in their midst. "Evangel" means "Good News" and they have shared with us their goal to live out the name "Evangel" as a church and be bearers of the good news of the Gospel. Pray for their hearts to be burdened for souls and that evangelism would become second nature to them and that their lives would shine forth the Good News!

Here is our itinerary so you can pray for our upcoming meetings:
4/15 - First Baptist, Austin, MN (new meeting)
4/16-18 - IARBC annual conference - Grimes, IA
4/22 - Hamilton Baptist, Hamilton, MI (new meeting)
4/29 - North Royalton Baptist, North Royalton, OH (new meeting)
5/27 - Ithaca Baptist, Ithaca, MI (new meeting)
6/9-10 - First Baptist, Arlington Heights, IL - (new meeting) missions conference
7/1 - Woodruff Baptist, Woodruff, WI (new meeting)
7/23-28 - Bass Lake Baptist Camp -Senior High Camp missionary speaker
8/12 - Grace Community, Rochester, MN (new meeting)
8/19 - Faith Baptist, Albert Lea, MN (update meeting)
9/11-14 - Launch Seminar at BMM Home Office, Cleveland, OH
10/28 - Bethel Baptist, Oskaloosa, IA (update meeting)
Thank you for praying,

Jim and Sarah

March 22, 2012

Dear praying friends,

The first two concerts down here in Phoenix, AZ have been a blessing.  We are very thankful to be involved in this ministry, and to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people in several churches.  We are praying for the opportunity to come back to some of these churches to present our ministry in Germany.

We are very thankful for another new supporter.  Our new support percentage is 54.1%.  Please continue praying about the 60% mark.

Thank you,

Jim and Sarah Engle

March 15, 2012

Dear praying friends,

I just wanted to write real quick and share the news before we leave tomorrow for our trip to Arizona/Washington.  This evening we learned of another new supporting family, which brings our support percentage to 53.7%.

Please keep praying that we would reach 60% by the end of March.

Rejoicing in Him,

Jim and Sarah Engle
Baptist Mid-Missions
Appointees to Germany

March 2012 Update

Dear praying friends,

Once again we want to thank you for your prayers over the last several weeks and months.  It truly has been wonderful to see the Lord work in so many ways. 

New support level - I found out yesterday about another individual supporter that has begun supporting us.  There are also three new supporting families in the process of filling out the paperwork.  Also, one of our supporting churches has been putting half of their support into a savings account for our outfit and passage when we are ready to leave for Germany.  We previously have not included this other half in our tally of support percentage.  But we recently have been advised to do so because it is committed support. So our new support level is:  51.2%. 

Prayer Request for our Van dilemma - We are leaving for our trip to Phoenix and Washington Thursday, March 15.  I took our van in today to have it checked out in preparation for the trip.  We've had a transmission code setting the check engine light and our cruise control stopped working about two weeks ago.  The diagnosis is inconclusive. It will require "digging" deeper to know for sure what the problem is.  The mechanic said even if we threw in a refurbished trans he would not recommend going on such a trip for at least a month later to make sure everything was working properly.  We are praying about wisdom and options.  We have thought of several, but not with peace about either of those options:  1. Take our car, 2. Rent a mini-van, 3. Take our mini-van anyway.  Let me explain the dilemma in these choices: 1. Our car has over 235,000 miles and much less cargo space.  2. Renting a mini-van will cost around $2000 for the time we will be gone (money which should be put into a new transmission when we get home).  3.  We don't believe it is wise to drive over 5600 miles, through desert and mountains, over a three and a half week trip, when our vehicle is in questionable condition. Please pray with us about this decision! We know God already has the answer in mind, and now is the time to wait and see Him work! Please, let us know if you come across any other suggestions, as well! God can use a myriad of situations, people, etc. to direct us to His will!

Sweetheart Banquet participation - We had the privilege of participating in the Sweetheart banquet this past Saturday at Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge, IA.  Sarah and I wore rented Victorian outfits (look us up on Facebook to see pictures).  We "attempted" to sing/act out Daisy Bell  (On a Bicycle Built for Two).  I also sang I love you truly in a barbershop trio.  Over all it was a great time to focus on uplifting fellow believers to cherish our marriages.

Support Goal - Please continue to pray about our support goal of reaching 60% by the end of this month.  The remaining 8.8% equates to $516/month in needed support.

If you know of a church interested in the ministry in Germany please let me know about them.  If you are interested as a family/individual in joining our support team or if you have a business and are interested in making a donation here is a link to the Online Interactive Declaration of Intention to Support Form.  Our project number is 702037.
http://bmm.org/NR/rdonlyres/ACAEB3EF-EC1D-4DE7-96CD-602C269F8895/0/IDISform.pdf

Please pray about our upcoming meetings:

March 19-27:  Forever Be Sure Concert Tour, Phoenix, AZ
March 23-24:  Arizona ARBC annual conference
April 4:  First Baptist Church, Soap Lake, WA
April 11:  Bible Baptist Church, Rantoul, IL  Awana closing service
April 15:  First Baptist Church, Austin, MN
April 22:  Hamilton Baptist Church, Hamilton, MI
April 29:  North Royalton Baptist Church, North Royalton, OH
May 27:  Ithaca Baptist Church, Ithaca, MI
June 9-10:  First Baptist Church, Arlington Heights, IL missions conference
July 1:  Woodruff Baptist Church, Woodruff, WI
July 9-12:  BMM annual conference, Cleveland, OH
Aug 19 or 26:  Faith Baptist Church, Albert Lea, MN
Sept 11-14:  Launch Seminar, BMM Home office, Cleveland, OH

Thank you again for your prayers
Jim and Sarah Engle
Baptist Mid-Missions
Appointees to Germany

February 2012 Update

Dear prayer partners and friends,

It is very humbling to be the benefactor of God answering so many prayers from all over the country and around the world.    We have seen our support go from 35% at the end of September to 49% as of February 1st.  Sarah and I are very thankful for this, the largest 4 month increase since we began deputation.  God deserves the acknowledgement and praise and thanks for this accomplishment.  Praise the Lord for this increase in our support.

Proverbs 3:5 & 6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.  God has once again illustrated these two verses in a major way.  

This past Sunday night we had the privilege of presenting our ministry to Germany at Calvary Baptist in Forest City, IA.  Once again we met several people with a personal connection to Germany through either family relations or military service.  So many of them know the pressing need for the Gospel in this country. Pray that God would raise up more missionaries to Germany.

We spent a few hours afterward celebrating the 2nd birthday of the daughter of fellow missionary appointee friends. Then we spent Monday and Tuesday volunteering at IRBC in Clear Lake, IA with a construction project a friend of ours is working on.  

This Saturday, Feb 4, Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge is hosting their Annual Sportsman's Adventure day of seminars, demonstrations, and food. Many unchurched men and families will be there. Pray that the Gospel will penetrate hearts.

Then Monday, Feb 6, we will speak at First Baptist in Guthrie Center for their after school club meeting.  There will be around 20 elementary age children.  Pray for open hearts to receive the Gospel.

The missions committee at our sending church would still like to see us reach the 60% goal making us eligible to attend Launch seminar.  The next one is in September. (Of course, by September we would like to be as close to 100% as possible.)  So please continue praying for that remaining 11% to come in quickly.

The additional 11% needed to reach 60% equals $661/month.  If you or your church are looking at expanding missions giving, please consider supporting us.

This link is to an interactive pdf form that you can fill out and submit online directly to Baptist Mid-Missions.  Our project number is 702037.http://bmm.org/NR/rdonlyres/ACAEB3EF-EC1D-4DE7-96CD-602C269F8895/0/IDISform.pdf

Thank you for your continued prayers,

Jim and Sarah Engle
Baptist Mid-Missions
Appointees to Germany

January 2012 Update

Dear prayer partners,

   We just made it back to Iowa to miss the first real snow storm of the year.  We were out in Michigan this past week visiting family and friends and attending services at our home church, Evangel Baptist in Taylor.  It was nice to see everybody.  Some, of which, we haven't seen in several years.  Apparently the snow storm is unloading from western iowa eastward.  We just got a dusting of snow, but the blustery wind and fridged temperatures are a serious reminder that it really is winter here in the Midwest.  Stay safe and warm, and keep two hands on the wheel.

   This past Wednesday we had the privilege of speaking to the Joy Club and youth group at Calvary Baptist in Union, IA.  It sure was fun to teach the children about Germany and listen to them sing "Die B-I-B-E-L" in German.  It was also great to talk to the youth group about being God's ambassador wherever they are.  Please pray that God would work in the hearts of these teens.  I know some of them are not believers yet.

   Since our last email we have received word of one of supporting churches increasing our support plus two more new individuals becoming supporters.  That brings our monthly support percentage up to 43% of what we need to go to Germany.  Praise the Lord for this increase in support.

   Please pray that the Lord would continue to bring new supporters and increase our percentage to 60% by the end of January.  There are churches and families in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Washington, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Jersey that have been exposed to us and the ministry in Germany.  God could chose to direct any of them to begin supporting us this month.

   One of co-workers in Germany had successful surgery removing a benign tumor pressing on his optic nerve.  Please pray for Burdette's speedy recovery.  

Thank you for praying,

Jim, Sarah, Josefine and Cornelia Engle
Baptist Mid Mission
Appointees to Germany

P.S.  If any of you are interested in becoming regular monthly supporters or simply want to contribute a gift toward our support I've provided a link to the interactive Declaration of Intention for Support form.  Just click on it, fill it out, then hit "submit" on the form.  Our project # is 702037.

http://bmm.org/NR/rdonlyres/ACAEB3EF-EC1D-4DE7-96CD-602C269F8895/0/IDISform.pdf

November 2011 Update

Hello friends,

We want to welcome to our support team and praise the Lord for First Baptist Church in Waverly, IA.  We had a great time back in September meeting with this church and their missions committee, and we look forward to the relationship we will build with them over the years.  We have also gained two individual supporters since our last update.  Together that brings our new support numbers up to 39%, oops, we miscalculated, 38%.

For those that are interested in our total numbers we have 11 supporting churches and 5 supporting families.  The average church support is $195/month and the average family support is $31/month.  At those averages we need 18 more churches and 2 more families to reach 100% of full support (which is $5863/month).

We know of one more church in Iowa voting this next week about supporting our ministry.  Please pray for wisdom and direction for this church in their voting.

We are still praying that we would be at 60% by the beginning of January so we could attend Launch seminar.  We know that the Lord is capable of bringing in the needed support to make this a reality.  So please pray for His will in meeting this goal.  

We spent the month of October ministering in eight churches in central Florida.  Yes, the weather was beautiful, being in the low 80's most of the time we were there.  However, because of a few days of rain before our arrival, the mosquitos decided to welcome us, as well. That wasn't much of a problem for Jim, Sarah or Cornelia. But, for some reason, the mosquitos really found Josefine to be a hearty meal. Now that we're home, when Josefine goes to bed she says, with excitement, "No more mosquito bites! No more bandaids on my legs!"  Also, while we were there, she gained an acute awareness of the fact that Jesus' death on the cross was for her sins. She may not understand completely, but our hearts are thrilled when we hear her say, "Look, Mama! A Cross! Jesus died on it for my sins. And for your sins and Papa's sins and NaNa's (Cornelia's) sins, too!" 

Josefine's excitement about Jesus' death on the cross for our sins reminds us to be excited to share share such good news, as well! It IS something to be excited about and we're eager to see that message reach German hearts and see the excitement spread in Germany. Please pray for us as we seek God's wisdom in the steps He wants us to take and reaching that goal of 60% by the beginning of January.

Jim & Sarah Engle

God is Providing!

Exciting news! We're thrilled to welcome First Baptist Church of Waverly, as they join us in getting the Good News to Germany! :D With this, our support level is now up to 38%! Praise the Lord! 


We are so excited to watch God provide as only HE can and even more excited to see the loving and prayerful people that He is choosing to be a part of His plan for Germany!

Continue to pray for our co-workers, also on their way to Germany - Mark and Leslie Boyd and Crystal Buegel. Also, for Tim and Shelli Brudtkuhl (the couple we are planning on joining in Berlin) as they also look forward to God's direction following this furlough.

Again, we are truly grateful to God and to those serving Him by participating in missions by praying, giving and going!

Sarah - for the Engles

**as you may notice, the first paragraph is repeated in our Nov. 2011 Update post - I guess that means a) Jim posted one, and I posted another and b) we're just doubly excited about it!

Welcome Bible Baptist Church, Rantoul, IL

Dear prayer partners and supporters,

We are praising the Lord for His leading Bible Baptist Church in Rantoul, IL to add us to their missions family. We are excited about our new relationship and partnership in furthering the reach of the Gospel. We trust that many rewards and blessings will be added to their account through the ministry done through us.
With their added support, our new percentage is 35%. Please continue praying that God will raise the remaining support so that we can attend Launch Seminar in January (we must be at 60% in order to attend) and so that we can depart for Germany next summer.

Praising Him while we serve Him,
Jim.

--
Hebrews 10:23

September 2011

Hello praying partners,

It is a beautiful sunny 75 degree day as I write this update. I am home in Mingo, IA spending the day with my two daughters while Sarah is at the Ladies Retreat up at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp in Clear Lake, IA. She went with the ladies of Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge, IA (the church we attend here in Iowa). Please pray for this time of refreshment and encouragement.
Last update I talked about changing plans for both us and some friends. I would like to thank you for praying for our friends, the Clines, after the loss of their son. Please continue to pray for the Clines.
Also, I mentioned some car troubles we were having. Those troubles and the growing space needs of a growing family prompted us to start praying that the Lord would provide a minivan that would take us through the end of deputation. Two weeks later the Lord provided that van. Praise the Lord for His provision.
I also mentioned that finances were very tight. We know finances have been very tight for many people for quite a while now, and that many churches are struggling to meet their budget. Our own sending church has been struggling, being in southeast Michigan, and has had to cut a lot out of their budget. Please pray that God would provide the finances necessary to do His work all over this country.
Another missionary to Germany with BMM in his update this week mentioned that there is only two missionary couples and one single lady in Germany right now with BMM. There are three on deputation and three on furlough in the states. Pray for the ministry in Germany. Pray also that God would raise up more people to serve in Germany.
A church we presented at two weeks ago is voting this coming Sunday about supporting our ministry. Please pray that God would direct their decision according to His will.

Here is our upcoming itinerary:

Sept 18: Hagerman Baptist, Waterloo, IA
Sept 19-21: Minnesota state conference, Faribault, MN
Sept 25: First Baptist, Waverly, IA
Sept 28: Evangel Baptist, Taylor, MI
Oct 2: First Regular Baptist, Kansas City, MO
Oct 9: Shepherd Road Baptist, Mulberry,FL
Oct 12: Starkey Road Baptist, Largo, FL
Oct 19: Maranatha Baptist, Sebring, FL
Oct 21-23: Evangel Baptist, Brandenton, FL Nov 6: Grace Baptist, Labelle, FL
Dec 4: Mt. Ayr Regular Baptist, Mount Ayr, IA
Dec 14: Calvary Baptist, Union, IA

Thank you for your continued prayer,
Jim, Sarah, Josefine and Cornelia

July 2011

Hello praying partners,

I am writing this update from Iowa City, IA after an exciting week of Vacation Bible School with Faith Baptist Church. Sunday night is the closing program, so we get one more opportunity to reach out to these children and an opportunity to talk with their parents. We had the privilege of working in the primary department all week as well as a daily missionary time at the end of the day. There was a high of 57 primary children and only 4 were regular attenders at the church. Every day there were several that received counseling about salvation, and I had the privilege to pray with 4 different children as they received Christ as their Savior. What a joy and blessing that was! And then to watch these new children of God start to grow as the week progressed was another blessing. We originally were not going to be able to stay for the closing program because we already had another church scheduled for this Sunday, over 5 hours away. But as it worked out those plans were changed, which made it possible for us to remain in town in order to participate in the closing program.

It seems as though the last several weeks have been filled with other examples of changing plans. Some minor. And some major. Some ours. And some others.

First, on July 2, dear close friends of ours woke up to find that one of their 3 month old twin boys had died in his sleep. What a heart ache as the plans they had for him disappeared. We spent as much time and energy as we could over that next week reaching out to them. We participated in the funeral and attended the viewing and burial and gathered with the family as much as possible. Through it all, the Lord has given them the grace to praise Him. Please pray for our friends, the Clines.

Second, on the day of the burial we found out that plans have changed for a fellow missionary family to Germany and they not be returning to the field. Please pray that more missionaries would come to Germany.

Third, the next week we had planned to drive to Cleveland for the BMM annual conference as the kick off to returning to the road after having Cornelia. Our departure was delayed because Sarah got an abscess on her right tonsil, which required her to receive strong antibiotics, and the doctors said we should not leave the area because follow up visits may be required. He said if things didn't clear up by Wednesday of that week then further testing would be required. So we changed our plans. Praise the Lord that Sarah is better.

Fourth, this week our car added two more significant problems to its growing list. So my evening plans of getting some rest after VBS had to change for a couple of days in order to work on the car. It already had transmission issues which will eventually require an overhaul. This week the ABS and traction control started acting up. Plus, the car overheated several times. I was able to spend an evening with some men from the church, one of them being a mechanic, and flush the cooling system. That took care of the overheating issue. When I return home I will need to have the other issues looked at. Please pray for wisdom to fix these issues safely.

Fifth, finances have become tighter than originally planned and we have had to change plans several times because of that. We are praying about ways to help lessen the financial strain. Please pray that our finances would normalize.

Through all these changed plans we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare[and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Thank you for your prayers,
Jim, Sarah, Josefine and Cornelia

Missionary Bergen says . . .

Dear Pastor and Church Family,

Greetings from Germany! It is a privilege to be involved in what the Lord is doing. God is working here in Germany. In the past several years we have seen two churches “graduate” from missionary status and have national leadership supported by their churches. Another church will join their ranks this summer.

At our last ministry team meeting, we were thirteen adults, nine of whom are well into our fifties. Our ministry team is in need of new, younger members who can carry on the ministry of Baptist Mid- Missions in Germany into the future.

We were excited when we heard of Jim and Sarah Engle answering the Lord’s call to serve Him in Germany with our team. Jim and Sarah were involved in the outreach we had during the World Cup soccer tournament here in 2006. We feel that they will be a valuable asset to the church planting ministry in Berlin, where they feel that the Lord wants them.

On behalf of our team in Germany, I would ask you to please pray for Jim and Sarah. Pray about inviting them to share their burden for Germany with your church family. Pray about you as a church family assisting Jim and Sarah with their monthly support and with their outfit and passage fund, which covers initial expenses getting to and beginning their ministry in Germany. Pray that the Lord will enable Jim and Sarah to soon be able to “come over and help us.”

Thank you for your consideration in helping Jim and Sarah. May the Lord richly bless you and your church family as you serve Him together.

In Christ,


Burdette Bergen
Team Leader
Baptist Mid-Missions Germany Ministry Team

Pastor Janke says . . .

Dear Pastor:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend the Engles to you. I have known Jim for over ten years. My first experience with him was during the time I served as an instructor at Northland International University and then more recently in my current role as a Pastor.
As a student, I found Jim to be a teachable individual who had a desire to understand truth and pursue God’s will for his life. Jim also attended Grace Baptist Church where I was serving in a leadership capacity. Jim was faithfully involved in the ministries of the church and often helped behind the scenes with many projects.
Upon his graduation, Jim attended Faith Baptist Bible College to pursue further education. During this time, Jim became a part of our church family, driving almost an hour to be involved. Our people quickly bonded with Jim as he displayed a humble spirit and kind attitude. It was normal to find out Jim had helped someone who needed something fixed around their property or that he simply offered a helping hand with farm chores. He was faithful in ministering in our services as well, helping out however he was needed. His teaching was personal, text based, and well received by our folks. I learned from his teaching as God used him in my life.
My observation of Jim is that he is a person who is committed to being accurate with God’s Word and desires to communicate its truth to others. He is not one who quits in difficult circumstances but continues forward, trusting God’s plan and provision. Our church family has been excited to be one of the first to support the Engles and we look forward to seeing how God will use them in Germany.

Walking in His Grace,
Rev. John Janke
Senior Pastor
FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH
211 W. 13th Street
Tama, IA 52339
641.484.5248
Serving Christ for God’s glory and others’ good.

June 2011

Thank you for your prayers over the months and years of our deputation. I cannot imagine attempting a deputation ministry without knowing that there are so many praying for God's direction. Hopefully, as we continue to serve the Lord in missions, our relationship with you will continue to grow and deepen as we continue to depend on your supplication for us and our ministry. Please feel free to email us any of your prayer needs and concerns. We want to feel just as much a part of your ministry/family as you are of ours.

We are nearing the end of the break we took for Cornelia's birth and necessary family adjustment. Cornelia is adjusting to a somewhat regular schedule. And mom and I try to sneek in naps whenever possible. As we look forward to summer meetings and traveling please pray that we get the rest we need to guide our family in the ways of the Lord.

Two weeks ago we participated in Faith Baptist Church Cambridge's VBS as normal members (not missionaries). I am led the puppet ministry and was the "crew chief" for the Junior class. There were around 60 children coming. Sunday night was the closing service. Please pray that the parents that came will respond to Christ.

Below is our itinerary for the upcoming months:
July 11-14 BMM annual conference Cleveland, OH
July 17 Faith Baptist, Iowa City, IA
July 18-22 VBS Faith Baptist, Iowa City, IA
July 24 Heritage Baptist, Berlin, WI
July 31 Calvary Baptist, Union, IA
Aug 7 Calvary Baptist, Chatfield, MN
Aug 8-12 attend family camp IRBC, Clear Lake, IA
Aug 14 Faith Baptist, Brainerd, MN
Aug 28 Bible Baptist, Rantoul, IL
Sept 7 Calvary Baptist, Derby, KS
Oct 2 First Regular Baptist, Kansas City, MO
Oct 9 Shepherd Road Baptist, Mulberry, FL
Oct 12 Starkey Road Baptist, Largo, FL
Oct 19 Maranatha Baptist, Sebring, FL
Nov 6 Grace Baptist, Labelle, FL

If you or someone you know will be in the area of any of these meetings we would love to see you/them. Please pray for these meeting opportunites for God to work in the lives of those in attendance. You never know when or how God will call someone into His service. Please pray also that I can schedule more meetings to finish the year.

Thank you again for your prayers. May the Lord bless you as you pray for others.

May 2011

We are currently home in Mingo, IA awaiting the arrival of our second daughter, Cornelia. She is due on May 4th (this coming Wednesday), but could arrive at any moment. The doctors have been watching this pregnancy closer than with Josefine, because Sarah has gestational diabetes this time. So the doctors do not want the baby to get too big. Please pray for a safe and timely delivery of a healthy Cornelia.

It seems as though this is the first real break we have had since we left for Washington last June. We spent most of the summer on the road, traveling from Iowa to Washington (State, not D.C.) to New York to Michigan back to Iowa. Then the Fall we were in Illinois, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan for church meetings and state fellowship conferences. The winter and this spring has been filled with meetings from those conference contacts. We've just completed another round of spring conferences to make more contacts. I am currently scheduling meetings in Kansas City, KS and Florida for this October/November. Please pray that I will fill up the rest of the calendar with meetings.

We've had some promising meetings recently with churches that are real potentials for partnering with us. Please pray that the Lord will direct in those churches as they consider their involvement with us.

Although we have not been informed of any new support this year, we are very thankful that two supporting churches have increased their support of us. We are now at 31.8%. Please pray that the we can be at 60% by the beginning of September 2011 so we may attend the Launch Seminar at BMM (the second half of candidate seminar). And Lord willing be leaving for Germany some time next year.

Sarah and I have recently been talking to each other about our desire to reach out to the little town of Mingo. It is hard to get to know people here because you hardly ever see anybody. But we have gotten to meet a few people. Please pray "that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ . . . that [we might] make it manifest, as [we] ought." Col 4:3,4

Prayer Requests and Thoughts of the Heart

1. Our Family - that God would strengthen our marriage through His Word and give wisdom as we point Josefine (and soon, Cornelia) toward living for God and loving Him with all her heart. Pray that Jim and I would be examples to her and others of a devoted heart to living a life that glorifies Him!

2. Our Ministry - that we would take opportunties to minister to those around us, encouraging fellow believers and challenging one another toward godliness. Pray that God would give safety and wisdom in our travels, and that we would follow His leading for opportunities to present in new churches. We will be in IL, MN and FL this spring. Our trip to FL is for a Women's Quartet (Forever Be Sure) that Sarah is singing with. Perhaps God will have some contacts for us in FL through this music ministry.

3. Our Faith - that God would give us Faith to continually trust Him for the provisions He has designed for us. Pray that we would allow God to USE our circumstances to bolster our faith in Him, despite how bleak or bright those circumstances are. Pray that we would allow the Holy Spirit to guard and fill us, that we may be a testimony of God's faithfulness to one another and point them to a God Who can be trusted!

Thoughts of the Heart

God has used some circumstances, as of late, to show us how truly deceitful our hearts can be (Jer. 17:9) and how our hearts are set toward evil, unless we prepare our hearts to seek Him (2 Chron 12:13-14), but how HE can give healing and hope. When we allow God to search us and know our hearts (Psalm 139:23), He is faithful to reveal the truth of our hearts. When our hearts are tender toward Him, and we are truly repentant of the sin within, God allows us to restore a right relationship with Him and our loved ones again (2 Chronicles 34:26-28). We are learning, that when we seek HIS counsel, our hearts are filled with HIS wisdom and our hearts are no longer slaves to deception...we can be led by God's wisdom, even in dark times, when we often question our hearts fleshly motives...God will BLESS us when we seek Him and give us a heart that truly seeks Him when the way seems dark (Psalm 16:7).

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope." Psalm 16:9

Fall Update

Happy November!

We're excited about so many things and we're eager to share them with you!

Thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement!

The number one thing we'd like to share with our prayer warriors and supporters is that God has blessed us with another baby...we're expecting and due around May 4. Sarah has been feeling a little better lately, but more tired now than with her last pregnancy. So, she's making sure she's getting a lot of rest!

The end of October marked the end of 5 months of on and off traveling, with 1 or 2 days home between trips. You all know about our summer travels from Washington State to Washington DC...what a blessing and opportunity to learn to trust our Lord more!

This fall's travels have consisted of visiting 5 different states for conferences through which we were able to set up our display, meet and greet pastors and get future meetings set up. Praise the Lord that many of these conferences were spiritually encouraging, as we were able to sit under the teaching of God's word, and very fruitful concerning contacts and setting up meetings. Pray with us that we would see more meetings set in stone on the calendar because of these contacts.

Now, we're taking a breather and spending some much needed time resting and relaxing and taking a break away from the car. Although, we find that we miss our busy, traveling life at times! We look forward to visiting a supporting church in KC, this weekend, though. So, we we'll get some time in the car. ;) On Nov. 21st we'll be helping out a pastor friend in Sioux City, Iowa by speaking at their services while he and his wife need to be away. We look forward to that ministry opportunity as well!

We also enjoyed an opportunity to speak with the students at Faith Baptist Bible College during their Student Missionary Fellowship time. Jim shared with them about deputation, a good topic to cover with this age group. It was an especially encouraging time!

Continue to pray with us about meeting our support goal of 60% by January so we can attend Launch Seminar, and meeting our final goal of 100% by next summer so we can be in Germany then! We are encouraged to know that, whatever the outcome, God is sovereign and has a perfect plan. We are thankful also, to remember that man plans his steps, but it is God Who directs them!

Thank you for praying for us and for your encouragment over the months!

God is Good!

In Him,
The Engles
Jim, Sarah, Josefine & Baby :)