THE SELF-EXILED CHRISTIAN LEADER ...

Dr. Marc S. Blackwell, Sr. 
Cape Town, South Africa 

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 

(1.) Introduction: The 'self-exiled' Missionary or 'national' Pastor. 

One of the most obvious overseas problems in Christian service is the issue of the "self- exiled" or "self-isolated" foreign-based or national-based missionary or pastor.  As Independent Baptists and Fundamentalist leaders we are often faced with decisions, both spiritual and strategic, that are obstructed or restricted by our lack of a "learner's spirit." We obstruct or restrict our own best interests by our own unwillingness to be a learner - especially if this learning calls for humbly listening to our co- workers, peers or even the nationals to whom we've dedicated our lives to serve. 

Of course, every missionary and pastor wants to believe that he or she is truly open to Biblical change and growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but the realities are not always so reassuring. Learning from fellow Christians, co-workers and others within our missionary agencies can be a complicated issue for most of us. The problem is summarized and solution found in the Biblical teaching on submission. Ephesians 5:21 "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Ministering to and even confronting one another in truth with love is, as often as not, a rejected ‘item’ or overlooked thought in the the average Fundamentalist missionary's job description.

 IT'S TIME FOR A GOOD DISCUSSION. 

 (2.) Must the independent missionary or pastor be his own best enemy ?

 Equally problematic with the learner's spirit of submission is the tendency of the isolated missionary to become increasingly obstructive. Selfishness and self-centeredness are at the root of many problems on the mission field. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians simple principles of sound communication are clearly outlined. All too often, these principles are ignored between missionaries, pastors and between spouses on the mission field. [1. Be honest, Ephesians 4:25; 2. Keep current, 4:26,27; 3. Speak the truth in love, 4:15, 29 {attacking problems not people), and 4. Acting, not reacting 4:31,32. (See further thoughts on Communication throughout the titles on Christian & Biblical Counselling available through the writings of Dr. Jay Adams.]

Without doubt domination, and posturing for power or control is a major issue on most fields of missionary and can also be seen among national pastors in various regions of Christian service. All would agree that this is most unbecoming for a Christian servant, but the book of Acts and the Epistles make it clear that this is not a new problem, no, not at all! Only a Biblical answer will meet this need but missionaries and pastors will need to recognize this “priority.” We must be careful not to deny the damage and fragmentation done to our otherwise sincere efforts at evangelization and church planting by our obstructive attitudes and biases.

Theologically like-minded missionaries, pastors and other Christian leaders need to give special attention to the "things" mentioned in such verses as Romans 14:19 "... the things which make for peace and things wherewith one may edify another."

 PERIODICALLY, MISSIONARIES and NATIONAL PASTORS COULD AND SHOULD MEET FOR DISCUSSION: 

One possible point of discussion could follow something like this line of thought: How can missionaries and/or national pastors and leaders genuinely focus on these "things" referred to in Romans 14:19 without compromising their Biblical stand? Is it possible that some Christian leaders may even be hiding "other personality or spiritual weaknesses" behind the various "ministry issues,: interpretations of Scripture or even the abstractions related to various understandings of ‘Fundamentalism.’ Ecclesiastical separation between missionaries supported by some of the same churches and sometimes brethren mistake obstructionism with faithfulness? 

 (3.) The fully competent missionary as his own stumbling block.

 Change, spiritual growth and vision suffer greatly on the modern mission field due to a restricted view of the need for and processes of learning. Though few would be willing to openly, even boldly, state that 'since they are competent Bible College graduates with possibly even a Masters Degree or more, what real need do they have for the help or opinions of younger or lesser educated or experienced co-workers?' -- nonetheless, this attitude is not rare! Some missionaries and pastors simply prefer isolation and honestly believe 'their privacy' or lone operations to be the safest "haven" from criticism and interpersonal problems. Others seem to define "independent" as a Biblical mandate for refusing to work together.

Many of our younger generations of Christian leadership have forgotten that "independence" was from ecclesiastical denominationalism and its compromises and problems.  Far too many missionaries and pastors have chosen to ignore the Biblical teaching and New Testament examples of interdependence and team ministry that were more than just common - rather 'interdependence' was the 'rule.' Some even believe their "Fundamentalist Heritage" endows them with a right to be belligerent or difficult towards others.

To learn to better minister together is simply not the goal of many missionaries though they are so often sent and supported by the same American churches.  Pastors of local or 'national' congregations often hide behind the "stress of ministry," time constraints, outside work pressures, etc. Of course, these excuses seem quite acceptable when the missionaries that planted these churches were 'conveniently independent' or self-isolated, as well. The fact is that cooperation, team-work, inter-dependence are ideas that, for so many, simply do not hold a high priority in their understanding of the Christian ministry.  


Spiritual unity as a Biblical principle cannot exist in one "more important" corner while being ignored in other areas of Christian service - especially due to our failure to understand it and prioritize it throughout our lives and ministries. Compromise and ecclesiastical separation are really issues but we must know the difference in a "macro" understanding and a "micro" application and simple human "pettiness."  

DISCUSSION NEEDS TO INCLUDE VISION AND CORE-INTERESTS: 

What problems can (and cannot) be resolved through improving the missionary's competency level, and what problems can only be resolved through learning to share vision?What problems can only be resolved through our facilitating others where core-interests exist, or by sharing pertinent lessons we have learned with others? 

 (4.) Isolation as "authority". 


All too often, and regrettably, isolation is used as a means to authority, power or self-confidence. Thus genuine "teamwork" remains a rare commodity on the mission field today! The value of working cooperatively are simply not understood by many. For many, "it simply takes more time to work together or coordinate a project than it would take to do it myself." Many reply that "teamwork takes too much time." The benefits of teamwork are just not obvious to many missionaries though most local churches in the U.S.A. encourage their staff to use these benefits to the maximum. The commitment, the involvement, the potential and real conflicts that would need resolving all work together to dissuade many missionaries from making any meaningful *team relationships. For some, it is just too much work, too much of a time commitment and emotionally draining to submit one to the other.

SUMMARY: Some of the obvious results of missionary isolation are ineffective, inefficient and/or fragmented missionary efforts. Then there are the not-so-obvious dangers and results of isolation: battles with stress and depression, early resignations; unresponsiveness or habitual orientation.

Regrettable a failure in resolving the conflicts between values and deeds can even open doors to other emotional stresses and a total lack of teamwork among missionaries, the failure to have good team relationships among missionaries or even the hyper-independence of some missionaries has been know to become an excuse for their fall into immorality.
                          drMSBsr

 SOME POSSIBLE OR FURTHER DISCUSSION TOPICS: Does Matthew 18:15 apply to two missionaries working in the same field of ministry?
What role should local churches and missionary agencies play? [* Note: Galatians 2:11,18] 
Do any of the models of missionary teamwork provide truly Biblical answers to the independent missionary's need for moral or spiritual care, ministry growth or crisis intervention? How could an informal but genuine missionary sense of "informal accountability' meet the need and where could today's independent missionaries be falling short? Models of note for discussion: • Partnership Teams (twos or couples) • Missionary Agency Field Teams or ‘Field Councils’ Regional Fellowships or Associations • Informal Committee efforts • Learning Teams or Learning Ministry Teams Other potential models.

NOTE: "Overcoming Each Other on the Mission Field" was initially presented on 27-1-98 at the National Leadership Conference Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary as one of three 'Papers' presented. ________________________________________  


FINDING THE "RIGHT TIME" MAY SEEM LIKE A NOVEL IDEA ON PARENTING.

Biblical Parenting should be viewed as training via some simple but unique actions of faithfulness: fellowship, caring, friendship and practical training.and prioritizing 

TIME for BUILDING Christlike Character:

Parenting is God’s plan and thus God’ s will for humanity. As a part of God’s common grace to His creation the leadership, responsibility and selfless love of a parent is the expected norm for all families, Christian or non-Christian alike.  Due to the failures and failings of a sinful and fallen human nature parenting is greatly ‘challenged’ and compared to Christlike and Biblical standards only a shadow of its potential.

In these chaotic times the idea of Christian parenting as something that requires giving time, energy and attention seems to many people to be a somewhat “useless” – idea.  Life's "things" seem out of control, just too confused. Giving more time or finding more "quality time" might seem just too daunting? 

The priority in Biblical parenthood requires giving individual and ‘quality time’ that is dedicated to the training of each member of the family! Quality time ...is not an option and no amount of despair or frustration with life's realities can excuse our inaction or lack of sacrifice. Consider that Deuteronomy 6:1-25 was written when Israel had every reason to despair. The purpose or goal of Christian child training is quite clear, it is making every reasonable effort to better equip each family member for greater service to God and to others with the greater goal of bringing glory to God. These are not options!  

Admonition (teaching and teaching by being an example of the right kind means's finding the right time for one another. This "right time" is invaluable – no price that is paid is really too great! Such proactive Christian parenting is possibly best understood as some very simple but unique actions of faithfulness: fellowship, caring, friendship and practical training. All of these aspects of Biblical parenting are committed to living life and growing in the grace and knowledge of God through relationships that glorify God and look to God’s Word as the absolute standard.

Christian parenting is fellowship, fellowship, that is, in fact - “in the light.”  Reading 1 John 1: we learn that when our fellowship is other than “in the light”, it is then “in darkness.”  We live in a world that wants “the best of both worlds.” Both worlds are not a part of the mercy and grace of God. The Christian life is a life that is unequivocally yielded and committed to Jesus Christ as both our personal Saviour and Lord of our life.  A Christian is one who has repented of (turned away from) known sin, and truly accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Saviour and Lord. To “accept” the Lord means to believe in God’s offer of forgiveness and reconciliation through the saving and keeping work of Jesus Christ. As the crucified, resurrected and mediating Saviour of mankind our Lord brings the believer into a relationship of walking in the light of truth and righteousness. In Exodus 10:23-12:11 we learn that a Christian home is a household where there is light in their dwellings; then it is a home publicly under the testimony of the blood publicly sprinkled upon their doorposts; they feast on the roast lamb and they maintain a readiness to take a journey.

For a home to be a truly Christian home it must be a home where those who live in that home have accepted Christ as their Saviour and Lord, but a Christian homelife is a life and lifestyle fellowshipping and modelled around Christ’s own life and teachings and based on the truth of God’s Special Revelation the Holy Bible.

Christian parenting is caring, 1 Thess. 2:7.   Caring means providing the security that a child needs to happily function in this world. One generally thinks of the first level of responsibility to be to provide the child with the basics of security: i.e. the physical needs of one’s family, then the emotional needs and then the spiritual needs. Such security is a recognised central need of all mankind and should certainly be a priority of parenting To care as a Christian parent is different than in the world. For the genuine Christian parental care is to live, teach and provide for the physical needs from a distinctively Christian position. . To care -- or to demonstrate our love -- is to do that which is right and truly good for another. Caring is, in other words, to show – to truly demonstrate our love to our children. Christian caring speaks of directing, guiding and leading our family toward a self-discipline and a fear and respect for God, for His Word. To care is to be committed to Christ’s example or lifestyle of selflessness.

Paul dealt with the church at Thessalonica in a parental manner. A distinctively Christlike approach is one where we exhort wisely …inciting our children to right action based on the truth of God’s Word. The parent is to encourage his children by inspiring them to be courageous and full of hope by a loving and nurturing fellowship. The parent is to “charge” and to build a sense of shared vision in the family unit by entrusting the children with as much responsibility and decision making as they can possibly handle. Whenever possible the parent will delegate Bible analysis and interpretation to the children helping them to develop the skills needed to understand God’s Word. When, on the other hand, we give-in to the child, show a passive reaction to their disobedience or otherwise ‘spoil’ the child by ignoring their whining, crying, or tantrums, we add to the child’s sense of confusion and insecurity.

Christian parenting is friendship. John 15:13-16. Christ taught us that His Friendship is based on sharing personal information, or in other words, friendship is based on good quality communication. When the home is a place where the free-flow of Biblical information is important, Christlike friendship is a result. Good communication should without doubt be honest, , , and . Where these principles are practised as a part of normal homelife, the home will be a friendly place of growing friendships! Admonition is a direct explanation of the results of “folly,” and a detailed explanation of the benefits of mature wisdom. These matters need to be explained by word of mouth in a way which will control effectively the conduct of immature children. All such admonition – if it is to be consistent-- must be accompanied with Scriptural nurture. Nurture is the truth of God’s Word lived-out in the lives of the parents and shared as a positive example for the whole family to see.

Often parents are guilty of “nagging” i.e. impatiently, or angrily because the parent is offended, the parent’s will is disobeyed, or embarrassed. If on the other hand we tend to ignore or treat children in a patronising way they will naturally attempt to get our attention back. Children not being led toward open and honest relationships and friendships will turn to rebellious means – in fact they will turn to any number of stubborn or anti-social means to achieve their goal. Such will look like they need some sort of punishment but in reality they need the leadership and friendship of parents prepared to establish just rules and consistent supervision. Parental supervision is truly important so our children know the truth, the parent’s thinking, and the direction they need to take. Then they know they are truly loved – i.e. cared for – guided – supervised

Christian parenting is practical training. It is practical first of all because it is not a course or class but a detailed and daily lifestyle. The purpose of this practical commitment to training is centred around step by step character building. Such a process is admittedly slow and long-term in nature. Biblical child training stands on the foundation of the parent’s commitment to teach and demonstrate both the active and passive  (or direct and indirect) truth and principles of living life. Ephesians 6:1-4 teach consistency

Modelling a Christlike consistency. Christian parenting is also dependent on a readiness or true willingness to deal in detail and within a framework of careful consistency. Such consistency is committed (Rom. 15:14 / 1 Cor. 5) to deal with the positive and negative needs, or issues and problems of a child or youth’s life. In Matthew eighteen Jesus teaches the three stages of care, reconciliation, and corrective-discipline. For the Christian family these three stages or steps, [though given primarily for the Christian within a local church situation,] may also demonstrate genuine care, consistent teaching and corrective-discipline within the family circle. Mt. 18:15-20.

First, consistent care: when a problem or an apparent problem is noticed the individual parent observing the problem goes personally to discuss the questionable act or attitude privately with the child. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify if a problem exists and to ask the errant child to stop and/or to change their direction.

If the problem is not resolved, i.e. the child does not listen; then, the second step, consistent teaching: calls responsible parents to meet and discuss the problem issue and the approach they believe to be a Biblical one. The parents determine which one will teach and warn the child of the seriousness of the problem. The parents must be able to point to their own lives as a model of the Biblical truth under discussion. The parents meet with the child and explain God’s standpoint from the Bible. The errant child should also be given the benefit of understanding why his or her actions lead to dangerous ramifications, side effects and to a potential necessity for discipline. The type and nature of the discipline should be fully explained.

The third step is consistent discipline and is required if there is no resolution of the problem or willingness to undue the habit. Then, discipline is applied –just as promised during the teaching in the second step. Further warnings are not helpful and threatenings are simply unChristlike.

Looking unto Jesus – who understood His priorities and stayed with the vision “of the joy” of accomplishing His Father’s will. Hebrews 12:1-13 (note: v.2) points to Christian priorities that need to be “born” from Christ’s own example. The value of our priorities must be assessed on the basis of the Divine teaching found in Hebrews chapter eleven and twelve. These popular verses “on faith” are greatly misunderstood. These passages are not calling us to some highly idealistic and emotional “following after” Jesus with a minimal cost; but, instead it is quite specific that the “cloud of witnesses” discussed in chapter eleven and “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” presented in chapter twelve have something special in common. These saints and our Saviour faced life’s most difficult choices with absolute resolve and self-discipline. A great cost was foreseen, understood and paid! These exemplary saints and our wonderful Saviour truly “stood alone.”

By training and disciplining our children to make the “hard choices” (2 Peter 3:14-18 – note vs. 16) in life we are preparing our children for the reality of a sinful world and the reality of dealing with their own sinful natures. By dealing with our children as God deals with His children we are helping them to face-up to their own personal responsibilities, and choices. “Human rights” and one’s “free will” is a most popular subject but our need for personal responsibility brings sobering reality to both of these subjects. Unless our children learn to deal with their sinful natures in a responsible and honest way they will only learn to realise their error when it is already too late. Habits, scars and pain harden the heart – better to learn the truth about our Creator, and God’s measures for dealing with sin ravaged life as soon as possible. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

The Bible calls humanity to accept that it is wrong, when it is wrong. Christians, too, need to know that they are wrong when they are wrong. We all need God’s teaching, warnings, and correction, and our children need this same loving attention together with the corrective discipline available only from their parents. Not to discipline an errant child is to treat that child as if they are (Hebrews 12:8) bastards, or illegitimate (nasv) and obviously of no real concern or interest to us. Parental discipline, – rightly administered,-- one’s own self-discipline and one’s commitment to the high ideals of righteousness are all results or outcomes of a life bent back into the right way. Discipline is ‘part and parcel’ of a life that has set their eyes on Jesus as their example and motivation! A father must be aware and remain aware of the fact (Col. 1:29; Eph. 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 4:17) that his role and responsibility is one of reinforcing the family’s view of “God’s will and ways.” If the father wants to encourage the process of spiritual and moral “backbone” or convictions he must speak and live a life of genuine authority based in love and truth.

Service to others. Philippians 2:1-9 provides the Christian and the dedicated Christian family with a view of “others orientation” that is a central or over-ridding principle.  Attention to others – to individuals - is paramount for those following Christ’s example and teaching! Planning how our family could serve others more effectively is only an obvious response. The coming of Christ to save the world from sin was not an after-thought, and our efforts – as followers of Christ -- at meeting other’s needs must not be left to some “half-sincere after-thought.”

Submission starts with our submitting ourselves to the control of the Spirit of God by increasingly studying and  obeying the Word of God. Ephesians 5:1-12. Confessing a belief in the theory, or philosophy of Christianity and even our use of “God Words” i.e. the spiritual sounding words commonly related to Christianity, can never replace simple obedience and submission to God. Giving our finances, supporting good causes or even being outstanding parents or children can never replace submission to God and to others. Our need to serve and to submit to God and to others are related issues. Pride, and self-centredness are issues deserving our genuine effort and attention.

So many today are under the influence of worldliness in the forms of pluralism, hedonistic social norms, and now post-modern philosophy. These influences have now convinced so many that their own interpretation (hermeneutic) of life’s meanings can guide them through the maze of contemporary “hype” and confused opinions. In is setting it is so very important that we become aware of our own perceived abilities and capabilities. Then we must beware trusting in the “flesh” i.e. the confidence in human thought, logic and ability.

God’s own Special Revelation – the Word of God – stands alone in its life-changing ability. Unless the Word of God and the Spirit of God are given their rightful and due authority in our thinking and in influencing our actions we are already in much deeper trouble than we may know. We must come to a place where we are truly allowing the Word of God to direct us individually and where it guides our prayer, our worship, our service and our relationships.

To Know us is to Pray for Us!

GETTING TO KNOW 

MARC & JUDIE BLACKWELL

Marc has ministered internationally as an Independent Bible-believing Baptist Pastor, Evangelist, Bible Conference Teacher, Church Planting Missionary and Educator. Marc and his wife, Judie, have focused their ministries on personal evangelism, discipleship, Biblical Counseling, Leadership Training. Through the Church Ministries Institute (CMI) Marc has served on both graduate and post-graduate level and C.M.I.’s graduates who serve in America, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Judie has specialized in vocal music, and music ministries in local churches. She actively mentors Pastor’s wives and offers one-on-one discipleship with moms and their daughters. Marc & Judie primarily minister in the Afrikaans language (a Dutch dialect) and have a multi-lingual and international ministry.

Educational Background: Between 1963 and 1966, Marc prepared for Christian ministry through the Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO and the Midwestern Baptist Seminary, Pontiac, MI. Judie studied at Baptist Bible College, Springfield ~ Music, and studied Business through a Business College in Peoria, IL. Marc served in two Pastoral Internships in Illinois, each for a duration of one year. Marc was ordained on the 7^th of July 1968.  Marc completed the Faith Baptist Counselling Ministry courses; earned the B. Th. - 1982; an Honours Degree (Ch. History) - 1986; the Masters of Theology degree – 1994; and most recently a Doctor of Theology (Ch. History) – 1, October 2003, from the University of South Africa, Pretoria. 

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY HISTORY: Marc & Judie are members of Faith Baptist Church, Lafayette, IN. Individuals and Churches support their ministries through prayer and finances. Our ministry is chronicled via the quarterly email - The Church Planter’s Journal. “Navigating Some Interesting Life-Seas” http://marcjudie.blogspot.com + http://forwardly.blogspot.com/ & E-mail: <drmsbsr@icloud.com>

As Independent Baptist Church Planters, they were used of the Lord to establish their first congregation in Sarasota, Florida, the Faith Baptist Church, from 1968 through 1973. Then, ministering as missionaries with the Independent Faith Mission, Greensboro, NC, 1974-1979 they planted the Baptist Bible Church in Salisbury (Harare), Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) assisting in establishing other congregations and their first Bible Institute. In 1980 the Blackwells moved to Durban, South Africa. Between 1980 and 1988 they served in a team with ABWE, IFM and others planting three congregations. Marc also encouraged church-based Bible Institutes in Durban and Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The Blackwell family relocated to the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town in 1988 where the Afrikaans speaking Tygerberg Baptiste Gemeente (Church) was planted as a team effort with Bryant and Sharan Crane. The Tygerberg Church is now autonomous, indigenous and is pastored by Chris Wilhelm (B.Th. Hon. B.Th, Masters) a graduate of the Afrikaans Branch of our (CMI /OBK) Bible Institute. Marc and Judie currently serve a number of church planting projects. Marc ministers along with seven other pastors in the Herald of Hope Bible Conference ministry in South Africa (the HoH ministry is an Australian based ‘End-times Conference Ministry’) Marc’s Ministry Resource Forum is a ministry encouraging church planters in Southern Africa and beyond.  https://www.facebook.com/MinistryResourceForumCapeTown/?ref=bookmarks >

ADDITIONAL MINISTRIES: Marc & Judie were involved in the Cape Association of Baptists Team from 1989 through 2014. From 1999 through 2016 Marc has taught both undergraduate and post-graduate studies through the Church Ministries Institute (Onafhanklike Baptiste Kweekskool -OBK) this ministry is licensed and accredited through the University of the Northwest. Marc has taught Pastoral Theology, Biblical Counseling, Church History, the History of Dogma, Systematic Theology and various New and Old Testament Exegetical courses.  Marc is a trustee of the Vision in Action Trust, S.A. a church building / construction ministry and is active in the Paardeberg Mt. Retreat and the South African Church History Society. Marc & Judie offer further leadership training through the Missionary Resource Forum offering personal encouragement to team-based church planting, church-based education and Bible-based counseling. They consider themselves blessed to serve the Lord alongside friends and previous students serving on every continent.

THE BLACKWELL FAMILY: Marc Stanley [b. 12, Nov., 1945 Detroit, MI.], and Judie Dene (Matthews) [b. 23, Nov., Blytheville, AK.]. Marc & Judie were married on the 3^rd of February 1968. 

Our three children (and eight grandchildren) all serve the Lord in South Africa. 

Marc Jr., is a graduate of the Church Ministries Institute and the University of Stellenbosch. Together with his wife Nancy (LaBonte), [Children: Nicole & Matthew] they have planted a congregation in Blue Downs ( a Cape Suburb). They are currently planting the Swartland Baptiste Gemeente (Church) and they are also ministering in a Pastoral Training ministry through Biblical Ministries Worldwide in Southern Africa

Michael, a graduate of the University of Purdue, and studies with Luther Rice Seminary. Together with his wife Heidi (Fielder), [Children: Tyler, Eric, Natalie) they have ministered in Christian camping at High Point Baptist Camp, PA and Paardeberg Mt. Retreat, South Africa. They were involved in church planting in Malmesbury, in 2002-03. Currently they are planting the Paarl Valley Baptiste Gemeente.  The Couple and their children relocated to to Pennsylvania and Michael is a District Manager for a Christian Education related business and he continues preaching in area churches.

Michelle, graduated with the B.A. & Honours in Missions and Bible through the Cape Church Ministries Institute / University of the Northwest, Potchefstroom. She served on the Cape Team in child and youth evangelism, discipleship, taught in Christian schools in the Cape, Pennsylvania and Johannesburg, South Africa and in supportive ministries in church planting. She is married to Deon Janse van Rensburg and they have three children, [Ruan, Jesse and Julia]. 

Deon has both the B.Th. and The Honours Bachelor of Theology through the Church Ministries Institute and served as a Pastoral Intern in Paarl and Malmesbury. Their family now serves in Church Planting, Camping in the Western Cape Province through Biblical Ministries Worldwide. They are also completing their Deputation Visits to potential supporting churches. .Deon serves as Programme Director of Paardeberg Mt Retreat, then served as as Interim Pastor for Grace Baptist during their pastor’s illness.Covid-19 has interrupted his Church Planting ministry but they are praying about their next steps.

Other living Relatives,  Marc’s sister, Pat, lives in Young Harris, GA., Her son Bret resides in Alaska with his wife, Michele,they have three children and one grandchild. Many cousins continue to bless our lives with their love for the Lord.

Marc and Judie Blackwell ...

 are committed to advancing local church-planting evangelism and discipleship together with local Church-based Leadership Training. Their involvement in the Ministry Resource Forum and with missionaries in South Africa, Spain, Ireland keeps them more than busy and truly appreciative of your prayers for them .