Greetings in Jesus Christ,
Time has sped swiftly by and my emails have been less lately. The reason is, I was in a time of praying, seeking advice, and praying for the next step. I believe the Lord is directing me to return to Tarapoto, San Martín, Peru as a full time missionary. I am also applying to Tentmakers Bible Mission to be a missionary with them. You can find out more information about them here. http://www.tentmakersbiblemission.org/
Also at the same time I have resigned from One-Way Evangelical Missions (OWEM). I truly appreciate how God used OWEM in my life. Jerry & Kathy Singh, John Cook, and Kenny Detamore
they really helped me step into the life of a missionary teaching me in many ways and praying for me in many ways. They were with me through thick and thin helping me understand and I learned a great deal about evangelism and the gospel from them. Please continue to pray for their future ministry, God is growing the ministry in many wonderful ways.
If anyone has any questions about this time of change please let me know, or any other questions. Or if anyone would like me to come and share about ministry in Peru, and how I may be involved in God's work there, please let me know. I should have an email in the future regarding applying to Tentmakers Bible Mission.
Thank you all who prayed and offered advice during this Time of Change.
Tu hermanito en Jesús Cristo,
Your little brother in Jesus Christ,
Jonathan
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday the 28th
Greetings in Christ,
I had the privilege to share at my home church Richfield Bible Church about the needs in Peru. Also that if God would direct me to return there. Praise God for the opportunity to share and I hope it was a edifying tool for the church.
I hope to directly contact some other churches if the opportunity to present there may be open. But if individuals or families would like to hear more directly please feel free to contact me I would love to share.
Your brother in Jesus Christ,
Jonathan
I had the privilege to share at my home church Richfield Bible Church about the needs in Peru. Also that if God would direct me to return there. Praise God for the opportunity to share and I hope it was a edifying tool for the church.
I hope to directly contact some other churches if the opportunity to present there may be open. But if individuals or families would like to hear more directly please feel free to contact me I would love to share.
Your brother in Jesus Christ,
Jonathan
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Greetings from Utah
Greetings thank you for all who prayed.
Thank you all for praying, God brought me safely and smoothly back home through the 3 flights. I had three different people to talk to while in the airport in Lima during my long layover. In Houston only barely enough time to go from one flight to the next. In Las Vegas it wasn't long before I met up with my Dad, Mom, and sister. Praise God. Enjoyed going to a Christian book store with knick-knacks. Then spent a little time trying to get on the free way and then heading back home. I slept off and on through the ride back. Only two days away to the day when we celebrate Jesus humbling becoming man so that he could die for our sins as 100% God and 100% Man. Praise God. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating what God has done for us.
Tu hermanito en Jesus Cristo,
Your little brother in Jesus Christ,
Jonathan
Thank you all for praying, God brought me safely and smoothly back home through the 3 flights. I had three different people to talk to while in the airport in Lima during my long layover. In Houston only barely enough time to go from one flight to the next. In Las Vegas it wasn't long before I met up with my Dad, Mom, and sister. Praise God. Enjoyed going to a Christian book store with knick-knacks. Then spent a little time trying to get on the free way and then heading back home. I slept off and on through the ride back. Only two days away to the day when we celebrate Jesus humbling becoming man so that he could die for our sins as 100% God and 100% Man. Praise God. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating what God has done for us.
Tu hermanito en Jesus Cristo,
Your little brother in Jesus Christ,
Jonathan
Monday, November 17, 2008
Giants you're battling
Greetings in Christ,
I was reminded yesterday through the song "Voice of Truth" about David & Goliath and how the song compared Goliath to the problems we are battling in our own lives. Perhaps we are struggling with a sin and it keeps tearing away at us. As Goliath mocked David perhaps this foot hold of sin has been eating away at serving God. If you are struggling in this way please turn to God knowing you need Him. David did not fight against Goliath on his own. He went against Goliath in the strength of the LORD. When David approached Saul to go before Goliath "And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'" 1 Samuel 17:37. Remember this amidst what ever is striking you down. The LORD can deliver turn to Him.
I've been encouraged by an older couple in our church. Brother Ricardo and his wife Asucena they have built me up many time while being here, Brother Ricardo loves to joke and encourage. I often get to eat lunch with them, and he serves often in Wednesday evenings by leading out the service. His wife Asucena is a great encouragement in her preparation of meals for me from time to time and their great care for myself and others.
There are also the brothers Carlitos and Dante that have been an encouragement. Carlitos in his faithfulness in coming early on Sunday mornings to setup, and in his joyful spirit, he is also helping out on Saturday evenings with the youth in leading games. Dante in often helping with music, on Sunday mornings and on Saturdays in music and helping in games.
A sister that has been an encouragement is seeing sister Vikki take the step of faith to serve God here in teaching Delwin & Techy Fowler's children. While they are in the states she has been a great encouragement and a sounding board in another country where those that can speak english are few and far between.
I'm also encouraged by Martin who Sunday after Sunday, Wednesday after Wednesday, and Saturday after Saturday has been faithfully translating this is no small task. He has been very faithful in translating. Looking over material before and translating the day of the sermon, study, or devotion for myself and others at times.
There are others that are an encouragement whether it is young Ugito who is quick to answer questions on Wednesday evening Bible study. Or young Chandra a little girl up the street who likes to say hi.
There are more people that I could share about perhaps another time you may hear more about the people. Please pray for Community Bible Church.
As you look a those goliaths around you please remember the precious people that God has put in your life.
December is fast approaching with the return of Delwin & Techy and the return of myself to the states. In a sense the time for a decision is coming up very fast, I'm often reminded of this decision as people even here are asking what will you do Jonathan. I want God's will to be done, I know I'm not worthy to serve in His ministry day by day but if He would use me I hope for the strength to serve Him.
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Jonathan
I was reminded yesterday through the song "Voice of Truth" about David & Goliath and how the song compared Goliath to the problems we are battling in our own lives. Perhaps we are struggling with a sin and it keeps tearing away at us. As Goliath mocked David perhaps this foot hold of sin has been eating away at serving God. If you are struggling in this way please turn to God knowing you need Him. David did not fight against Goliath on his own. He went against Goliath in the strength of the LORD. When David approached Saul to go before Goliath "And David said, 'The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'" 1 Samuel 17:37. Remember this amidst what ever is striking you down. The LORD can deliver turn to Him.
I've been encouraged by an older couple in our church. Brother Ricardo and his wife Asucena they have built me up many time while being here, Brother Ricardo loves to joke and encourage. I often get to eat lunch with them, and he serves often in Wednesday evenings by leading out the service. His wife Asucena is a great encouragement in her preparation of meals for me from time to time and their great care for myself and others.
There are also the brothers Carlitos and Dante that have been an encouragement. Carlitos in his faithfulness in coming early on Sunday mornings to setup, and in his joyful spirit, he is also helping out on Saturday evenings with the youth in leading games. Dante in often helping with music, on Sunday mornings and on Saturdays in music and helping in games.
A sister that has been an encouragement is seeing sister Vikki take the step of faith to serve God here in teaching Delwin & Techy Fowler's children. While they are in the states she has been a great encouragement and a sounding board in another country where those that can speak english are few and far between.
I'm also encouraged by Martin who Sunday after Sunday, Wednesday after Wednesday, and Saturday after Saturday has been faithfully translating this is no small task. He has been very faithful in translating. Looking over material before and translating the day of the sermon, study, or devotion for myself and others at times.
There are others that are an encouragement whether it is young Ugito who is quick to answer questions on Wednesday evening Bible study. Or young Chandra a little girl up the street who likes to say hi.
There are more people that I could share about perhaps another time you may hear more about the people. Please pray for Community Bible Church.
As you look a those goliaths around you please remember the precious people that God has put in your life.
December is fast approaching with the return of Delwin & Techy and the return of myself to the states. In a sense the time for a decision is coming up very fast, I'm often reminded of this decision as people even here are asking what will you do Jonathan. I want God's will to be done, I know I'm not worthy to serve in His ministry day by day but if He would use me I hope for the strength to serve Him.
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Jonathan
More sermons posted
Greetings for those interested in hearing sermons translated into Spanish, or what Community Bible Church is hearing these Sundays.
Please go to Translated Sermons in Genesis.
I hope you have a wonderful day in the LORD.
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Jonathan Koehn
Please go to Translated Sermons in Genesis.
I hope you have a wonderful day in the LORD.
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Jonathan Koehn
Friday, October 31, 2008
Praise God for His Opportunities
Greetings in Christ,
On Tuesday October 28th, 2008; myself, fellow missionary Vikki, and Martin had the opportunity to go with Martin's dad, Caleb and two other men from the Gideons. We went to the pueblo (village) of Sauce and another village near there. There is a big lake near the town known as Blue Lagoon in English or Sauce Lake. The day started off from Caleb's house at around 5:30am in the morning. We went from there to pick up the Gideon New Testaments and the other two Gideon men then back to Caleb's house/store for Martin. Along the way we crossed a fast flowing river on a ferry that made its way back and forth using the current of the river while
attached to a cable.
Martin, Vikki, and Caleb on the Ferry.
The next exciting part of the adventure was going up a mountain that proved fairly steep at times. I'm glad we where able to use Delwin's pickup thank you if you helped in providing for this pickup. It has a good diesel engine and if needed high and low 4x4. As we went up the mountain we even passed some clouds. On the other side as we came down we saw bits and pieces of the big lake. We arrived near the first school in the village around 7:45 - 8am.
At the first school we weren't able to hand out Bibles because it was an anniversary. The students where going to a catholic religious meeting. The next school/encampment was military and there the G$ideons left some Bibles for the men. We couldn't go there because they where expecting the inspection of generals. In fact when we arrived it was interesting. Because they came out with a trumpet but didn't play it. The reason they came out with a trumpet is they thought perhaps the general for the inspection have arrived. We headed off to the next school. It went much better there Caleb shared in the first class, and different ones handed out Bibles. (On the way there they said if I wanted I could also share.) Perhaps in the next class is when I had my first opportunity to share from the Bible. The day went fast and I can't remember I think I had the opportunity to share 1 to 2 times in this school. I thank God for the opportunity to share the gospel. God lead me to use the passage in Matthew 14:26-31 about Jesus walking on water which I had learned about from "By This Lamb" a book by Goodseed.com. This passage shows who Jesus is that he is God because of his power over creation. It shows who Peter trusted in Jesus. It also shows that there wasn't anyone else there to save Peter except Jesus.
Which is the same for us, Jesus is the only way to the Father. John 14:6. It was raining heavily, off we went to the next school in the next village close by. Here I had the opportunity to
share 3 times if I remember right. Martin translated every time for me, he is wonderful with language. We were planning to leave and the 1st graders came and said their teacher wanted us to come by. Caleb shared with them, also note he also shared in each class that we personally handed out Bibles in. We tried to get back to the first school two times but it didn't work out. However the Gideons left Bibles there with two Christians to hand out according to the roll sheets. We had lunch by the lake at a local restaurant, went to the police station where the Gideons gave out more Bibles. Saw a local evangelical church and met the local pastor.
Here is a picture of myself and Martin who translates often for me. Please pray for his strength and clarity in translating.
He translates Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday and other times as well such as during this day. Please pray he will look to God in his learning of language. He seems to be a very godly young man. He is a Spanish speaker, good in English, understands Hebrew and is learning German, he enjoys languages.I believe he would like to go to Israel some day.
Here is a picture of the river on the way back to Tarapoto before the ferry crossing. We got back to Tarapoto around 6:45pm.
Possibly I'll have some more pictures, later of this day.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your encouragement.
There are days when your emails/notes mean so much, such a great encouragement.
Thank you also for those who help by providing financially.
Both are important in keeping the missionary on the field thank you
for your faithfulness in this.
Su hermanito in Christ,
Your little brother in Christ,
Jonathan
On Tuesday October 28th, 2008; myself, fellow missionary Vikki, and Martin had the opportunity to go with Martin's dad, Caleb and two other men from the Gideons. We went to the pueblo (village) of Sauce and another village near there. There is a big lake near the town known as Blue Lagoon in English or Sauce Lake. The day started off from Caleb's house at around 5:30am in the morning. We went from there to pick up the Gideon New Testaments and the other two Gideon men then back to Caleb's house/store for Martin. Along the way we crossed a fast flowing river on a ferry that made its way back and forth using the current of the river while
attached to a cable.
Martin, Vikki, and Caleb on the Ferry.
The next exciting part of the adventure was going up a mountain that proved fairly steep at times. I'm glad we where able to use Delwin's pickup thank you if you helped in providing for this pickup. It has a good diesel engine and if needed high and low 4x4. As we went up the mountain we even passed some clouds. On the other side as we came down we saw bits and pieces of the big lake. We arrived near the first school in the village around 7:45 - 8am.
At the first school we weren't able to hand out Bibles because it was an anniversary. The students where going to a catholic religious meeting. The next school/encampment was military and there the G$ideons left some Bibles for the men. We couldn't go there because they where expecting the inspection of generals. In fact when we arrived it was interesting. Because they came out with a trumpet but didn't play it. The reason they came out with a trumpet is they thought perhaps the general for the inspection have arrived. We headed off to the next school. It went much better there Caleb shared in the first class, and different ones handed out Bibles. (On the way there they said if I wanted I could also share.) Perhaps in the next class is when I had my first opportunity to share from the Bible. The day went fast and I can't remember I think I had the opportunity to share 1 to 2 times in this school. I thank God for the opportunity to share the gospel. God lead me to use the passage in Matthew 14:26-31 about Jesus walking on water which I had learned about from "By This Lamb" a book by Goodseed.com. This passage shows who Jesus is that he is God because of his power over creation. It shows who Peter trusted in Jesus. It also shows that there wasn't anyone else there to save Peter except Jesus.
Which is the same for us, Jesus is the only way to the Father. John 14:6. It was raining heavily, off we went to the next school in the next village close by. Here I had the opportunity to
share 3 times if I remember right. Martin translated every time for me, he is wonderful with language. We were planning to leave and the 1st graders came and said their teacher wanted us to come by. Caleb shared with them, also note he also shared in each class that we personally handed out Bibles in. We tried to get back to the first school two times but it didn't work out. However the Gideons left Bibles there with two Christians to hand out according to the roll sheets. We had lunch by the lake at a local restaurant, went to the police station where the Gideons gave out more Bibles. Saw a local evangelical church and met the local pastor.
Here is a picture of myself and Martin who translates often for me. Please pray for his strength and clarity in translating.
He translates Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday and other times as well such as during this day. Please pray he will look to God in his learning of language. He seems to be a very godly young man. He is a Spanish speaker, good in English, understands Hebrew and is learning German, he enjoys languages.I believe he would like to go to Israel some day.
Here is a picture of the river on the way back to Tarapoto before the ferry crossing. We got back to Tarapoto around 6:45pm.
Possibly I'll have some more pictures, later of this day.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your encouragement.
There are days when your emails/notes mean so much, such a great encouragement.
Thank you also for those who help by providing financially.
Both are important in keeping the missionary on the field thank you
for your faithfulness in this.
Su hermanito in Christ,
Your little brother in Christ,
Jonathan
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I Come to you today in Two Ways
1st Way Will you be an intercessor in Prayer?
Please pray for Nilo, for His wife who needs to have a surgery in Lima or she may die. This is a big financial need for him. Please pray for God's glorification in this. That even
right now Nilo would be comforted by God and lifted up in prayer by you all. He is a new Christian but a faithful new Christian. His desire to share the gospel outstrips many older
Christians in the faith. Even today we went to another pueblo where he shared the gospel with two families. Last week he shared with two ladies. He will probably sell his little vendor stand
of Empanda de Yuka's to get more money to go. Another missionary here has helped out. I know many of you would love to help I'm not sure how this is directly possible but I know
that you can pray for God's provision through His way. Please pray for clarity in God's direction. Perhaps the church here may take a love offering for them on Wednesday night.
2nd Way Will you give God praise?
For Nilo and him stepping out to share the gospel. For others in the church being so faithful, and even some stepping forward to perhaps partake in greater responsibilities there may be young adult group
form. Please pray for God's direction and please give praise for the people's willingness. Praise God for the church how some are inviting different people. Praise God for the youth group that is coming out.
Praise God for the opportunities he provides. Will you give praise to the Creator who made the universe nothing is impossible with Him. Praise God that perhaps even today through Nilo's witness that
possibly 3 men Eleser, Raul, Andre, and Eleser wife Elfa perhaps came to Christ. (The names may be misspelled.) Lord willing I'll return with some New Testaments for them. Please perhaps even pray that
Nilo could go and see them again later on.
Please give the glory to God for this is only possible in Him. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalms 145:3 NKJV)
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Your little brother in Christ,
Jonathan
Please pray for Nilo, for His wife who needs to have a surgery in Lima or she may die. This is a big financial need for him. Please pray for God's glorification in this. That even
right now Nilo would be comforted by God and lifted up in prayer by you all. He is a new Christian but a faithful new Christian. His desire to share the gospel outstrips many older
Christians in the faith. Even today we went to another pueblo where he shared the gospel with two families. Last week he shared with two ladies. He will probably sell his little vendor stand
of Empanda de Yuka's to get more money to go. Another missionary here has helped out. I know many of you would love to help I'm not sure how this is directly possible but I know
that you can pray for God's provision through His way. Please pray for clarity in God's direction. Perhaps the church here may take a love offering for them on Wednesday night.
2nd Way Will you give God praise?
For Nilo and him stepping out to share the gospel. For others in the church being so faithful, and even some stepping forward to perhaps partake in greater responsibilities there may be young adult group
form. Please pray for God's direction and please give praise for the people's willingness. Praise God for the church how some are inviting different people. Praise God for the youth group that is coming out.
Praise God for the opportunities he provides. Will you give praise to the Creator who made the universe nothing is impossible with Him. Praise God that perhaps even today through Nilo's witness that
possibly 3 men Eleser, Raul, Andre, and Eleser wife Elfa perhaps came to Christ. (The names may be misspelled.) Lord willing I'll return with some New Testaments for them. Please perhaps even pray that
Nilo could go and see them again later on.
Please give the glory to God for this is only possible in Him. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalms 145:3 NKJV)
Su hermanito en Cristo,
Your little brother in Christ,
Jonathan
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