March 2013

For PDF version click here: March 2013

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

We praise the Lord for answered prayers.

• We needed to sell our house right away because the good family who was renting from us decided to buy their own home.  So we began to pray, with special concern about  the potential financial pressure on our family.  As you may know, the economy in Michigan is very sluggish.  And yet within ten days after listing with a realtor a young couple looked at our house and made an offer.  Praise God we sold it to them one month later!
• We also rejoice that our oldest daughter, Elizabeth, was able to return to Bible college in January.  She didn’t return last September because of a lack of funds.  Elizabeth is now a sophomore at Crown College in Powell, TN.
• Praise God as well for continuing to open doors to visit and minister in churches.  We’re grateful for several additional supporters who have joined the team!

In Ethiopia Easter (Fasika) is celebrated after 55 days of severe fasting.  Orthodox Christians do not eat meat and dairy products for the entire fasting period.  The main religious service takes place on the Saturday night before Easter.  It’s a somber, ceremonial occasion with music and dancing until the early hours of the morning.  Most people go to the whole service and wear their best clothes.  At 3:00 a.m. everyone returns home to break their fast, and a chicken is slaughtered at midnight for the symbolic occasion.  In the morning, after a rest, a sheep is slaughtered to start the feasting on Easter Sunday.

We’re not leaving for Ethiopia in March as we originally hoped.  Please continue to pray as we seek God’s perfect will and timing in our lives.  Thank you for your encouraging help as together we bring the hope of our risen Savior to this lost and dying world.  We truly appreciate your sacrificial gifts of support and prayer.  We trust you’ll have a glorious celebration of Christ’s triumphant victory over death!

Because He Is Risen,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly 

September 2012 Prayer Letter

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

Volatile leadership transition in Ethiopia could breed turmoil.  Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the most ancient in the world.  For centuries it was led by a succession of emperors who claimed lineage to King Solomon of the Old Testament.  In 1974 the last of these rulers, Emperor Haile Selassie, was murdered during a coup.  For the next 20 years Ethiopia was controlled by a cruel communist regime.  This period became known as "The Red Reign of Terror" because of the awful bloodshed that haunted the country.

In the early 1990's the communist government of Ethiopia was overthrown and Meles Zenawi, a former guerilla leader, became the Prime Minister.  Mr. Meles was credited with improving Ethiopia's economy and was considered one of Africa's shrewdest and most intelligent leaders.  Commanding one of Africa's largest armies, He worked closely with Washington to combat Muslim extremism in the Horn of Africa.  However, during his rule of nearly two decades Mr. Meles was a repressive leader resulting in a nation that's largely one-party with a poor human rights record.  State or party-owned companies dominate the economy while the vast majority of Ethiopians remain in dire poverty.  The country also suffers from the effects of frequent droughts and famines.

Mr. Meles died last month creating a leadership vacuum.  His death has raised new anxieties among the regional allies with troops in Somalia, which borders Ethiopia.  The delicate political transition in Somalia is incomplete and under serious strain.  There's also a stand-off between South Sudan and Sudan, two more neighboring countries.  Such a conflict brings the danger of dragging the region into another flame of military upheaval.  Ethiopia's new Prime Minister is Hailemariam Desalegn.  It's considered unlikely that he'll command the same authority as Mr. Meles, and some are sure to see him as little more than a figurehead.  Many believe this time of transition could be very volatile in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populated nation.  Such fears are understandable, considering Ethiopia's history.  Please pray that God continues to keep the doors open in this key country.  Ethiopia so desperately needs the Gospel!

Our departure for Ethiopia is rapidly approaching!  Please pray for our family as we take care of final details to leave on March 1st.  We need about 25% more for monthly financial support.  There's other crucial matters such as selling our home, obtaining visas, getting our vaccinations, and raising funds for the passage.  We're deeply grateful for your faithful partnership.  It's our eternal privilege to count you as dear co-laborers in Christ.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

  

   

To see our video: http://lonnieblount.pointto.us
                
Sent By: Lighthouse Baptist Church - Pastor Brian Blount
                 1950 N Jebavy Dr; Ludington, MI 49431
                 231-843-8532; www.lighthousebaptistludington.com
 
Serving With: Baptist International Outreach
                 PO Box 587; Jefferson City, TN 37760
                 865-262-0900; www.biomissions.org
 
Contact: 313-399-4661; 313-399-4126
                 lhblount@gmail.com

Praise & Prayer Letter - March 2012

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

Praise God, we're now on our last lap of deputation!  With nearly 70% of our needed monthly financial support, these are 

exciting days for our family.  We'll be moving to Ethiopia by the end of this year to begin the work to which God has called us -  we 

can hardly wait!  Some churches who already support us have increased their amount.  We're also grateful to the following 

churches who have recently  committed to financially help us sow the Gospel in Ethiopia and beyond.

                      ■ Calvary Baptist Church - Brutus, MI  ■ Lighthouse Baptist Church - Lebanon, IN

                      ■ Fellowship Baptist Church - Canton, OH                              ■ Northwoods Baptist Church - Clare, MI

                      ■ Lewis Memorial Baptist Church - Huntington, WV

Please pray for our preparation trip this summer.  June is our target for an imperative visit to Ethiopia.  We're prayerfully 

focusing on three chief objectives for this trip.  First of all, we earnestly desire to be used of God to minister by way of teaching, 

preaching and handing out Gospel tracts.  There will be bountiful opportunities for evangelism and we're praying for a wonderful

harvest of souls for Christ.  The second reason for making this trip is to seek God's direction concerning where He would have us 

start a church upon moving to Ethiopia.  Most of this needy country is seriously lacking for good, Bible based churches of any sort.  

However, there's an awfully painful dearth of true fundamental New Testament Baptist churches.  Two primary locations capture

our attention as possible places to plant such a church.  The third objective for visiting Ethiopia this summer is do a study on the 

cost of living and to search for possible housing.  The first time we moved to Ethiopia my wife and I made this kind of preparation 

trip and God blessed tremendously.  Nodja and I are hoping to both go this time as well.  However, that decision is dependent on

the funds which God will provide.  We surely appreciate your prayers.  If God would also lead you to help with the finances of this 

trip we'd be most grateful.  Please send your gifts to: Baptist International Outreach; PO Box 587; Jefferson City, TN 37760; 865-

262-0900; www.biomissions.org.  It you would, please note this as a special gift - survey trip.  Thank you for your consideration.

We treasure your partnership as we strive to "Magnify His Majesty," both here and in Ethiopia.  Your encouraging letters, 

faithful prayers and sacrificial giving are a true inspiration.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly 

August & September, 2011

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,                                                                  

We Praise God for His Joy.  

Certainly one of the hallmarks of being born again is knowing and experiencing the joy of our great and gracious God.  In 1993 our family was also blessed by the birth of our beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Joy.  Indeed, she has flooded our lives with an abundance of precious joy!  As Elizabeth grew older, we began thinking about which Bible college God would have her attend.  After a season of prayer, we all had a peace about her enrolling at Crown College in Powell, TN.  In preparation, Elizabeth began working first one and then two jobs.  Of course we wanted to help her as best we could, though our human financial resources were definitely limited.  Our family prayed for a miracle and God answered our prayers!  Elizabeth was awarded a scholarship, a big help toward paying her school bill.  However, we knew she also needed a job while going to college.  Once again, God answered our prayers and Elizabeth got hired - on the spot by the first company to which she applied!  Furthermore, this business is located close to Crown College.  Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and praise to our mighty God - the majestic Giver of JOY!

 

We Praise God for His Progress.  We're deeply grateful for these churches who have recently joined the team financially to bring the Gospel to Ethiopia and beyond.

 

♦ Boon Baptist Church - Boon, MI                                     

♦ Fellowship Baptist Church - Corydon, IN

♦ Hesperia Baptist Church - Hesperia, MI                     

♦ Lighthouse Baptist Church - Fort Gratiot, MI

 

Additionally, we were encouraged to hear that a church who already supports us has decided to increase their monthly amount.  Now we have just over 60% of our needed monthly support.  There are also several more churches who have indicated their intentions to soon add us to their mission program.  We're continuously inspired by God's display of faithfulness.

 

"The gospel is only good news if it reaches the lost in time."   Oh how this startling reminder grabs our hearts, particularly as it relates to Ethiopia, which now has one of the fastest growing populations in the world.  Words can't express our appreciation for the faithful prayers and financial support of you, our dear friends.  Please pray as we seek more supporting churches in order to expedite our mission to reach the lost souls of Ethiopia.  

 

Because He Is Worthy,

 

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

Please Pray

• For  our daughter, Elizabeth, as she makes the transition to college
• For health concerns
• For our preparation trip to Ethiopia

 

To see our video: http://lonnieblount.pointto.us
                
Sent By: Lighthouse Baptist Church - Pastor Brian Blount
                 1950 N Jebavy Dr; Ludington, MI 49431
                 231-843-8532; www.lighthousebaptistludington.com
 
Serving With: Baptist International Outreach
                 PO Box 587; Jefferson City, TN 37760
                 865-262-0900; www.biomissions.org
 
Contact: 313-399-4661; 313-399-4126
                 lhblount@gmail.com

June 2011

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

 

 

A Mountain Top Day.

In early June we had a glorious graduation Sunday at our home Church, Light-house Baptist Church, in Ludington, MI. From both sides of our family, many joined our Church friends in celebration that day. The special guest speaker and singer was one of our great heroes - my Dad, Dr. Bill Blount. Mom and Dad have faithfully served in full time ministry since 1965. In the morning service I had the extreme joy of baptizing our youngest daughter, Holly. It was a particular blessing to share this sacred honor with Dad. Several others were baptized as well, including Alissa, who is a daughter of my brother, Pastor Brian Blount, and his wife, Charity. A highlight of the morning was celebrating the eternal life and baptism of a young adult lady who came forward for salvation during the invitation - Hallelujah! That night we proudly watched as our oldest daughter, Elizabeth, graduated from Lighthouse Baptist Academy. She's now enrolled to begin at Crown College this fall. God is so good.

A Mountain Top Week. 

Toward the end of the month we were privileged to attend the annual Missionary Training School of our mission agency, Baptist International Outreach. This encouraging week was hosted by Pastor David Cross and the dear folks of Faith Baptist Church in Jefferson City, TN. An enriching time of instruction and inspiration was ours as we learned from a wide array of teachers which included the likes of Dr. Richard Vick (Emeritus), Dr. Garvin Dykes (Executive Director), and Dr. John Yingling (General Director). We were also spiritually refreshed by rekindling old friendships and cultivating new relationships with our fellow servants of the Lord. How we praise God for the BIO family.

 

A Mountain Top Mission. 

Between the mountain top experience of salvation and the mountain top expectation of going home to Heaven is the reality of living in the valley of this world. And yet, as we journey through this valley we have the joyous mountain top mission of serving our Master. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and praise to our majestic God! We're also deeply thankful for your generosity and vision to help as together we complete the mission of reaching Ethiopia and this world for Him.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

June 1, 2011

ETHIOPIA

because

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

Revelation 5:12

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,                                                                                          

Nodja, is my helpmate and soul mate; she is my mission mate.  It was a blessing to celebrate Nodja's birthday on May 3rd.  What a joy is mine to serve the Lord with the most beautiful and sweetest person in the world - my dear wife.  Through the years she has truly been the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31.  For our wedding ceremony in 1990 we asked my brother, Brian, to sing a song entitled, "The Mission."  In this song there's this powerful statement, "Across the street or around the world the mission's still the same - proclaim and live the truth in Jesus' name."  THE MISSION was our heart's cry when we began our life together --- and it remains our heart's cry today!

We're all beggars. 

Although Ethiopia has made some recent strides economically, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world.  Almost half of the population bears the burden of living below the poverty line.  The agricultural sector suffers because of poor cultivation techniques and frequent drought.  Access to water supply and sanitation is among the lowest in the world.  Ethiopia has an estimated 5 million orphans and homeless children.  When we lived there it was not unusual to encounter dozens of beggars in any given day - how it broke our hearts.  But you know, when you get right down to the truth of the matter, even those of us who know the Lord Jesus as our Savior are nothing more than beggars who have been saved by God's amazing grace.  Now, we who are rich in Christ need to simply be one beggar sharing with another beggar where to find The Eternal Bread of Life.  We deeply appreciate your faithful partnership which helps enable us to bring Jesus Christ to the starving souls of Ethiopia.  Oh, what a jubilant celebration in Heaven one day to gather with the redeemed from every nation for the Marriage Supper of The Lamb!

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

Please Pray:

• For the annual BIO Missionary Training School - end of June
• For  our daughter, Elizabeth, as she graduates from HS & tries to earn money for Bible College this fall
• We need more supporting churches - even now as we finish deputation.

   

  

To see our video: http://lonnieblount.pointto.us

                 

Sent By: Lighthouse Baptist Church - Pastor Brian Blount

                 1950 N Jebavy Dr; Ludington, MI 49431

                 231-843-8532; www.lighthousebaptistludington.com

  

Serving With: Baptist International Outreach

                 PO Box 587; Jefferson City, TN 37760

                 865-262-0900; www.biomissions.org

  

Contact: 313-399-4661; 313-399-4126

                 lhblount@gmail.com

May 6, 2011

ETHIOPIA

because

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

Revelation 5:12

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

As the second most populated country in Africa, Ethiopia is home to 85 million people, most of whom are shrouded in the darkness of two primary false religions. Ethiopian Orthodox makes up about 50% of the population. This religion is a blend of ancient mysticism, strict Jewish ritualistic practices and pagan animistic beliefs. The Orthodox privately promote spirit worship of all sorts, including demons. Islam originally came to Ethiopia in the seventh century. In the last thirty years it has grown to more than 40% of the population. Voice Of The Martyrs reports that Muslims have started massive campaigns to Islamize Ethiopia by penetrating Christian areas with bribes and mosque building programs. Today Ethiopia is a primary battleground between the Orthodox and the Muslims. Ethiopians desperately need the light of the glorious Gospel of the precious Lamb of God. Our hearts are gripped by the somber words of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 

Praise God for these recent churches who have financially joined the team of reaching Ethiopia for Christ.

• Faith Baptist Church - Cadillac, MI
• Fellowship Baptist Church - Luther, MI
• Fenton Road Baptist Church - Flint, MI
• Henry Baptist Church - McDonough, GA
• Trussville Southside Baptist Church - Trussville, AL

“We’ll keep the home fires burning.” In the home we’re renting we’ve been blessed with a fine Christian couple who are both our neighbors and landlords. Because our family is on the road so much these kind folks have graciously offered to watch over things, including keeping our wood furnace burning during the cold months. As they’ve put it, “We’ll keep the home fires burning.”  Their helping hand exemplifies the sweet spirit of so many who have been an encouragement to us. Like the church who had a special prayer time and laying on of hands after the morning service. Or the Pastor who paid for my motel one night, even though I wasn’t scheduled to be at his Church. Many more stories could be told about such loving people. We’re deeply grateful for these and a host of others who are a vital part of this eternal mission of glorifying God. Thank you.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly