The Lord continues to expand Harvesters’ reach around the world!  After much prayer and discussion, two very important votes were taken at the December Board of Directors’ meeting.  We are excited to introduce you to the newest additions to Harvesters.

The Board of Directors unanimously approved the addition of a new ministry partner, China Sees, which is led by Steve and Katie.  (Their last name and location are withheld to protect their safety.)  They have ministered to the underground church in Asia for the past fifteen years. The Gospel has multiplied exponentially in this part of the world creating an insatiable need for qualified leaders. As a result, the focus of their ministry is to encourage and equip nationals to reach nationals.

They draw their purpose and inspiration for ministry from the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the Ephesian church leadership to use their spiritual gifts “for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” In both rural and city settings, Steve and Katie are equipping house church leaders and encouraging church planting efforts “in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.” By God’s grace, many Asian nationals have been trained and deployed in lay leadership roles — and are now training others to be disciples who make disciples.

Before the decision to add a new partner was made, the Lord foreknew (before we even asked) that Harvesters would need additional help as He prepared to increase the number of our ministry partners.  He led David and Helen Stansbury to meet with us earlier in the year.  After meeting several times and through much prayer, they expressed their desire to work with Harvesters.  The Board of Directors was unanimous once again in their decision to have David and Helen join our staff.

The Stansburys have two married children and four beautiful grandchildren.  They live in Falling Waters, West Virginia, and attend Independent Bible Church.  Both have worked with another missions organization for eight years, so they are well prepared to help us at Harvesters.  They have made a number of short-term mission trips to Myanmar and are very familiar with our ministry partner there.  Helen will assist J. Lucarelli in the financial area and Dave will assist Ed Hirshman in coordinating with our Asian partners.

Please remember both of these couples in your prayers!  We are excited to see how the Lord will use them to reach the world with the gospel.

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.  Psalm 118:23