October 2000
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:2
I have just completed my education at the Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, and during this past year God greatly used my experience at the B.I. to challenge me to grow spiritually. I also witnessed dramatic change in many of my fellow students as we studied the Word of God and worked in our various ministries. On September 5th of this year the Canadian Board of Directors for Word of Life asked me to join their missionary family. God has confirmed my
desire to serve Him in this way. Now I am excited to be a part of a project to make such an education and experience more available to Canadians!
Word of Life Canada is planning to open an English Bible Institute in Owen Sound, Ontario. This school will offer a dynamic one-year curriculum consisting of Bible, practical ministry experience, and developing essential Christian discipline (such as personal Bible study, Scripture memorization and prayer). As a part of this team, I will be involved in helping establish the Bible Institute and aid in administration when it opens in September 2002. As with all the other staff at the B.I., I will also be quite involved in a variety of ways in the lives of the students, be it in ministry team leadership, counseling, or one-on-one discipleship. It is an exciting opportunity to impact these lives and help prepare them for a lifetime of ministry. The program at Owen Sound will be an extension of the established Bible Institute in Schroon Lake.
As a missionary with Word of Life, I am responsible to raise my entire salary and ministry expenses of $3,030 per month. As already noted, the school is scheduled to open in less than two years and my goal is to be on the field to assist with the preparations by September 2001. I am seeking individuals who will stand with me in this ministry. Please prayerfully consider standing with me as I serve the Lord in this important undertaking. Pray that I will be faithful in the work He has called me to. And, if God enables you to have a part in meeting my financial need, I would also appreciate your prayers in that regard. Materials are enclosed if you wish to be involved in some way.
These are critical days, with many Christian teenagers confused about what they believe and feeling inadequately prepared to reach their friends with the Gospel. With God’s help I want my life to help make a difference!
Thank you for allowing me to share this exciting personal news. I would love to answer any further questions that you may have.
Sincerely,
Troy Johnstone