The Fergusons

August 2012

770-507-5290; 404-406-1332; staceyferguson@bellsouth.net

Greetings to all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is THE WAY (John 14:6). The greatest blessing of God is the gift of his Son to provide THE WAY for us to have a home in heaven with him. This verse teaches us an important truth. Christ is not one of many ways, not a way, but the only way to eternal life. We cannot get to God through Muhammad or any other man. Christ offers the only access to the Father. May we spend time learning more about the way.

I have been to Tarawa, Kiribati many times before, but this time will be one that will always be special to me. I was excited to have my wife and two sons. This was the first time that all four of us have been on the field at the same time. Kathy and I have been places without the boys, and we have been places with the boys individually, but never all together. I am thankful to God for that blessing. We had a great trip and wonderful time laboring together in the Lords vineyard. When we landed in Tarawa, the brethren met us at the airport. I could tell that they were excited to see my wife and two sons. I had sent letters and had been emailing them to be sure our work schedule was set so they would be ready when we arrived. They were ready and waiting, and we had a good time together. Nathaniel went with me in 2010 to

Tarawa, but this was the first time for Kathy and Renn. I am truly thankful that Kathy could come. It has been a long time since any ladies have been to Tarawa to help in the work. A woman can help the ladies in many ways that men cannot. She was very busy. In the mornings we drove about 45 minutes to Betio. There, Kathy taught the ladies. The group in Betio is a new congregation on the far end of Tarawa. In the afternoon she taught the ladies in Eita on the opposite end of Tarawa. She told me some of the questions these ladies were asking. Im glad they asked her and not me. The questions were very personal and difficult to answer. Some days she would answer questions for 45 minutes. Then in the evening she was teaching the children while we were conducting the Pacific Islands Bible College Classes. Each day she would spend about 6 hours teaching. She loved every minute. Im thankful for all the good she accomplished. She is a trooper always willing to teach and

work hard in any country and situation. While Kathy had all the ladies to her self, Nathaniel, Renn, and I taught the men. We would usually have 2 lessons in the mornings at Betio, 2 in the afternoon at Eita for the men and 2 for the youth. Then Nathaniel and I taught PIBC classes in the evenings. Most of the time when were in Tarawa we do evangelist ic work and have PIBC classes. But the work we did on this trip to edify the brethren reminded me just how needed and valuable it is to have continued teaching, encouraging, and equipping of the saints. Nathaniel and Renn did a great job with their lessons and fitting in with the culture. They worked hard preparing lessons and presented them in a good way to the men and the young people. Both of them made me very proud. I thank God that they are willing to use and develop their talents at a young age. They far exceed my service and ability at that time in my life. My hope and prayer is that they will continue on this path the rest of their life. In the mens classes at Betio we had a mix. Some were older men in the faith, some new Christians, and some were not Christians. Our le sso ns were geared for all. I have learned that even though a person Stacy & Kathy Ferguson P.O. Box 1405 Forest Park, GA 30298

may already be a Christian they still need the same basic teachings as those who are not Christians. No matter how old we get we can never get away from the fundamentals of the gospel. The men had some good questions, both the Christians and non Christians. The Christian men were asking about specific deno minat io nal teachings. They told us about a public gathering of different religions where they go and answer Bible questions. They had been showing those who attended the teachings of the scripture, but they wanted more scriptures for specific false teachings to help them give an answer (1Pt. 3:15). Tabera, a brother at Betio, has studied with one of the men attending the morning classes. After listening and learning more of the truth, he wanted to be baptized. I asked the man some questions to be sure he was ready. As we were talking, Tabera spoke up because he knew something important about this mans marriage. The man had left his first wife because she could not have children and was living with another woman. We talked to the man about repentance preceding baptism. We tried to help him see what could be done to repent of this sin. We had to leave this matter with him to correct. I hope he will repent and obey the truth. Nathaniel has finished Memphis School of Preaching and is currently looking for a congregation. He could use your help, if you know of a congregation looking for a preacher. Please contact him at 678-327-3488 or natesf09@yahoo.com. Or contact me by email or phone on the front of the newsletter. Thank you.
Laborers together with him, Stacy