Wichita is fortunate to have Pastor John Ronel. His story is compelling and encouraging. He was a pastor in Eastern Congo. The violence there was severe towards the churches and pastors. John’s family of ten came to the US as refugees some years ago and they relocated to Wichita in the past year. John had a job working in a secular agency with refugees.
In the fall, John and his wife started a church for those from Africa. The church is largely made up of widows and orphans. The needs are great. In fact the needs are overwhelming as most do not speak English and do not have driver’s licenses. Many of the social services last for only the first months upon entering the US. Even though the Ronel family have a meager income they generously help those around them and somehow the dollars stretch out.
Pastor Ronel is fluent in four languages. One Sunday John preaches in Swahili and another Sunday in a different dialect. And within the congregation they translate other languages for those who gather.
John has been working with The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) to translate the curriculum into other languages. He has completed the translation of one of the TUMI books into Swahili. He has now started another translation and soon he will begin French.
We are amazed at the Ronels’ trust in the Lord, their gracious spirit and deep care for those with greater challenges than what they face. John is just one example of leaders using TUMI. The influence of these leaders goes back to their home land. We have seen this expansion in Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Romania and other countries. The TUMI footprint is now in eighteen countries with more added each year.
The need for godly trained leaders is like never before. Huge numbers are coming to Christ. Recently we heard about the rapid growth of believers in Arabic speaking refugee camps in Germany. They will go back to their countries in the years ahead. We are having discussions about how to bring TUMI training into those areas as we have materials translated into Arabic.
Please be in prayer for the refugees. The challenges are great. Also remember Pastor John and his work for the Kingdom.
