June 2010
Dear BFI Family and Friends:

Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, who redeemed us, not with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with His precious blood.

Every Jew should realize that the message of redemption was for the whole world because this truth is established from the outset. God told Abraham that "In him all nations would be blessed."  When Solomon dedicated the temple, he prayed that it would be a house of prayer for all nations. The psalmist prayed for all peoples of the earth (e.g. Psalm 67). The prophets wrote to nations other than Israel and Jonah went to Nineveh to preach. When Jesus inaugurated His ministry, He reminded the people of the widow who sustained Elijah and the healing of Naaman, both of whom were Gentiles. Jesus raised a centurion's son, healed the Syro-Phoenician woman, and counseled a Samaritan woman at the well, all Gentiles.

Even though Peter had declared at Pentecost that God would "pour out His Spirit on all flesh" and that "the promise is to you and all who are afar off," he needed to receive a vision three times before he was willing to go to the house of Cornelius. Although Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the truth, he needed to learn to practice what he preached. It was exceedingly difficult for him to overcome racial prejudice. Unfortunately, many professing Christians appear to possess a similar attitude and consider missions to other races and nations as secondary or optional. The Great Commission is, however, to "go into all the world." Even though I am no longer physically able to go, I praise God that my booklets continue to reach people in many places.

The lady who has been translating the booklets (Missions Series) on the New Testament into Spanish recently emigrated from Russia. She originally migrated from Cuba to Russia. She has known very little about Christianity, but is eager to learn. She is several booklets ahead of our ability to publish them. Further, a retired CMA missionary from Colombia is using the booklets in serial form in the Spanish version of the CMA magazine circulated throughout Latin America,

For the past quarter (March - May) I have taught the booklets in an adult Sunday School class. The class wanted me to continue for the next quarter, but I have had to decline because of physical issues. (Maybe I will be able to resume in September). In the meantime, I will continue to work on more booklets. Thankfully, a college classmate attends the class; she is a retired editor who proof reads my manuscripts.

Latest news from Rodrigo is that he has been promoted to a position something like dean of faculty and registrar. Apparently, trends at the university have been towards liberalism. He is
now in a position where he is able to guide the church in Brazil in content for years to come. He and Ana continue to translate my materials into Portuguese.

On May 20th we attended the graduation service at Covenant Seminary in St Louis because our daughter, Gwen, who served as voluntary BFI secretary in the early days, graduated with her Master of Arts in Systematic Theology. She did the course by extension over seven or eight years. She not only graduated but did so summa cum laude (with highest honors) - not too bad for a grandmother of six! Her project for the degree was to write a study guide for the book of Hebrews. The faculty was so impressed that they urged her to get it published. If any readers desire a copy, you can either write to her at 2907 Nevermind Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 90817 or contact her by email: GWesterlund@V7PC.org. Although it was doubtful that I would be able to go to her graduation right up until the day we left, the Lord relieved me of my pain. In fact, I had less pain during the trip than I have had for months.

We continue to appreciate your financial and prayer support. Even though it sometimes appears that there is not much action in BFI, we rejoice that Christ continues to use our meager loaves and fishes. May God continue to bless you.

Sincerely in Christ,
Linleigh RobertsIt's good to have Linleigh's report and account of Gwen's graduation
- congratulations to Gwen for a job well done!

Rev. Brian Harper, Australian Director: Brian has resigned from his BFI duties as a result of increased demands on his time at Noble Park Baptist Church in Melbourne where they are in the early days of adding an extension to their building. This coupled with the lack of a secretary to handle administrative matters has signaled a time to cease his official BFI connection. You will recall that Brian, under the auspices of BFI, was involved with a ministry of teaching, mentoring pastors and assisting with a family camp in Macedonia.

Initially there were few evangelical churches in that country and now, thanks to God, the church is thriving and Brian sees his ministry there coming to an end. Brian will be continuing his association with the Kompongsom Bible School in Cambodia; however this work is supported almost entirely by his own church.

Brian has been a friend and associate of Linleigh's for a long time and we on the BFI Board have benefited from his godly counsel. Those of you who have heard Brian preach and teach here in the U.S.A. know what a joy he is. Our Board has accepted Brian's resignation with regret but know that the Lord is using him in a mighty way in other areas. We look forward to reporting on his ministries and we wish him well as he labors for the Lord in Australia and Cambodia.

Yours in Christ,
 

William H. Lockard
Administrative Director

Reminder:  Please visit the BFI website at http://www.bfi.us/ for a complete listing of our publications and sign our Guest Book so that we may get your feedback.  Thank you!

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