April 11, 2013 - MTW - Borden

BORDENS’ BULLETIN
Spring 2013

Dear Friends,

We’re often asked, “What does MINTS stand for and what do they do?” Great question! Glad you asked!

MINTS is short for “MINTS International Seminary” (formerly Miami International Seminary).

“MINTS is a missions organization that uses higher education to reach the world by training national believers to reach their own people through establishing regional training centers that duplicate disciples and new centers. We believe the most spiritually effective person is the one who knows the culture, language, and needs of his own community, who knows God’s Word and can apply and live biblical truths that transform his world. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)

To accomplish this, MINTS plants new study centers around the world, and provides these national schools with a theological curriculum, degree programs, academic standards, administrative software, accountability, and one-on-one personal training to get them established.” (Mission Statement)

MINTS has started over 250 training centers in 60 countries with about 4,500 registered students!

As Africa Coordinator, Jeff oversees, visits, writes courses for, and helps teach at centers in Africa.

Update on Patty’s cross-cultural ministry here: Patty and several other volunteers from our PCA church continue to do a weekly Bible Club at a large, nearby apartment complex in which almost all the residents are immigrants, mostly from M*sl*m lands. There are games, puzzles, outside activities, and snacks provided for the children, and a time of singing and teaching from the Bible. We are so thankful for the 12-22 children from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds that come weekly. Pray for Patty as she visits their mothers in their homes and continues to build relationships with several of them.

Prayer Requests

· For quality time with both leaders and students, safety, and good health as Jeff travels to Liberia, Kenya, and Burundi from April 13 to May 6 to visit and teach at several key MINTS study centers.

· For Patty as she continues working with international children. Pray that they would come to faith in Christ and that God would lead as to her involvement with their families. We praise God that many M*sl*m parents allow their children to come to the weekly Bible Club, and pray that this continues!

· We praise God that Daniel (27) is engaged to Melissa Little. Please pray for them to remain Christ-centered as they continue to prepare and plan for their July 27 wedding!

· We also thank God for providing Matthew (22) with a one-year internship in his fields of study (entomology and horticulture) at Longwood Botanical Gardens in PA. Please pray for him as he finishes his junior year at VA Tech in mid-May and transitions to Longwood in early June.

Blessings,

Jeff, Patty and Lydia J