Phil & Andrea Bauman - SIM Missionaries
Summer in Canada...
It is hard to believe that it is June! We are finally enjoying some summer weather.
We'd like to share with you some highlights from the last few months and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
We are very grateful for God's continued guidance and protection as we seek to faithfully lead SIM to accomplish our shared Purpose and Mission to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where he is least known.
In January we were able to visit the SIM team in Nigeria. We were there for their annual team gathering, at which Phil was the main speaker. Afterwards we were able to spend a few days visiting some of the team and seeing the ministries they are a part of. The Nigerian church is heavily involved in mission in many places but there also continues to be many places of gospel need.
Below is a picture with the leadership of the ECWA church which grew out of SIM's work in Nigeria, along with leaders from two Ethiopian denominations, one of which SIM workers were instrumental in starting. It is estimated that these leaders represent a combined membership of 12 million people!
In late February we were in Cyprus for a gathering with 150 key SIM leaders from around the world. The theme of the gathering was 'Together as One.' It was an important time to strengthen relationships and to discuss how we can work more effectively together to accomplish our shared Purpose and Mission. It was an intense time leading up to and during the event as Andrea was on the planning team and Phil was facilitating many of the sessions.
We took a few days after the event to enjoy the beauty of Cyprus.
In April, Phil's Executive Team members came to Muskoka, Ontario, Canada for their annual retreat. Canadian spring weather is unpredictable and welcomed our visitors with cold and snow! The weather might have been less than spring-like but it was great to have the warmth of fellowship, prayer and times to play. Times together in person like this make the many hours in online meetings so much more meaningful and productive. Phil is blessed to have a very competent leadership team to work with!
In early May, it was great to meet some of our workers in Mauritius. Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean but it was encouraging to hear about and see a growing mission vision. We look forward to seeing Mauritians join with our teams around the world.
While in Mauritius Andrea and I took the opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We can highly recommend Mauritius as a place to relax!
Following Mauritius we headed to Madagascar. Once again we had the privilege of meeting people with a passion for missions and a desire to encourage others to gain a mission vision. There are also many places in Madagascar where we long to see disciples of Jesus. One of those places is the Good News Hospital, in Mandritsara, northern Madagascar. This has special meaning for us because in 1998 we were asked to prepare to go there. For various reasons that did not happen but 27 years later we had the privilege of visiting and seeing the many ways they are impacting the surrounding communities.
SIM Madagascar also has a new director, Mamy Rasolofondrainibe. It was a joy to be there to spend time with him and pray a blessing over him as he begins his role. Like many SIM leaders he needs much wisdom to discern the communities of people that God would have SIM Madagascar to engage at this point. Andrea also had the opportunity to spend time training their new personnel coordinator, Iangaliana.
Family update!
Our family is doing all doing well.
It is great to have Kieran, Mackenzie and Thea close so that we can get to see Thea, now 10 months old, grow and develop.
Liam and Meridith continue to live in Ottawa but with various family events recently we have been able to see them quite regularly.
Cara continues in Toronto and is currently working on a physiotherapy placement.
The photo above on the left was taken in April at a dedication service for Thea. We praise God for kids that are following God and they too desire to have their children follow him. On the right, Andrea was delighted that Thea remembered her after four weeks away!
The photo above on the left was taken in April at a dedication service for Thea. We praise God for kids that are following God and they too desire to have their children follow him. On the right, Andrea was delighted that Thea remembered her after four weeks away!
Looking Ahead
We are looking forward to a little less travel over the next few months and to have some time for rest and family. Phil is currently on a short trip to Asia to have some key conversations and meetings in Singapore and Japan. In August we plan to head to Ghana to spend a week with the team there at their conference.
For Prayer
Praise God
For the SIM Nigeria team and the time we spent with them to better understand the ministries they are involved in.
For Together as One and the great opportunity to work together.
For the in person time with the Executive Team in Canada to help us work well together when we are apart.
That we had the opportunity to see SIM workers and churches in Mauritius and Madagascar.
For God blessing us with 30 years of marriage.
Pray
That we can enjoy times of rest and refreshment this summer.
For wisdom for Phil as he in in the midst of some significant projects as well as for his time in Asia and his conversations there.
That we will be able to be an encouragement to the Ghana team when we visit in August.
For each of our kids that they will continue to love God and desire to honour him.
Thank you for your prayers and interest.
