Atlantic City, Iowa – May, 2008

While there seem to be more adversaries against the work of God in this day and age than ever before, the growing ministries among Micronesian communities in the states indicates that our people are hungry for God’s word in their lives. What an exciting thing to know!

Praise God for yet another newly established church in the city of Atlantic, Iowa. This small community is situated in a remote location in Iowa about 40 minutes from the city of Omaha. To my curiosity, I asked one of the ladies who just happened to be the first Chuukese that came to this place, “Coming from Chuuk, how did you guys find such a small community to live in?” With a smile, she answered, “I was recruited and sent out to care of the elderly people. Families and friends visited me and they fell in love with this place. News about this small and peaceful place broke out and more Chuukese have been relocating here since then.” Even more Micronesians are living in the nearby cities.

The existence of this church was introduced to our MOMUSA family by two Chuukese pastors from Honolulu, pastors IS and Lerius. They have paid several visits to this community and have been continually assisting with the church since it began. An invitation was later sent to MOMUSA from the church overseer, Ancherson William, to send representatives to assist in the exciting, growing ministry. In response to the invitation, Washington Petrus and Sato Suka were sent.

Upon their arrival at the Omaha International Airport, they were greeted by the two leaders of the group, Mr. Ancherson William and Julius Kieki, both graduates of PIBC, Chuuk. The ride from the airport took about 30 minutes to Ancherson's residence. From his residence to the Chuukese church in which he is overseeing, it takes about an hour and a half. Ancherson lives in Nebraska while the church is in Iowa. In consideration of the high sky-rocketed fuel cost, the weekly traveling distance and family affairs, has truly touched me and I am challenged by such a commitment. Moreover, every Sunday after church, Ancherson and his wife have an obligation to be at the Baptist church back in their hometown in Nebraska teaching and assisting the kindergarden class that takes place at 6pm. Recently, friday night Bible Study has been added to the ministry program in Iowa. Being in the ministry for nearly 20 years, I truly humbled myself to this family's commitment.

In summary, our visit was a very blessed and successful one. We visited several homes on saturday and that evening, we had a fellowship service in Julius’ home. We sang songs and went around in a circle sharing testimonies and words of encouragement. Sunday morning, prior to the Sunday worship service, we visited the family of a gentlemen from the island of Satowal, named Edson. The family welcomed us with a good meal and was followed by another home fellowship service.

Time was limited, but we felt that our time there was worth the trip. The Sunday worship service went longer than expected and we ended up missing our flight back to San Diego that evening. But we were able to get on a flight the next morning.

Praise and thank God for the work being done among the people there. We ask Christians out there to pray for the church and the leadership for guidance, strength and growth.