Majors Kelly and Paul Rideout
As we reflect on our journey since arriving in Tanzania, our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and joy. One of the greatest joys we have experienced here is witnessing the profound faith and resilience of the people we serve alongside. Their unwavering trust in God, despite the challenges they face, has been a source of inspiration and strength for us. We have been blessed to see the power of God's love in action, and we personally are being affirmed by the depth of peace and purpose we are experiencing.
We find immense joy in the privilege of training Cadets to have a transformative impact on this Territory and beyond for years to come. Also, the warmth of the people has been a great blessing and observing them serve God wholeheartedly with so little in terms of resources has deeply touched our hearts.
Our hope and prayer for our time here is that we may be instruments of God's grace and love. We pray that the seeds of faith we plant and that are planted in us will grow and flourish, bringing forth a harvest that will glorify God. We ask for God's guidance and wisdom as we navigate the complexities of ministry, and for His protection over the community we serve. We also pray for our family at home, that they would remain healthy and safe while we are living abroad. May God keep us healthy and use us to serve in a way that will be reflective of His character and beneficial to His Kingdom.
May the Lord bless and keep you all, and may His face shine upon you.
In His service, Kelly & Paul Rideout
Easter in Bangladesh
Easter was a beautiful time of connecting with several corps and participating in their various services. It is always great to get out to the field, see officers in their communities and to better understand the challenges they are facing, along with the good things God is doing.
Our Corps traditionally have 3-hour services on Good Friday between 12 -3pm as they work through the 7 sayings of Christ from the cross. It was a privilege to preach at the EPZ corps and to fellowship with the soldiers there. I flew to our Jashore district on Saturday so I could visit some other corps. It has been a while since I've been to a 6am sunrise service but what a blessing to see so many of our soldiers gathering around the territory to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. I joined the Jashore Corps at 6am and was able to share the Word with them. Navigating all of these services in 38 degree temperatures was a challenge! But the trips filled my heart with much joy!
We are so grateful to have Jahred and Jessica arrive in our territory! They are settling in, and we are looking forward to seeing how God will use them in the coming months.
Once again, I am grateful for the generosity of TMF. I really appreciate the gift that I received at Easter. This is very helpful as there are always extra costs that come up from time to time. I recently ordered some new glasses in Dhaka as my prescription changed, and I was having some troubles seeing while I worked! Your generosity has helped with these costs, along with some new uniforms, which always seem to get ruined with curry stains!!!
Most of all, I am grateful for everyone's interest and prayer support for our work. Many days I know I am being carried by the prayers of others. May the Lord continue to bless you and all who are connected with TMF. This has always been a beautiful connection with home that I appreciate.
Elizabeth Nelson, Lt. Colonel
Jared and Jessica Warkentin
What has been our greatest joy in moving to Bangladesh?
Seeing people, new and old. Returning to Bangladesh, 20 years after being here as a kid I (Jahred) have been surprised by how many people are still around. Friends, teachers, ayas (house help) and my parents colleagues who are still working with the Army or supporting Gods mission in other ways around Dhaka. Additionally, my father's work and hand can still be seen 20 years later. We have also met so many other faithful officers, colleagues, and friends whose passion for mission is inspiring.
What verse(s) have been carrying you through?
We have recently been reflecting on Acts 3:6 when Peter tells a lame man "Silver or Gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." There is so much we do not have, and we cannot offer. We have limited time, limited experience and talents, limited language abilities, and limited resources. But what the Lord has given us, we pour into our work and ministry. Some locals may see us here and think we have abilities and resources unavailable to them, but in reality, the greatest thing we have is the opportunity to show that our reliance on God is more powerful than anything else.
What is our greatest hope for our term in international service?
We hope to contribute to building capacity within the territory, and that we can serve in a culturally effective way. We hope over this time that The Salvation Army Bangladesh, would have an 'awakening' to its unique identity and voice in service within the country. One that is fully Bengali and fully Salvation Army. We hope that when our time in Bangladesh is done, we can slowly step backwards without anyone noticing. Replaced by local nationals who will be more effective and bring His kingdom places we could only dream.
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