The McQuearys: Missionaries to Western Asia
It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I write this letter to you. Through a series of connected events spanning a number of years, Gayle and I, responding to the leading of the Lord, have answered His call to a very challenging ministry and we are stepping through a new door of service the Lord has opened for us.
I was contacted and asked to pray about applying to Baptist International Evangelistic Ministries to serve with them. For over 25 years BIEM has operated primarily in the countries of the former Soviet Union under the strategy which places nationals in the forefront of the ministry. These nationals assume leadership roles in the churches being established while American missionaries provide direction, training, accountability, and resources by serving as a link to an American support base interested in establishing indigenous churches. I have served as a BIEM board member and I have often traveled overseas in ministry with BIEM missionaries. In June, 2007, I applied, was interviewed and I have been appointed as a BIEM missionary and will serve as regional director for Western Asia. I departed June 30th, for Istanbul, Turkey. There I began laying the foundation for BIEM’s regional evangelistic and teaching efforts, met with BIEM personnel and other Christian workers who will connect with this new endeavor, evaluated housing and training center locations and began to formulate with Dr. Sam Slobodian, President of BIEM, a plan for BIEM’s Western Asia ministry.
As you know, this will not be an easy field of ministry. Turkey is 99.8% Muslim and does not welcome Christian ministries, although the country officially states that it does. The entire Western Asia region is a hotbed of Islamic activity and desperately in need of the Gospel. Therefore, our efforts will focus on:
· Directing evangelism to bring the Gospel to Islamic countries.
· Training nationals to win souls and to teach the Word of God to their converts.
· Planting strong New Testament Baptist churches in Islamic counties.
· Organizing and operating a Western Asia training center for equipping missionaries to Islamic countries.
· Recruiting missionaries from both English and non-English speaking nations for service in Islamic countries.
· Hosting training conferences on Muslim evangelism. Our first one is September 20-22, 2007, in Kiev, Ukraine.
· Funding evangelism and church planting projects throughout Western Asia.
I arrived back in the United States in mid-July to continue our deputation journey. Like other missionaries, we are launching our efforts to see churches and individuals partner with us in prayer and financial backing. I would like to enlist your partnership with us. Your commitment to pray for us is essential. However God leads you to partner with us will be appreciated. Will you take some time to pray and ask God how you may get involved in this exciting new ministry? I am asking the Lord to allow our deputation time to be spiritually fruitful among the churches and individuals with whom we minister and to help us raise our financial support in a short time.
Having served the Lord in local churches both in the role of pastor and of staff member, I realize the pressure on your time, your church’s preaching schedule and your budget. If you can have me come to present this vital ministry to your church, I would welcome the opportunity. The need is staggering, but our God is limitless! Help us win Muslims to Christ.
Your servant for Jesus’ sake,
Bob McQueary
BIEM Western Asia Director
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:18)
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