McClurkins November Update

Praise the LORD from whom all blessings flow!
We are joyful to report that things went well at the Children's Prison. Although it is hard to see 10yr olds in prison (the boys we visited are 10 to 17yrs.) It is better than them being on the streets. They are in prison for various reasons, from theft of murder and everything in between. Their living conditions are rough but not as bad as we imagined. They have classes during the day so they are getting some kind of education and we met the chef that comes in to cook their meal. We are not sure how the system works but we saw some older boys (long term offenders) who were working with wood and metal so that they will have a trade when they are released. We were also told that they had just released a group of boys earlier that day and we saw about 50 boys in our service. Some boys are in maximum security because they are dangerous according to what the pastor has share with us.

We were able to assist a local pastor in the worship service. Although it is a Muslim country, they allow Christians to come in and serve the kids because they realize it makes a difference in their lives. The system does not rehabilitate them. We had Bible story telling (more effective than reading), we testified about our lives and our families to encourage the boys that this is not the end of their lives and let them know as God has changed our lives, He is willing and able to change their's through the love of Jesus Christ! We have no words to express what we felt when we looked into their eyes and saw the despair but we believe their hearts were touch when they heard the Word and looked into our eyes as we testified of the goodness of God. This is something we want to do again as well as visit the girls and women's facility where they are having babies and raising them in prison.

We also found out this past week that one of the street boys (10 years old) attending the Bible study we were teaching was found dead in the bus station. This news is sad, our prayer is that in his heart he received Jesus through the lessons. Please continue to pray that the strongholds in the lives of people will be broken and they will realize the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ our LORD.
Blessing, Pete and Debra- (Please pass this on)
Your prayer and financial support is appreciated and needed.
--
Pete & Debra McClurkin #970
"Reaching the World for Christ"
Visit our website
http://worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/McClurkin_Pete_Debra.html

Living In Mali NOT Mali-bu!

Where do we start! Well, we have been here in Bamako, Mali, West Africa for seven weeks and we are two different people in God. He has brought us, taught us, healed us, encouraged us and provided for us! It is amazing how much we have experienced already. The streets are filled with people, cars and scooters. The motorized scoopters out number the cars here in Bamako. There are people selling wares, fruit and vegetables, cooked food, roasted peanuts and such all around, and it is plain to see that poverty is great here in Mali. People travel from villages to the city of Bamako looking for work or help of any kind. We have met individuals who have come from other countries in Africa; some as refugees from war torn countries like Liberia, Sudan and Congo. They all have something in common, they are looking for work or some business opportunity.

However, some of the senery is picturesque. There are large palm trees, blooming hedges and the most beautiful birds singing unique songs outside our apartment windows (God given alarm clock) in the morning. The Niger River divides the city and provides a most delectable fish, the “capitiane.” Women and men are dressed in beautifully colored Boubous (large tunics) and dresses. We can hear the call to prayer from the Grande Mosque not far from us and we see many people bowing down in prayer in the market places; it was Ramadan (a month of prayer and fasting for Muslims). We are constantly reminded that it is time to pray. It is reasuring to know that we have a mediator between us and the Father making intercession for us continually as well as having access to God anytime and any place. Keep Praying!

View New Pictures of The McClurkins in Bamako, Mali, West Africa

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12777&id=1499894931&l=6a63ff7b9f

Follow this link above to view more pictures.

May the LORD continue to richly bless you!

In Christ's Service,

Pete and Debra-

Lost and Found

Greetings in the name of the LORD from Mali!
We want to share some good news with you! After 3 weeks of praying and believing God, our missing luggage has arrived. No one was able to tell us exactly where it was from Philadelphia to Paris to Mali, but the LORD knew! So after numerous trips to the Airport and the Air France business office, late Friday morning we called the airport (which is a confusing place with no English speaking employees) they told us that they have a bag that looks like it may be ours. We claimed that blessing and headed to the airport. They took us to a room that had many bags and Voila! THere was our fully packed trunk, still locked with a new tag (the old one came off which caused it to get lost) it was like seeing an old friend!. We were prepared to have to pay more to get it out. However, they gave it to us with no problems or extra payment, which would happen most times. God is faithful and we are grateful. He is supplying our needs! Thank you for interceeding on our behalf, your prayers are at work in so many ways. We will keep you posted.

Blessings,
Pete and Debra-

Mali via Miami!!!!!!!!!!

Yes we are on our way to Mali, but first we had to make a stop in Miami Beach, Florida where our daughter Michelle decided to have a "Destination Wedding" May 22, 2009! The good news is that the family came together in beautiful Miami before we take off for Mali. The better news is that the lovely couple love each other and they acknowledge the LORD in their marriage! And, yes that is me officiating the ceremony. How great is that!!! The clouds threatened to pour down rain, but the prayers of the righteous prevailed and the wind and the rain stopped as the clouds gave way to the bright sunshine. It was a wonderful day! So you see, we had to stop here!

The month of May was very busy and joyful! We were blessed to be in the States for these two special family events. We are also thankful that the LORD is helping us with our departure plans. One important aspect of missions is partner development and we are encouraged by the people who have agreed to partner with us through prayer and financial support. You all are a vital part of spreading the Gospel to all nations. So we want to take this time to thank all of our partners in the ministry for Christ to those in need.

Blessings,

Pete and Debra-

On the way to Mali...

There were a few family events that took place as we prepared to leave for Mali, West Africa. Our daughter LaChish was commissioned (May 15, 2009) as 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army where she has been serving since 2002.

LaChish also graduated (May 16, 2009) with her Bachelor Science Degree in Nursing from Columbus University in Columbus Georgia. We are very proud of her, more importantly, she loves the LORD and enjoys preaching the Gospel and praise dancing. GO CHISH!

Almost There!

We are so thankful to the LORD for all of the opportunities God has given us to fellowship and worship with so many gracious sons and daughters of the Most High! We have traveled during the month of May to Maryland; Clayton, New Jersey; Columbus, Georgia; Miami, Florida and back to Philadelphia. Throughout our visits, we have heard some awesome preaching, singing, and testimonies. We have experienced the move of the Holy Spirit as He confirms the call on our lives and the direction of God. It is both encouraging and reassuring. We thank all of the pastors, congregation and individuals who have committed to God’s call with both prayer and financial support. Our Heavenly Father loves us and we have claimed the words God spoke to the Israelites through the prophet Jeremiah; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God is good!

Things to Share!

We want to share with you some of the exciting events that have occurred during the past month. Our two youngest daughters made some life changing decisions and we are very proud of them. May 16, LaChish graduated from Columbus University, Columbus, GA with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. We celebrated with her and friends.
May 22, Michelle and her fiancée Mr. Kourtney A. Marshall were married in Miami Beach with a lovely beach ceremony officiated by the mother of the bride (Debra). It was a glorious celebration and Michelle made a beautiful bride on the arm of the proud father of the bride (Pete). It is our prayer that our children and their children will draw close to the LORD and live out what we have taught them by example. (More pictures will be posted on our website: http://www.worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/McClurkin_Pete_Debra.html)


Ministry Opportunity in Mali

In the months ahead, we will seek opportunities for ministry in West Africa. We will assess the needs of the communities on the fields of Mali/Senegal, West Africa and see where we can do the most good as we build relationships and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With 75% of our 100% financial goal met, we anticipate leaving for the field as we continue to develop partnerships.
We are planning to spend one year serving in Mali in the city of Bamako. How wonderful it is that God has given us the opportunity to prepare for Senegal while ministering in Mali! Acquiring language skills (French) and cultural absorption will be flanked by creating an atmosphere of peace and renewal for traveling missionaries as guesthouse managers.
More importantly, we will look for opportunities to share and live out the love of God, to plant seeds of salvation and to help those who are in need. Pray with us that God's wisdom will fill our minds and hearts that we may be instruments to fulfill His will for those we will serve in West Africa.

Thought for the Month:

“Doing It God’s Way”
Reading: Leviticus Chapter 10 and Hebrews 9:11-14

Lev 10:1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command.
2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ ”

As I read the scripture text, I cringed from the many times I have not done things God’s way. Most of us do not have to think back far, when we may have handled a situation our own way to justify the end. Our conscience should be pricked by the Holy Spirit, and we should repent and seek the LORD for forgiveness. We need God’s mercy and grace through the blood of Jesus Christ, to cleanse our sin. This was not the case with Nadab and Abihu. They were punished immediately, by the same method they sinned, for coming before the presence of God drunk with wine and profaning the Holy Place with unauthorized offering (strange fire). They were an example to the community of God of what happens when people willfully disobey God in doing things their way. People do things they would not ordinarily do when they are under the influence (drinking or drugging). However, there are other ways a person can become drunk in the presence of God. We can become drunk with pride, envy, jealousy, vain glory, self centeredness, hatred, and lust, of any kind. Or, just under the influence of others and wanting to do things their way.

We can find solace through the shed blood of Jesus. According to Hebrews chapter 9 Jesus was the only, perfect sacrifice and atonement for sin, past, present and future. It is through His life, death resurrection and ascension that we have access to the Holy Place. Although Jesus’ blood cleanses our sins we should not take God’s grace for granted. Let us be persuaded by the Holy Spirit to live in obedience with a clear conscience in His presence in order to serve the living God; a life in service to God!

If you would like to receive our newsletter by email, please send your email address to pdmcclurkin@worldventure.net
We pray for God's continued direction in your life as you strive to please HIM!
Blessings,
Pete and Debra-"The McClurkins"
Reaching the World for Christ

Arrows of Righteousness

Psalms 127:3-5 states that children are a heritage from the LORD, a reward from him. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemy at the gate. It is remarkable how God has given His word to fit every situation in our lives. We were pondering about the ways of our children and how God blessed us to raise six beautiful, now, adults. Sure, they all have their idiosyncrasies, but they are a blessing from God. We raised them in the admonition of the LORD and we believe that God is fulfilling his promise in their lives, as they grow to know him deeper. We have four young women and two young men who know Jesus Christ as Savior. WE ARE BLESSED! We believe our quiver is filled with arrows of righteousness according to the Psalm. Our prayer is that allow the LORD to aim them strategically by his spirit to defeat the enemy.



We have claimed God's promises for their lives! In their ranks is a science teacher, she believes God created the heavens and the earth and all that dwells in it. An aspiring lawyer, whose goal is to become a judge for social justice, and a mother of three growing children, an Army Veteran who is now Chairman of Deacons/Missionary Ministry leader; an aspiring electrician/ministry support, and a youth minister/missionary soon to become a nurse. All praise and glory be to God! These are the children of our youth, and the arrows that fill our quiver. They have their own struggles and testimonies of how good and merciful God has been to them. We are firm believers that if you train up a child in the way that he/she should go; they will not depart from it. we have included a link to one of our daughter's website http://www.godsanointedmin.com/Please visit and rejoice with us in what God is doing through her life.

Blessings-