Keith and Jacqueline Stanton Sharing the life of Christ A Church is Born!
NTM Missionaries Teaching the Siar People of Papua New Guinea
NTM has 5 tribal works going on in our province of New Ireland, and one of those has just witnessed the birth of a new church. After years of language and culture study, the missionary team to the Siar people began teaching from God’s word. They taught in the Siar language, 4 days a week for months, starting with the Creation account in Genesis. Not long ago they had their last lesson dealing with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As our missionary friend finished the last lesson, he said “That’s it. That is the message we wanted to share with you. Our talk is finished now.” And he sat down. I’ll let him finish the story…
“To be honest I knew where many of the Siar were at in their faith and that many were believing already, but I still felt nervous with a flood of questions running through my mind, “Would any testify to their belief in the gospel? Would they be clear on the true issues of their personal salvation?” Well after a few quiet moments, my uncertainty was put to rest.
The first to stand was Jon, my translation helper. He was emotional from the beginning which is not normal for him or any Siar man. He said that he could share a lot but he wanted to clearly state three main things. He started by explaining how he used to call himself a pastor and teacher of God’s Word, but he never understand the true God. He shared how God’s Word in the creation account revealed to him the true God who is perfect, all-powerful, and the creator of all things. Jon’s second point was that God’s Word showed him that no matter what he thought about himself, the truth of the matter was that he was a sinner separated from God and the punishment for his sins was ready for him to bear. Finally he ended his talk by touching the promise of God that started back in the Garden of Eden and found its fulfillment in the person of Christ and His work on Jon’s behalf.
The previous day as we taught on the death of Christ, we nailed large nails into a cross that we had made and had laid on the ground in the teaching house. Jon referenced that cross and shared that as he heard the sound of the hammer hitting the nails, he knew that the death on the cross was meant for him and he deserved it but Christ took his place and suffered his punishment for his sin. He said he firmly believed it, and was confident that God bought him back and that he was now in God’s clan forever. Jon’s talk ended with a challenge to the others as he said, “You guys, this is the truth – the only truth. And this is the time for us to decide whether we will believe this or not!
Another influential village leader named Ogen stood and gave a simple clear testimony that the death of Christ was indeed the only way, the only truth, and the only way to eternal life. He shared how there have been so many lies they have believed, but that finally now the truth was here and that he believed it.
After that a good friend named Sali stood and was very emotional as he thanked us for leaving our homes and coming here to give them the truth. He was thankful for that and thankful for the truth of Christ’s death that he now understood and believed in.
There were also a number of ladies who gave clear testimonies after we ended the meeting. Sakman and Redi sat together and encouraged each other by simply stating, “This is IT. This is the only truth and only Jesus’ work for me is the truth that can save me. This talk is SO good, there is no other talk that is bigger than this. We are believing this truth and we will never leave it for anything else!.”
Tinamidil is a quiet little lady who has faithfully come to the teaching from the beginning. When asked what she thought of all this, she answered in simple faith, “This is the only truth, that is for sure, and I believe it.”
Another man, Stiven, as we finished the teaching, showed his excitement by pumping his fist and saying over and over, “This is IT! This is IT!” He also shared that Jesus’ work was complete and the only way to eternal life. He shared his total confidence that this message of Christ’s death was the only truth and that he believed it.
These are only but a few of the testimonies and there will be many more to come. A number of individuals, husbands and wives, older men, and older women have believed. The main point is this – the truth of the Gospel has shown its bright light into the Siar’s minds and hearts, and many have responded in faith. Have they arrived yet to the full measure of what God has for them? Certainly not yet, but have they understood the message of Christ’s salvation for them? Absolutely! And with that, the church was born here in Siar land and God has begun the long journey of maturing these believers and unifying them together as a body of believers established on the truth of His Word.
As exciting and thrilling as it is to see people go from darkness to light and see the salvation of a number of our Siar friends, we know that this is just the beginning of what God wants to do here. The ultimate desire of God for the Siar is a mature and thriving church comprised of Siar men and women who are grounded, growing, and dependant on the Word of God alone. What that means is that we are not standing at the end of this work with the Siar, but we are at the very beginning.
What does that mean for us? It means that tons of work lies ahead: Bible translation, lesson writing, equipping and discipleship, and further outreach. It means beginning the long journey of walking through life with these new Siar believers, and see them mature as individuals and as a group.
Student Testimony – Mark Betts
Mark Betts is an NTM MK from Thailand. He is getting set to graduate this May. He recently wrote us this encouraging letter:
“I’d been having a rough week. I was wrestling in my mind a lot with future decisions and the prospects of dating a girl I really liked and just wasn’t really sure what God would think about the whole thing. I was talking some other people about it, but mostly kept to myself. Finally, one day, I’d had enough. I needed someone to talk to so I thought: “I’ll talk to one of the deans.” I’d hung out with Keith a little bit and my older sister encouraged me to talk to him, so I set up a meeting with him.
That was the first of many meetings with Keith. Ever since then I have had a weekly meeting with him and those have always been some of the most encouraging times of my life. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to talk through things to see how much of a grasp I have on certain subjects, but also having someone to ask questions of and being able to rely on wise, Godly counsel.
As I got to know Keith more he and Jacqueline would invite me over to watch a movie or just hang out. Soon I was inviting myself over just as often as they invited me, and have been able to spend so many awesome hours just talking through life with both Keith and Jacqueline. Their willingness to talk about things I struggled through, their willingness to listen, and their willingness to not only answer questions, but to get me to think and challenge my worldview, not simply my behavior, has given me the opportunity, and sometimes forced me, to come to conclusions on my own. They have always given me an opportunity to think through things that they challenge me with, and to listen when I need someone to listen, but never leaving with an absence of truth and always calling me back to reality when I seem to be in another world.
Looking back at that day where I nervously and somewhat reluctantly went into Keith’s office to talk to him, not even knowing what I was really going to say, I thank God for that opportunity and the many opportunities He has given me to spend time with Keith and Jacqueline enabling us to establish not only a student-mentor relationship, but a true friendship. Without their ministry to me and their input in my life, my experience at NTBI would not have been as profitable in the least. Their friendship and investment in my life has been incredible, and I thank God for placing them in my life.”
Mark Betts
Student Testimony – Rhett Kalat
Rhett Kalat is one of our former students who is currently at the NTM training center in Missouri. He recently sent us this encouraging note:
“As I reflect on my life, I think about pastors and missionaries who have made a deep impact in my life. Powerful words have penetrated my hard heart by many. People like Keith and Jacqueline Stanton. When I was at bible school it was the staff there who gave direction, pointed me to Him, listened, and discipled me. Keith and Jacqueline epitomize a healthy, Christ-like relationship…even when Jacqueline pummels Keith in Scrabble!
One vivid memory I have was when a group of us guys met together for a Bible study led by Keith. And it was more than neat to see the 8 or 10 of us growing closer as Keith unpacked some truths from Romans 8…which still rattles around in my brain to this day, and surely will when I get overseas.
I used to think that to be an overseas missionary it would take 99% the Lord and His leading, guidance and walking by faith and only 1% training. I figured that God would be my trainer. Then I realized that God is my trainer, right now! And He uses people like Keith and Jacqueline to train me Biblically and pragmatically to reach the ends of the earth with His gospel!
Thank you, honestly and sincerely, Jacqueline and Keith. I appreciate you two.”
Rhett Kalat
2011 Financial Update
A Life of Faith
Even in a devastated economy, most Americans today are able to pound the pavement and find some way to provide for themselves and their family. As a minister of the Gospel, I am dependent upon God as he provides through the rest of the Church body to meet our financial needs. It is a trial and test against my manhood and American independence to be able to simply forge ahead in ministry and trust that my loving Lord and Savior will stir the hearts of his people to provide for my family.
New Tribes Missionaries are faith supported. We do not receive a salary. We are dependent upon God’s provision through Churches and individuals like you who desire to be a part of what God is doing through us by preparing missionaries to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Our Budget is based off the recommended support levels established by NTM leadership in conjunction with recommendations from a variety of US churches. Our specific individual budget has been raised from the standard recommended budget to account for our medical needs. Overall our budget is based on what would be necessary to function at a modest, comfortable level in our current ministry.
Financial Update
We believe that we have a responsibility to be accountable to our supporters and to the stewardship entrusted to us by God. Here is a brief synopsis of our financial status:
Current Budget: $5,680/mo
Currently Receiving: $3,525/mo
Balance Needed: $2,155/mo
Click the link below for a breakdown of our budget
Stantons’ Financial Information 2011
As you can see, our income is significantly lower than our current recommended budget. Between our constant medical bills and decreasing support level, we have been running at a deficit for the last couple of years. We have eaten through much of our savings and retirement and are in danger of reaching a level that is unsustainable for our life and ministry needs.
How can you help?
Pray – Please pray that God will raise up new partners who are excited to be a part of what we are doing
Share – Tell others about our needs and encourage them to join our team
Give – Please consider how God may have you contribute to our cause
Would you consider partnering with us financially?
Electronic Funds Transfer is the easiest most efficient ways to make regular contributions – The form is HERE
Please visit How to Give for other options
Did You Know?
This Video is produced by Mission to Unreached People. I find it to be both challenging and motivating, I hope you will to!
Student Update – Jae & Joy Yeo
A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to go and meet with a couple of the NTM Executive Board members. 2 separate individuals gave me good reports on what they had seen and heard about our Korean students who moved on in the training after their time here in Jackson.
In a recent email Jae wrote, “As we look back the life in Bible school, we are always very thankful for you. What we learned there became a good basis for the training here.”
It is a pleasure to be playing a part in preparing these future missionaries and it is encouraging to hear that others are noticing and appreciating our efforts. If you have been involved in ministry you probably know that seeing the fruit of your labor is a very encouraging luxury that is often missed! Fortunately, by faith we know that our ultimate rewards are awaiting us in heaven! In the meantime, I am looking forward to what God is going to do with this new wave of Korean missionaries going to the unreached!
NTBI Intern Program
While many of our students will be going straight on in their training, there are others who plan to spend some time preparing themselves to fully receive all that our specialized Mission Training Center has to offer. This coming year we are initiating a new internship that will provide our graduates an opportunity to serve our training facility and to receive ongoing investment from their trainers here.
They are required to spend 20-24hrs working for the school. They receive room and board at no cost. In their off-time they will work to save money for the MTC as well stay involved in their local Churches.
There are also a few young couples who see the value in spending their first year of marriage in a less stressful environment where they still have access to Godly counsel by trusted Shepherds
Jacqueline and I are excited because that means we will get to spend more time with a few of the singles (soon to be married) that we have developed great relationships with. Jared and Leah are among those soon to be married who will be returning as interns. I wish that Jacqueline and I had an opportunity like this when we first got married!
Video – Wayumi
This is week long program in Jersey Shore, PA put on by New Tribes Missionaries. It is a way to expose people to the realities of the incredible task of Church Planting among the most unreached people on the earth today. All of our students attend the Wayumi program during their senior semester. Most are frightened by the reality of what they may soon face in their future…
Please enjoy “Wayumi”!
- Click HERE for a higher quality version and more great NTM videos
- Click HERE to view on an iPhone or iTouch
Feb 2010 Update
Keith and Jared in Front of NTBI
Jacqueline’s health
The battle continues. As much as we’d love to tell you that things are all better now, that is simply not the case. Jacqueline has been on medication for hypothyroidism (low thyroid) for a couple of years now. Based on current symptoms we have recently discovered that she is experiencing hyperthyroidism (high thyroid), so we are attempting to find just the right balance of medication.
Ministry update
Wow! Where to begin? We are constantly in amazement of the incredible opportunity that we have to be a part of what God is doing here at NTBI (New Tribes Bible Institute). Our students here range from newly saved to those who have worked as a pastor in their home church. No matter how much experience someone has had, there is always so much to learn (ourselves included of course). We recognize that it is a great blessing to help someone along in their understanding of God and who He is as revealed in His word. Thankfully He has us in a position where that is our daily task. What a privilege!
Phil 1:25 “I am convinced that I will remain alive so that I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.”
We still have the desire to be sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with tribal people who do not have the opportunity to know Him. For now we are fully content and convinced of the value of the role that we are currently playing. We are encouraged by the fact that many of those who we are currently investing in are the ones who will have that opportunity.
Thank you again for your prayers and financial support that enable us to be here!
Phil 4:19 “…and this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches…”
New Students
We have 2 new Korean Families that I am working with, the Kims and the Lees. I am teaching them the principles of CLA (Culture and Language Acquisition) and helping them with their pronunciation. We are hoping that they will reach a level of culture and language proficiency to be ready to receive our Bible training within the next couple years. They are currently struggling with culture shock but are really excited to be here. Although both of the men served as pastors in their Churches back in South Korea, they realize that they are ill-equipped for the unique challenges of reaching unreached people. Their goal is to be trained as cross-cultural church-planters and likely return to somewhere in Asia. The Kims have been working towards the opportunity of being here for 14 years! Please keep all of them in your prayers.
Encouraging News!
Since the year 2000, New Tribes Mission has reached an average of 8 new people groups a year. That’s 72 people groups in 9 years! Every 45 days another people group is being taught the Word of God in their own language for the first time!