Prayer Letter | June-August 2025
“For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country” – John 4:44
Dear Beloved Friends and Prayer Partners,
Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. – John 4:43-45
These verses have taken on profound significance during these summer months as we labour faithfully in George County. When the Lord departed from Samaria unto Galilee, He acknowledged a sobering truth that resonates more deeply than I would like.
George County Baptist Church
In Samaria, Christ preached to one woman at Jacob’s well, and through her testimony—“Come, see a man”—multitudes came unto Him, heard for themselves, and believed. The fruit was abundant, the hearts receptive, and the word took root in good ground. Yet when our Saviour transitioned in location from Samaria to Galilee, the reception proved markedly different. Though the Galilaeans received Him in this moment, ultimately He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11).
This parallel weighs heavily upon my heart as I reflect upon our labors here in Lucedale. For nearly two years, we have reached approximately 25,000 of George County’s 26,000 residents with physical tracts and church invitations. Each week, we stand boldly for Jesus downtown, where hundreds of motorists observe our witness. Since November 2023 (when we moved to Lucedale), the Lord has granted that some 33,000 souls have heard our preaching through online ministry. Whether going door-to-door or gathering as a church family to address and mail invitations, we maintain unwavering commitment in our endeavor to reach George County.
Yet I confess, my soul wrestles with a mixture of optimistic determination and honest frustration. The summer months have proven as slow as anticipated regarding visitors, though my being correct in this expectation provides no comfort to my spirit. It is my desperate desire to build a Bible believing Church, the Lord helping me.
Providence has granted me the privilege of learning from some of America’s most faithful churches and godly men—sound assemblies now thirty years established and thriving mightily. I have sought to examine these works objectively, repurposing their finest qualities to offer George County an authentic expression of Bible-believing Christianity. Yet thus far, I struggle to perceive genuine interest in this offer from our community.
Our Lord Himself experienced this disparity. In Samaria, great success; in Galilee, shallow lukewarm reception. The location changed, but certainly not the character of Christ nor the substance of His message. The response, however, proved fundamentally different. While we fully intend to continue this evangelistic push, fasting and praying for the Lord’s provision, we greatly need your prayer as we serve the Lord here alone.
The Luganda Bible Project
Amidst these local challenges, the Lord continues to bless our support of the Luganda Bible translation work. Through the leadership of faithful men at Masaka Independent Baptist Church in Uganda, this endeavor advances with remarkable dedication and biblical fidelity.
Brother Grosvenor Rutabagyisha and Brother Leonald Walugembe have emerged as choice servants, laboring diligently under careful oversight to provide the Luganda-speaking people with their first accurate translation of the preserved word of God. These men, having come to Christ through faithful gospel preaching, now apply themselves to this monumental task with the gravity and precision it demands.
The existing Luganda Bibles—dating from 1899, 1968, 2001, and 2014—derive from the corrupt English Revised Version and suffer from grievous textual omissions, doctrinal ambiguities, and terminological inconsistencies. Vital passages such as “through his blood” (Colossians 1:14), the clear teaching on hell in John 3:16, and the Trinitarian testimony of 1 John 5:7 are absent or distorted. These deficiencies arose from piecemeal translation efforts by various individuals across different time periods, all working from the faulty Westcott-Hort textual foundation.
In striking contrast, our brethren employ a rigorous four-level review process: individual translation, reconciliation between translators, pastoral review for readability and accuracy, and missionary oversight for linguistic precision. Their method demands word-for-word faithfulness to the King James Bible, maintaining consistent terminology throughout Scripture. After three years of labour, Genesis stands complete through all review levels, with steady progress continuing through the Old Testament.
The project anticipates completion within four additional years, Lord willing. Plans include printing two million copies for distribution throughout Uganda and beyond, potentially involving the King of Buganda in a grand presentation ceremony (please pray about this). Such an undertaking represents not only academic exercise, but spiritual warfare—providing believers with the same privilege we enjoy in English: access to an accurate copy of the word of God, uncontaminated by modernist corruption.
The prayer requests are earnest and specific. These translators require supernatural resilience, godly illumination in both English and Luganda, and wisdom to select the precise words God would preserve in that language. Financial provision remains essential, as this work demands full attention from dedicated men who must support their families while serving this calling. Through my work in full-time employment along with some support from supporting Churches, the Lord helps me to maintain these financial needs.
Above all, pray that the word of God may “have free course, and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1), and that Ugandan believers might soon possess and proclaim the truth in its purity. Please take some time to listen to the Podcast (Click Here).
The Irvin Family: Abundant Blessings Amidst Labour
Through all these toils and endeavors in service to Jesus Christ, I remain profoundly grateful to labour alongside my precious family. The Lord has blessed me with a tremendous wife who cares diligently for our household with unwavering devotion.
Shiloh celebrated her first birthday in August and is presently building confidence to take her initial steps—she may well be walking by the time this letter reaches your hands. Bethany continues learning piano and progresses with remarkable ability that brings joy to our hearts. Adrian possesses the sweetest demeanor, often approaching with eager helpfulness, often saying, “I want to be a blessing.”
Moreover, Kristin is now expecting our fourth child—a reality that fills our hearts with genuine excitement and anticipation of God’s continued goodness to our family.
Our Earnest Request
As we press forward in these various labors, we humbly request your continued intercession. Pray for receptive hearts in George County, that the word might find good ground among our neighbors. Pray for wisdom and patience as we navigate the challenges of church planting in seemingly unreceptive soil. Pray for the completion of the Luganda translation work and for our growing family.
I greatly appreciate your prayer for our family and thank you for your concern. Your faithful partnership in the Gospel remains a source of strength and encouragement as we serve our risen Saviour in this place.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
The Irvin Family
George County Baptist Church
Lucedale, Mississippi
