“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
We’ve been asked why we don’t retire. The answer is simple: God has called us to do vital work, and He hasn’t provided anyone to take our place. It’s been a great joy to serve Him through thick and thin. We can’t thank Him enough for His power, purpose, provision, and protection these 37 years.
Adversity is relentless, appearing in many forms and reminding us (1) personally of Jesus’ command (John 15:5) to abide in Him because “. . . without me ye can do nothing,” and (2) practically of our great need for faithful partners. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:2-4) We can’t thank Him enough for your vital, faithful, encouraging, motivational, loving, and refreshing support.
We all must pray for laborers. These months have been focused on FBMI’s preparation of new laborers for the harvest as you have supported us with your prayers. The Lord has accomplished so much. We can’t thank Him enough for . . .
• Calling individuals from such varied backgrounds to His service and leading them to serve with FBMI.
• Granting to missionary candidates and the FBMI team a wonderful unity in June’s Candidate School.
• Removing roadblocks so applications could be completed and God’s will could be made evident.
• Uniting new and veteran missionaries to grow in influence for the Lord at Missions University in July.
• Concluding the process with the appointment service for six new missionaries and then helping them transition to begin the deputation process.
Finally, we can’t thank Him enough for granting victory in adversity. Youth Conference and Missions University were greatly blessed despite a cyberattack. Lana’s Sunbeam Department was moved to a new location, and God blessed with six children trusting Christ as Saviour. Our soul-winning visitation has been fruitful. The Lord used His command to witness in Acts 1:8 to convict a distracted young man of his need for a Saviour. He trusted Christ when he heard and understood the verses of the Romans Road.
So thankful for our loving partnership in the Lord’s service,
Dan and Lana Siemer
