The last two months have flown by as we’ve geared up for our second round of deputation. We have been able to visit a few of our supporting churches, but for the most part, we’ve just been busy dealing with all the details of moving from one side of the world to the other. In July I spent the majority of my time in that most blessed and wonderful task of creating our video presentation, and in August I began every missionary’s favorite pastime—calling pastors to schedule meetings. Now it’s September, and deputation has officially begun. At the time of this writing, we are in Tennessee. This past Sunday we were in West Virginia; and in the next several weeks, we will be in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Pray for our kids. That is a lot of time in car seats. For that matter, pray for Ruth and me; we have to ride in the same van with them!
In all seriousness, God has been very good to us over the last two months. We have really enjoyed visiting some of our supporting churches and renewing the great friendships that we made during our first deputation, and God has repeatedly proven Himself more than capable of taking care of our daily needs. I only wish I had time and space for all the stories of His provision. Our children have adapted to their new and ever-changing environment quite well. Beth, at five years old, is the social butterfly of the family. She has a new “best friend” at every church we visit. Michael, on the other hand, is two years old, and he is happy as long as there are cars and trucks somewhere nearby.
Soul Winning Still Works
We have been very busy, but God has continued to bless Ruth and me with soul-winning opportunities almost everywhere we go. It never ceases to amaze me how God arranges the details to bring people across our paths who are ready and waiting to be saved, oftentimes outside of scheduled soul-winning times. I wish I had space to tell you all the stories, but one in particular stands out in my mind. It actually took place on the evening of July 4th. I was taking a walk around my parents’ neighborhood, enjoying the free fireworks displays put on by the neighbors, who apparently have more money “to burn” than I do. As I walked along the sidewalk, I met an 18-year-old young man named Tim standing at the end of a driveway. I began witnessing to him; and, in spite of all the racket, I truly believed that he was going to get saved. However, the Devil had other plans. When I reached the last point of the Romans Road, a woman came out of the house and told Tim that they were ready “to light Drew’s candles for the birthday party.” She was smiling, but it was very obvious that she was trying to rescue Tim from the “religious nut” in her driveway. I, however, wasn’t about to give up that easily! I smiled, introduced myself, and asked her name. I have completely forgotten her name, but I’ll call her “Mrs. Smith” for the sake of the story. I told her I was almost finished and asked if they could wait just two minutes. She started to say “No,” but then Tim interrupted with friendly sarcasm, “Go inside, Mrs. Smith. It’s gonna be okay. I’ll be inside in a few minutes.” A few minutes later, a saved Tim walked into the house to join the birthday party.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. They mean far more than you know. Please continue to pray that God will allow us to quickly fill our schedule and raise our support. We are enjoying our time in the States, but we are ready to go home to the Philippines.
Since our return to the U.S., God has allowed Ruth and me to lead 49 souls to Jesus Christ!
Yours for souls,
Mike Morrissey
