“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:8) There are three things in this passage that correspond with our work through October and November. They are His protection, His provision, and His promise. As is His nature, the Lord has been good to us.
He has protected us as we traveled, raising support for our return to China. Through the many miles of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, He has kept us safe and without incident. It was such a blessing to be with the many churches we visited and to be at the Missions Conferences we were privileged to be part of. It is exciting to see the Lord moving on the hearts of His people to give to missions, not only their money and prayers, but their lives as well. Praise the Lord for the three churches that decided to partner with us to reach China and for the many others that are praying for the Lord’s guidance about it.
He has also provided each day for our needs. The Lord’s prayer says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We may not always see next week’s answers, but the Lord provides for this day right on time. Spiritual needs, as well as physical needs, are met. One afternoon in October, I met a man named Isaiah Martinez. He was a chef and was on his way to work. He had heard of the Gospel before but had not taken the step of trusting Jesus as his Saviour. I gladly had the opportunity to explain the plan of salvation to him, and he decided to pray and trust Christ. Also, E_____ and T____ got to take part in a big day of soul winning. Together they saw 9 people trust Christ! How wonderful it is to see my own kids excited about getting the Gospel to others!
The Lord also gives His great and precious promises to comfort and strengthen us in trials and troubles. I ask that you would pray for my dad and mom, R___ and M_____ M________. My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and is beginning treatments. Please lift them both up in prayer to have strength and wisdom to deal with this trial that has come to them. I ask that you also be in prayer for J_____, a Chinese lady my wife is helping. She is in a very difficult situation. She feels the only person she can talk with is my wife. She needs guidance, courage, and faith to do what God wants her to do.
Thank you for all the prayers and support that have been given for us. We are truly blessed and privileged to be serving God. We eagerly look forward to the possibility that next summer we will be able to return to China. The need there is great, but the laborers are few. Thank you for your part in getting the greatest story in the world to the greatest population in the world.
Bound to His service,
Missionary #6004 and Family
