The Apostle Paul in describing his mission work said: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”.
Sometimes this missions stuff gets a little intense. But when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises up the standard against him. I believe that and have seen God do it many times. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” I believe that also and have experienced it even on a daily basis. Yes, we are going to overcome. God is moving into our situations and the devil is moving out. Jesus is delivering our missions team and our congregation from every affliction. I know He will do the same for you. Julie and I are not crushed. At times, I think some juice may be running out of my soul. I hope it tastes sweet like the love of Jesus? Ha ha, oh yeah, come on Jesus!
The past four weeks have presented marvellous opportunities to be perplexed and tempted to worry. Especially when we don’t understand some challenges that are happening with our team and people we are helping and working with here in Colombia. However, God already told me not to lean on my own understanding. So we are not in despair. Although, I have felt like crying a few times and did once. Then I ended up laughing and rejoicing. We’ve got some more laughing yet to do. Don’t we all?
When we signed on for full time missions work, we fully expected to sometimes be persecuted by unbelievers. It’s just the occasional persecution of brothers and sisters in Christ that can blindside us. We are never victims and certainly not forsaken. Father is here and taking good care of us. We arenot abandoned. Obviously, this wild and vague ramble is really my heart crying out for prayer. Please pray for our young missionaries, Krizia, Agustin, and for the old missionaries Julie and Charley. Also for our young congregation Puerto Del Cielo, the new healing rooms ministry, and for Soul Harvest Missions. This month we celebrate 19 years of full time missions!
It’s so great to report that the first two months of the healing rooms in Medellin have been very fruitful. We have ministered to over 300 sick and/or injured people. We have seen deliverance from demonic oppression and two that were quite possessed. Also a good number have received Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our team has come down to about 20. We will soon recruit again and are making some adjustments and changes.
Above, is a photo of the Soy de Aqui kids with the guitars that your generosity provided. The guitar school is going great. The summer vacation program, for the children in Alto Bonito, is rocking and rolling.
Thanks so much for being kind to back us up in prayer and to give so unselfishly. Every month you are helping more and more Colombians to know Jesus as their Savior, Healer, and Friend. Please pray and agree with us for strong finances this summer. We need a summer jump and not a summer slump.
