Dear family and friends:

“The house of Stephanus…have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints…” (1 Corinthians 16:15)

When the Lord opened the door to Macedonia, Achaia, Asia Minor and Rome before the Apostle Paul, it resulted in his taking on “many adversaries” along with the deal. (1 Corinthians 16:9) He knew the message of the cross that he brought to these regions was offensive to their ears, (Galatians 5:11), and that it had been predicted of his ministry that he would suffer great things (Acts 9:16) for Jesus’ name’s sake. Owning the cause of Christ meant taking on the enemies of Christ…and Paul had been among the chief of those, so he had some idea of what was in store for him.

He also didn’t know some of the blessings that awaited him. His benefactors—those who made it possible for him to do the work of ministry, like Stephanus, (1 Corinthians 16:14-18)—were those about whom he “boasted” incessantly. (2 Corinthians 11:10) The Philippians’ sacrificial giving resulted in the soaringly joyous letter to them, beginning with, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,” and ending with “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

We say so often that one of the most inspiring things about our ministry is getting to meet some of God’s most amazing people, (future trophies! Eph. 2:7), and seeing Him move in their hearts when they hear about lives being changed through the power of the Gospel. Here are a few statements showing God at work in them on our behalf:
“God has just put such a love for you in my heart! I pray for you every day.”

“The time I make the check for you each month is my time to pray for you. This is the most important check I make out. I support you because God told me to. I mean that.”

“You are such a blessing to me. I usually run from people like you, only because I have no control over your abundant loving heart, but I’m learning that you can’t run from one of God’s blessings.”

“God told us to increase our giving as a real step of faith, [unknown to them, it precisely replaced what we had lost the previous day—Mike], and as a result, He has blessed us twice as much as ever before.”

“It was just amazing how the Lord worked in bringing us together.”

“You’re the couple from California with Campus Crusade? I have heard my friend speak often about you and your work. I really need to meet you.”

“Really, this is a privilege for us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to invest in your ministry.”

“Guess I’d better close…I’m literally on my 2nd pen and it’s 5:00AM—just felt called to get up and pray for you.”

When people say things like this to us, in our self-absorption the temptation is for us to look at each other in amazement and wonder what it is about us that they find so lovely. Then once again it sinks in that it’s more evidence of the extravagant, overflowing and unmerited love of God toward us. (See Deut. 7:7) It’s not us! It reminds us of the ultimate Source. “…of Him, and to Him and through Him are all things…” (Rom. 11:36)

Thank you so much for your faithfulness and encouragement to us! It really makes a difference!


Prayer Update: We mentioned Emily’s speech episode in our last letter. She hasn’t experienced any further symptoms like we described last time. All the tests (MRI, blood and EEG) came back normal! She has been getting headaches and tingling in her hands and feet. Thank you for your prayers and continued prayers for her! We will be seeing a new doctor for a 3rd opinion soon!

Prayer Request: As many of you know, we began the year with the loss of a number of ministry partners who were not able to keep annual commitments, as well as the anticipation of losing a very large investor in our ministry in August. We now have less than $800 monthly to raise. Thank you for offering up specific prayers on our behalf.

Here are some e-mail questions that I’ve received from the GMO websites and responded to through the Ministry Response Center:


From http://www.4stepstoGod.com: “Why do I undergo suffering in my life and why is my life in crisis on all sides? I have been close to God and have followed all His commandments, yet at times I feel all abandoned. I feel my prayers are not answered. I feel God doesn’t love me. Why do I feel this way? I look forward to hearing from you again.” – Aldo, Kuwait

From http://www.Jesus2020.com: “Hi, I came across your site and I do have a few questions. 1. What is [sin]? I don’t think it’s very smart to fill ourselves with God fear and guilt. That just stops us from loving ourselves. 2. Why would God create us and then just sit and watch us going to hell? 3. It also doesn’t make sense to me to give all my life to Jesus as the Bible says.I don’t want to end up being a slave. If I listen and do what other people (or Jesus) says, I would stop being myself.” – Lucy, New Zealand

From http://www.lifesgreatestquestion.com: “We really need to tell people about the Savior. I want the Almighty God to give me confidence. My words are not enough! God should speak through me.” – Sam, Nigeria

From http://www.lifesgreatestquestion.com: “I find great comfort in my new life as a follower of Christ. However, my genuine and foremost desire in life, to live moment by moment fully trusting the Lord, no matter what circumstances arise, is constantly thwarted by a mind whose nature is to doubt and to question. Guidance would be appreciated in this important aspect.” –Jose, Puerto Rico

From http://www.4stepstoGod.com: “I confess Christ as my Lord and personal Savior!” –Amos, Nigeria

P.S. Please see our latest photos!