NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2009

As we come to the month of March we begin to look for signs of spring.  I love the springtime; it  testifies of new life and new beginnings.   It is a reminder of the new life we have in Christ.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17)  It seems that not only nature, but society is seeking “new life”.   Mankind is hoping that the stark economic “winter” will blossom into a springtime of new economic growth.  Sadly, society is not looking to the Lord for deliverance from these present difficult times, but to human effort; and surely this will fail to bring the happiness that it seeks.  Only in the Lord can we find peace and happiness, in spite of what the circumstances hold.  Could it be that God is allowing this present financial crisis to happen as a means of getting the attention of people so they will look to Him?  Difficult times in the past have led to spiritual renewal.  May the Lord be pleased to use this present distress to bring a revival to our land!

We are so thankful for the faithfulness of God’s people to the cause of world missions.  Many churches are facing financial difficulties due to the economy, but they have remained faithful to their missionary support.  This speaks well of the faithfulness of the Christians in these churches, but especially is it a testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of our God.  He has promised to provide for the needs of His work and He is proving Himself to be faithful to His Word, as He always is.

Ernie and Monoka Brown have returned to Ecuador for their next term of service.  Please pray for them as they get settled and back into the work of the ministry there on the field.  Pray especially that Ernie will continue to do well physically.

Jim & Melissa Mitchell and children and Frank & Darla Brim and children have begun their furlough travels.  Pray for them as they visit their supporting churches.

Please remember in your prayers the members of our missionary family who are struggling with illness.  Jodell Powers will undergo cancer surgery on March 4, 2009 in Ft. Worth, TX.  This will be an extensive surgery.  Debi Harris has been hospitalized in Brazil with Typhoid Fever.  She is beginning to improve, but her recovery will be difficult because of complications with MS.  Jo Weaver in Mexico is also recovering from Typhoid.  She did not have to go to the hospital, but has been very sick at home for the past month.  Doyle Whaley continues his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and pulmonary hypertension.  He is not doing well at this time.  Little Eliana Densmore is doing better than she has in all her short life.  We praise the Lord for her improvement.  Mike Lane is improving in his treatment for prostate cancer and heart problems.  Dale Brown in New Zealand continues to do well in his battle with MS.  The following missionaries need your prayers in their ongoing struggle with illness:  Gloria Higgins, Mary Gagnon, Monnie Bacon, Darla Brim, Amber Cato, Joe Hawkins, Charlene Neill, Sandy Janky, Dana McCutchen.

Once more, we appreciate your faithful prayers and financial support that make it possible for our missionaries to continue their ministry of reaching souls and starting churches around the world.  Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to add His richest blessings to your life and ministry.