May/June Prayer Letter

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Isa. 55:8

May/June 2009

Dear Pastors, Praying Partners, Friends and Family;

First, let me say how much we appreciate your prayers and support for this missionary family! It has been greatly needed in these days of much travel, trials and continuing language study! Please forgive the delay in this update;-for the past couple weeks, our communication has been very sporadic.

Travels: In our last prayer letter, we mentioned a possible trip to Nicaragua. Well, we just returned to Panama following a 2 week journey from Panama, through Costa Rica into Nicaragua and back home again – all by bus! We were able to renew our tourist visas for our final 3 months here in Panama, and our hearts were challenged by all that we saw. “Mine eye affecteth mine heart” (Lam. 3:51a). The time in travel was spiritually profitable as we sowed the seed to many peoples and places.

About two months ago, we contributed for a Gospel ad to be put into two national newspapers in Nicaragua. While the response to the newspaper ads was much lower than hoped or expected, it was a privilege to personally visit and share the Gospel with several of those who responded. We were pleasantly surprised to find that although the written response was minimal, the people of Nicaragua are very receptive to the Gospel. We had hardly any that would reject a tract, and had several instances, where strangers requested to help us distribute them. We were also able to help in two Gospel film showings and were greatly encouraged by the fellowship and opportunity to see the ministry of the Shawn & Jennifer Vinson family.

Trials: On a sadder note, at the end of June Ann developed complications, and we lost the baby about two months into the pregnancy. Thankfully, Ann delivered the baby on June 29th without further problems. With the help of several of the brethren here, we were able to hold a funeral service and buried Judah Azariah in a matchbox coffin behind the Bethel Baptist Church in Cañazas, Panama. Judah means “praise” and Azariah means “the Lord has helped.” Ann said Judah’s brief life can be a real testimony of how even a life so short and so small can make a LARGE impact. We can testify that God’s grace has been abundant and sufficient, and even though we never expected to bury a child on the mission field, we have had His peace and are resting in His promises that one day we will “go to him.” (2 Sam. 12:23)

Continuing Language Study: We have about two and a half months remaining here in Panama for language study. We ask your continued prayers as we seek the Lord’s leadership for future ministry. We are seeking to be sensitive to God’s leadership while witnessing, working and advancing our language studies. The door into Colombia still appears closed, but we are continually seeking God’s direction while waiting on His timing. The prayer challenge below expresses our continuing family theme and desire.

Prayer Challenge: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6

Thanking each of you who partner with us,
Bruce, Ann, Sarah, Jonathan, Rachel, Jeremiah, Abigail, Joel and Jesse - Exo. 33:14-15