It is with great joy that I write what God has put on my heart. It will benefit all of us. My prayer for you is, "Lord edify and be a covering for my friend, be their forgiver, healer, provider and bless them in every way."

As one observes the world we live in he must admit that Christians are coming up short. People are not turning to Jesus in mass numbers. We live in a world full of crime, corruption and violence. We are constantly told that such misconduct is a social problem and/or the government's problem. However, we must not be deceived. Keep focused on the fact that this is a spiritual dilemma and Jesus is the only solution. This is why we must pray for God to prepare us and send us to the need. Only He knows exactly what we should do tomorrow.

There is a price for being sent to the need, but the reward is greater than the cost. Observe the great men of God, those of the Bible. They suffered adversity as God prepared them to fulfill His purpose. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Jonah and even the men of the New Testament all fulfilled God's mission through adversity. Therefore, we must look at adversity as a blessing because it brings us into the fullness of God's plan for our lives.

As God prepares us we must be careful not to rebel. This will keep us in adversity longer than God intended for us to be there. The children of Israel were a clear example of this. While in preparation do not spend your time listening to others tell you what you have done wrong, or what God would have you do. God's servant, Job was an example of this. He did not get out of his adversity by listening to friends, those who spoke with good intent, but were wrong. (See Job 42:7). When Job began to extol God and talk to Him, God saved Job from his tribulation and blessed him in abundance. True answers are not found in man's wisdom. Only God has true answers. He will guide us and confirm His word to us. If we follow Job's example, God will open doors for us. During a time of preparation, do not spend time thinking about yourself or your problems. Paul was an example for us. He knew about adversity, but continued to praise God who always saved him. God also blessed Paul and continued to send him to the need. Remember these examples and exult God in all things because His will for you is being fulfilled and He will truly open doors of opportunity for you.

Blessed - happy, fortunate, prosperous and enviable - is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law - the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God - he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and night. And He shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth fruit in its season; his leaf also shall not fade or wither, and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. (Psalms 1:1-3, Amplified Bible).

Christ the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb. 13:8). When He despatches a servant signs and wonders follow him. (Mark 16: 17-18). By many miracles Jesus showed His heavenly Father to the world. The apostles and disciples of the early church also were sent to the need with many miracles. Who can better God's program? Today many people endeavor to spread salvation before they are prepared and before they are sent by God. They struggle and their works produce little fruit. In pride we can say, "Look at our great number of churches and look how big some of them are." But, I say we should weep about the unsaved horde, those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior. If the masses are saved, like it or not we must adhere to the procedure which Jesus established. We must be sent to the need with demonstrations of the Spirit and of power. (See I-Cor. 2:1-5). This is beyond man's ability and his understanding, but we cannot deny that the church has failed in its attempts to convert the unsaved masses. With this in mind I urge you to pray: "God prepare me and send me to the need in a way that unsaved people will know that Jesus is alive."

Thank you for your concern, support and prayers. The immediate family is doing fine. However, we are aware of the thousands who are not and we are praying for many. Among the prayer request of the last twenty-four hours were four people who have cancer. This disease is now touching nearly every family. Often JoAnn and I go down our mailing list and pray for those who God impresses us to pray for. We know that He will turn all evil to His good. We also know that He is sufficient; His love endures for ever. (Pslm. 106:1).

We Love You,