Dear Family & Friends,
“He said to them, ‘Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10
There are times when the reading of the Word of God brings sorrow to our hearts as we recognize our sin or the sin around us, but the same passage should also bring joy as we realize that it also brings life to those who hear it. We should also remember the joy of knowing the Lord is greater than all our struggles. We should learn to live, expressing that joy in the face of our difficulties, sadness, and pain. Let us pray to encourage each other to always be joyful as we rely on the strength of our Lord.
Thank you for praying for the conference this past week. We were challenged, encouraged, and confirmed by the week. The major topic of discussion for the conference was church planting movements. Particularly simple church planting strategies, such as we shared with you this past year that we were planning to use here in Taiwan. We are fired up and ready to get to work. Please pray that we learn to listen to the Spirit’s leading as we seek to do his will.
Eternal Light’s VBS will begin in one week on July 30th. Please pray that the hearts and minds of the teachers and students will all be prepared to receive the Word of the Lord. Almost all of these students will be from non-Christian homes. Pray that their families will be open to our continuing a relationship with them after VBS as well. We hope that we will have some new small groups start from this week of VBS that will eventually become simple churches.
Nathanael will be traveling to be with Bethany’s family this Monday. He will then attend a friend’s wedding in Denver on the 28th before leaving Taiwan on the 30th of July. Please pray for his safety as he travels. Please pray for his adjustment back to Taiwan and his new job/ministry with Overseas Radio and Television.
Phyllis Watkins continues to slowly recover as she fights off the infection and takes some physical and speech therapy. We ask that you also pray for the Watkins family as they now mourn the loss of Dave’s younger brother Tim. He had battled cancer for the past few years. The Watkins family are not all Christians, so please pray for the witness that Dave, Jenny, Chris, and others can be to those who do not have the joy of the Lord to be their strength.
We are so grateful for your prayers.
God Bless,
John & Cheryl
1. Please pray for us all to learn to rely upon the strength of the Lord and to show His joy as we live before others.
2. Please pray that we learn to be attentive to the Spirit’s guidance as we work to plant churches.
3. Please pray for Eternal Light’s VBS that begins on July 30th.
4. Please pray for Nathanael as he travels in the States, Canada, and to Taiwan.
5. Please continue to pray for the Watkins family as Phyllis recuperates and as they grieve the loss of Dave’s brother, Tim.
Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
Filed under: Uncategorized