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March 3, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols.  So he was addressing the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, and in the marketplace every day those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:16-17 NET Bible

 

When Paul went to Athens he became greatly disturbed due to all the idol worship he saw.  He wanted that worship to be directed to the one true God.  He, therefore, set out to do the only thing He could to change the situation, share the Gospel with whomever would listen.  When we see people in Taiwan worshipping at the temples we have this same desire.  While here in the States when we see people more concerned for their position in the community or the fate of some sports team than their soul we feel the same.  Will you join us in praying for the US to wake up to her need of the Savior, Jesus.  Will you also join us in witnessing this week for Christ.

 

The Eternal Light congregation is planning an out reach event for April 8th.  They are inviting the people that they are presently ministering to, through cell groups, counseling, youth group, guitar classes, tutoring, and others.  Many of these people were invited to the New Year’s activity as well.  Please pray for these plans as well as the hearts of those attending to be touched by the Holy Spirit.

 

Chris & Samantha Sanford are getting along well with little Hosanna.  They have been blessed by having Sam’s parents with them most of the time since the birth.  Their presence has provided many opportunities for Chris & Sam, as well as Christian friends, to witness concerning the gospel.  Please pray that Sam’s parents will be convicted of their need to know the one true God.

 

Several weeks ago we asked that you pray for Allison Snyder a teenager that had a secondary infection following a surgery.  She has now developed another bacterial infection.  She will need to have another surgery late this coming Tuesday in order to clean her wound.  Please continue to pray for Allison and her family.

 

Please pray for Mark Wankel of the Parkview Christian Church in Mt. Carmel, IL.  He is in Thailand on a mission trip where he has taught at a training school for Christian workers.  He will also be assisting at a medical clinic in the mountains.  Cheryl Bassett will also be heading to Thailand to work with the medical clinic. Please pray for her as well.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

1.  Please pray for spiritual state of the US and for the willingness of Christians to witness.

2.  Please pray for the outreach being planned by the Eternal Light congregation on April 8th.

3.  Please pray for Sam’s parents to desire to know the one true God.

4.  Please pray for Allison to overcome this infection in her body.

5.  Please pray for Mark Wankel and Cheryl Bassett as they serve in Thailand.

 

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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February 25, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

Jesus came to them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out with fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”  Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.”  So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matt. 14:25b – 30 NET Bible

 

The past week we were Tennessee attending Johnson University’s Homecoming.  The theme text was Matt. 14:25-32, Jesus walking on the water.  We were challenged to jump out of the boat and into an adventure with Jesus.  We recognize that this, at times, will be fearful, even dangerous, but Jesus is with us.  If we keep our eyes set upon Him, we will be able to accomplish what He has for us to do without being overcome with fear.  How many of us are like Peter and actually get out of the boat?  How many of us are like the other 11 and never even think about getting out of the boat?  Let us commit to pray for each other, that we would not allow fear to keep us from the adventure of a lifetime with Jesus.

 

Please pray for the Edwards family as they make plans to relocate their family and ministry from Taipei to Taichung this summer.  They have located a few possible apartments or townhouses.  Please pray that they will receive direction from the Holy Spirit as to which area of the city they should locate.

 

The Lord has placed on our hearts that we need to plant a simple church or house church in the building complex where we live.  Please join us in praying for guidance how to best reach out to people so as to begin this new church plant.

 

We enjoyed staying with John’s sister this week while we were in Tennessee.  Andrew and Moriah had a good time playing with their cousins.  This Sunday we will be reporting at the First Christian Church in Grayville, IL.  Next weekend we will travel to Bloomington, IN to visit with John’s mom and his brother’s family.  Thank you for praying for us as we travel.

 

We are thankful for all the support that we have received through the years.  We are also grateful for the additional $400.00 of monthly support we have raised so far.  We still hope to raise more monthly support and one-time support for a used van when we return to Taiwan.  Cost of living changes, the kids’ school tuition, and the lower value of the American dollar are all attributing factors to this need of more monthly support.  Please join us in praying for others to partner with us in ministry.  We are truly blessed to have ALL of you as a part of our lives and ministry.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

1.  Please commit with us to pray for each other to not allow fear to keep us from jumping out of the boat with Jesus.

2.  Please pray for the Edwards as they relocate their family and ministry from Taipei to Taichung.

3.  Please pray with us as we seek the Lord’s direction as to how to reach out to the people in our building complex.

4.  Thank you for praying for us as we travel.

5.  Thank you for praying with us as we continue to seek additional partners in ministry.

 

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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February 18, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“The same thing happened in Iconium when Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a large group of both Jews and Greeks believed.  But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.  When both the Gentiles and the Jews (together with their rulers) made an attempt to mistreat them and stone them, Paul and Barnabas learned about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region.  There they continued to proclaim the good news.”  Acts 14:1-2, 5-7

 

Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the good news of Jesus to both Jews & Greeks even though they were often threatened and persecuted.  This opposition came as people were believing their message.  We need to have the same attitude in ourselves that we will continue to share the Jesus with those around us even though we face opposition.  Pray that the Taiwanese Christians will share and live in such a way as that will bring people to believe their message even in the face of opposition.

 

We are glad to share with you that Chris & Samantha Sanford’s little girl, Hosanna, has arrived!  She weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz.  Sam had to have a cesarean section, so please pray for her recovery.  Pray as well for them to have opportunities to share Christ with Sam’s mom while she stays with them these next couple of weeks.

 

We will be reporting at First Christian Church in Flora, IL this Sunday.  Next weekend we will be at First Christian Church in Grayville, IL.  This week we will be in Knoxville, TN attending Johnson University’s homecoming.  We will be staying with John’s sister’s family.  We are looking forward to visiting with family and friends this week.  We praise God for this opportunity.

 

Please remember to join us in praying for Taiwan at 10:02 everyday.  Set your watch or phone alarm to remind you.  Please pray for an indigenous church planting movement to begin.

 

Jeff & Michelle Michael adopted Malachi, the little boy we fostered for ten months before our home service began.  They are now adopting his big brother Isaiah.  There is a court date set for March 7th in Taiwan.  Please pray that all goes well and that there are no delays in his case.

 

We are grateful for your prayers.  We hope you enjoy the newsletter too.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

1.  Please pray for the Taiwanese Christians to share their faith convincingly in spite of opposition.

2.  Please pray for the Sanford family as they now have little Hosanna.

3.  Please pray for us as we travel many hours this week.

4.  Please pray that an indigenous church planting movement to begin in Taiwan.

5.  Please pray for Isaiah’s court date to go well on March 7th.

 

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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February 5, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, “Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life.”  Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.  Acts 5:17-20

 

Wow!  The Apostles, just being miraculously released from prison, were told to go straight back to teaching in the temple.  As soon as they could they did just as they were instructed, knowing they would arrested again.  How many of us, after just being turned down by someone to hear are testimony, go home with our tail between our legs?  Pray with us for the Christians in Taiwan and ourselves to have a passion to save the lost.

 

Thank you to everyone that prayed while John was preaching on Wednesday evenings at Parkview.  The series seemed to be well received.  Please pray that the message of the series will have affected many hearts.

 

Chris and Samantha Sanford are in the hospital waiting for little Hosanna’s arrival.  Sam is pretty uncomfortable.  She has a lot of swelling and fluctuating blood pressure.  They  have given Sam meds to induce labor but she is not progressing the way the doctors would like her to.  Please pray that Sam can have the baby naturally and soon, and that Hosanna and mommy will both be safe through everything.

 

Thank you for praying for Allison Snyder’s infection to be controlled.  She was supposed to go home from the hospital today!  She still has more recuperation time from her surgery and the infection but has made great progress in the last few days.

 

Today we reported at the Old Union Christian Church in Poseyville, IN, where Cheryl attended in High School.  We had a great time.  We will be reporting at Scott Ave. Christian Church in Newton, IL next week and then in Flora, IL the following week.  We will also be traveling to Homecoming at Johnson Bible College, now John University, later this month.

 

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

 

1.  Please pray with us for the Christians in Taiwan and ourselves to have a passion to save the lost.

2.  Thank you for praying for John as he preached at Parkview on Wednesdays.

3.  Please pray for Chris & Sam as they wait for little Hosanna’s quick and safe arrival which should be at any time.

4.  Please continue to pray for Allison as she continues to recover and that the infection is completely gone.

5.  Thank you for your prayers as we travel and report.

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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January 30, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“…Therefore if God gave them the same gift as he also gave us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder God?”  When they heard this, they ceased their objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted the repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles.”  Acts 11:17-18

 

This passage in Acts shows us both the reaction of Peter and other leaders in the Church to God offering salvation to the Gentiles.  Originally both Peter and the other leaders had concerns about the gentiles being offered salvation at least without first accepting Judaism.  After seeing God act so as to show His acceptance of the Gentiles as they are, the church leaders are all ready to accept this as God’s will.  They recognized the importance in getting onboard with God and not trying to stand in His way.  We, as well, need to be watching for how God is working in the world today and then getting onboard with Him.

 

Yesterday, we reported to the Ingraham Christian Church.  It was a great day of visiting with old and new friends.  We were especially blessed by their generosity.  They took up an offering of over $2,000 and then gave us half.  Wow!  Thank you God for the faith and generosity of your people.  Next week we will be reporting at the Old Union Christian Church in Poseyville, IN.

 

This Wednesday evening John will give the last of four messages at Parkview Christian Church concerning God’s desire for His glory and the nations.  Please pray as he preaches this week.

 

During the Chinese New Year holiday Chris & Samantha Sanford were able to host Sam’s family for a short stay in Kaohsiung.  During this time they watched “The Passion of the Christ.”  Sam’s mom was greatly moved she watched how Jesus was treated.  She began to ask questions, which gave Chris and Sam an opportunity to share the Gospel with them for about 1 1/2 hours.  Please pray that Sam’s parents will continue to consider what they have heard and seen.  Pray as well that there will be more opportunities for Chris and Sam to share with them.

 

During the past year new legislation has been passed regarding adoptions in Taiwan.  This legislation is affecting both His Hands and The Home of God’s Love.  His Hands has not been able to complete their registration as an orphanage for a few different reasons.  The largest obstacle is the requirement that the ministry keep a large sum of money in the bank.  The Home of God’s Love is also considering how they will proceed with adoptions in the future.  The Home of God’s Love is also waiting on a building permit for a new facility.  The government is requiring the caregivers to first receive government training before this permit will be issued.  Please pray for both of these ministries as they seek God’s will and as they try to meet the government’s demands.

 

Please pray for a family friend, Allison Snyder.  She had scoliosis surgery about a month ago.  Now she has a very bad infection.  This type of infection can attack the organs.  She is to have surgery today at 4:00 p.m. eastern time to clean out her incision.

 

Thank you for your prayers.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

 

1.  Pray that we and other leaders in God’s Church can recognize how God is working in the world today.

2.  We praise God for the blessings of we receive as we report to His people.

3.  Please pray as John finishes his series of messages this Wednesday at Parkview.

4.  Please pray for more opportunities for Chris & Sam to share the Gospel with her family.

5.  Please pray for His Hands and the Home of God’s Love as they continue to serve the children and women of Taiwan.

6.  Please pray for Allison Synder to overcome this infection.

 

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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January 22, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

He prayed to the Lord and said, “Oh, Lord, this is just what I thought would happen when I was in my own country. This is what I tried to prevent   by attempting to escape to Tarshish! – because I knew that you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and aboundingin mercy, and one who relents concerning threatened judgment.  So now, Lord, kill me instead,because I would rather die than live!”  Jonah 4:2-3

 

It has been said many times that Jonah was a reluctant missionary, but he was much more.  He was an example to Israel as to what they had become and what they were intended to be.  He was so focused on himself and his nation that he could not comprehend God saving another nation.  Israel was intended to bring God glory through drawing the nations to God as He blessed her, but she was consumed with herself.  Are we so self-centered that we have no room in are hearts for the lost of this world?  Does the lack of love we have for lost cause us to not want them to hear of God’s grace, mercy, and love?  Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us to do God’s will and share Him with the nations.

 

This sunday we will be reporting at the Calumet ST. Christian Church in Centralia, IL.  We look forward to visiting with these dear friends as well as seeing some family members.  We praise God for their faithful support through the years.

 

This Monday John will be supporting a neighbor as he goes to court.  He is taking responsibility for His actions.  Please pray that he will see God’s faithfulness to him no matter the outcome of the hearing.

 

Sunday is Chinese New Years Eve.  Many people will be traveling to spend time with their families.  This is a special time for Chinese families.  It is a time when Christians are faced with choices.  They must determine how to show respect for their ancestors living and dead without being unfaithful to God.  It is difficult for some new Christians, but it is a great opportunity to witness as well.  Please pray for all Chinese Christians as they decide how to be the best witness they can for Jesus.

 

Thank you for your prayers.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

1.  Please pray that we all will love the lost enough to share the love of God with them.

2.  Please pray for us as we continue to report to churches.

3.  Please pray for our neighbor as he goes to court.

4.  Please pray for Chinese Christians to be great witnesses during Chinese New Year.

 

 

 

Posted on August 16th, 2012 by dunns
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January 8, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said this, he spat on the ground and made some mud with the saliva. He smeared the mud on the blind man’s eyes and said to him, “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated “sent”). So the blind man went away and washed, and came back seeing.  John 9:5-7

While Jesus was here on this earth He was the light shining in the darkness.  He sent the blind man to wash and he returned seeing.  He now sends us into the darkness to shine for Him that others may see.  Please pray for the us as we shine for Him in Taiwan that the darkness will be dispersed.

 

Please pray for Chris Sanford as he gives his testimony this Sunday afternoon at the Kaohsiung International Church, where Dave & Jeanay Stiles are serving.  Please pray for those who hear his testimony to be challenged and encouraged.  Pray especially that God be glorified.

 

We are going to be traveling a lot this winter.  We are scheduled to be in a different church the next 7 Sunday mornings.  This Sunday we will be at the Hardinville Christian Church.  Next Sunday we will be reporting at the Keensburg Christian Church.  Please pray for us as we travel, especially with winter weather, and as we share about God’s work in Taiwan.

 

Chris and Samantha Sanford have been in Taiwan now for a month.  Sam is Taiwanese and was really looking forward to going back home.  She is now experiencing some reverse culture shock.  Please pray for her as she learns from these feelings that she is now experiencing.  This world really is not our home, and it is our goal to help others learn that truth as we press on toward our mark.

 

We have written before of our financial need.  Much of our need to raise support comes from a weaker US dollar.  This same circumstance affects all missionaries.  Several of the missionaries in Taiwan are feeling the pinch of rising prices and a lower exchange rate for our dollar.  Please pray for each of us to be good stewards of the resources God chooses to bless us with.

 

Thank you for continuing to pray for those serving in Taiwan.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

 

1.  Please pray for those shining the light of Jesus in Taiwan.

2.  Please pray for Chris’s testimony to impact those who hear it today.

3.  Please pray for us as we will be traveling several weekends in a row.

4.  Please pray for Samantha as she adjusts to things in Taiwan.

5.  Please pray for the financial needs of all missionaries.

 

 

 

 

Posted on January 15th, 2012 by dunns
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January 15, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“Give thanks to the Lord! Call on his name! Make known his accomplishments among the nations!” Ps. 105:1

God expected Israel to tell the gentile nations all about the wonderful deeds He had done for them.  Proclaiming God’s deeds glorifies His name, and draws people to Him.  God expects the same of us as Christians today.  We are to testify of God’s glory by telling how He works in our lives.  These testimonies are used by the Holy Spirit to bring people to faith in Jesus.  Pray that the Christians in Taiwan and everywhere will desire to glorify God through proclaiming His great and mighty deeds.

 

The priesthood of all believers is an important concept for Christians to grasp if they are going to become active disciples and disciple makers.  This is an area that many Christians struggle with, and the Taiwanese do as well.  Please pray for wisdom as to how to teach and live out this important teaching.

 

This past Wednesday evening one our neighbors, Kevin Wagner, was baptized into Christ.  His daughter has been attending Wednesday services with us for several months.  His wife and sister-in-law have been attending Sunday worship as well this fall.  Kevin has some tough challenges to overcome in his life, but all of these will bring glory to God.  Please pray for Kevin and his family as they grow in Christ together.

 

Today we are reporting to the Keensburg Christian Church in Keensburg, IL.  Next week we will be at the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia, IL.  Please pray that our reporting will honor God as we share how God has changed people’s lives in Taiwan through our partnership together.  Please pray that we will find churches and individuals that will be able to provide the extra support we are needing to raise.

 

Please pray for John as he continues to preach the next three Wed. evenings at Parkview.  Pray that God be glorified as people are encouraged and challenged through the Word of God.

 

Thank you for all the prayers.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

1.  Please pray for the Christians in Taiwan and everywhere to desire to glorify God by telling of His mighty deeds in their lives.

2.  Please pray for wisdom as how to communicate effectively the concept of the priesthood of all believers.

3.  We praise God that Kevin Wagner was baptized and pray that He will have an effective witness to those around him.

4.  Please pray as we continue to report to churches and seek some additional response.

5.  Please pray for John as he preaches for the next three Wednesday evenings.

 

 

 

Posted on January 15th, 2012 by dunns
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January 1, 2012 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”  Lamentations 3:22-24

As we enter this new year it is so wonderful to know that our God is compassionate and faithful every day.  When so much about a new is year is unknown it is assuring to have the unchanging God as our portion.  Please pray that we and our Taiwanese brothers and sisters learn to allow this hope to be a testimony to those who don’t know Christ.

 

We praise God for the many lives that were touched during the Christmas outreaches in Taiwan.  Through the live nativity in Taichung several hundred people were touched by the gospel message.  Twenty people responded with a desire to know more about Jesus!  PTL!  Please pray for these people as the Come Christian Church follows up on them.

 

The Christmas outreach in Kaohsiung was well attended.  Everyone was very pleased with the outreach and are excited to follow up on those that attended.  An extra blessing was the baptism of three people, one from Eternal Light and two from Good News!  This week the Eternal Light congregation held a special outdoor worship with a barbecue following.  There were 57 in attendance with several guests attending.  Please pray as they continue to reach out to these family members and friends with the gospel message.

 

Saying that we have enjoyed having Philip, Bethany, & Juliet with us for Christmas and New Years is an understatement.  We thank God for the time we have had together.  Please pray for them as they return home on Wednesday.

 

May God bless you this new year as you live to honor Him.

 

God Bless,

 

John & Cheryl

 

 

1.  Please pray for our hope in God to be a visible witness in 2012.

2.  Please pray for the follow up to the live nativity in Taichung.

3.  Please pray for those that were recently baptized and for the follow-up in Kaohsiung from the Christmas and New Years outreaches.

4.  Please pray for Philip, Bethany, and Juliet as they travel on Wednesday.

 

Posted on January 1st, 2012 by dunns
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December 24, 2011 Prayer Note

Dear Family & Friends,

 

“…She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”

 

We praise God for the birth of His son Jesus!  He came to bring glory to God by saving us from our sins.  Pray that Jesus’ coming will be celebrated daily in the lives of believers so that they may be great witnesses to this lost world.

 

Please pray for the Christmas outreaches in Taiwan to have a lasting effect on many lost souls in Taiwan.

 

We are traveling a lot this week to be with family in different places.  We are excited that Philip, Bethany, and Juliet are here to celebrate with us.

 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

 

God Bless,

 

John, Cheryl and Family

 

 

1.  Praise God for Jesus through witnessing to others.

2.  Pray for many people in Taiwan to be blessed through the Christmas outreaches.

3.  We praise God for this time with family.

 

 

Posted on January 1st, 2012 by dunns
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