I am happy to report that the changeover in our Business Office is going well! Jeff and I are working hard to organize our shared duties: we hope that we will not drop too many balls in the process. I am finding my new role more diverse, challenging and interesting than previously. (“Interesting” is, of course, a relative term. Sometimes people’s eyes glaze over when I start talking about financial details. So I will spare you!)
I have just passed the 20-year mark with the Prayer League. God has been faithful! On November 12, 1996, I departed for the LAMB Hospital Project in Bangladesh, where I served for some years as Treasurer. Along with all of our missionaries, I have been learning to depend on the Lord for support. Sometimes it is a bit scary, as I have never had complete designated support. Sometimes allowances are short, but then the Lord meets our needs in another, often unexpected, way. It seems like just when I start to worry, the Lord provides in a way that reminds me of where my support comes from. It makes me feel embarrassed that I need that reminder. As I think about it now, I am reminded of Paul’s promise in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.”
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses his gratitude for their support and partnership in the ministry of the gospel. He acknowledges that the support of the church at Philippi has been instrumental for his ministry. Paul goes on to encourage them to continue imitating him and Jesus in the walk of faith, by pointing out how God has always been faithful in meeting his needs, both spiritual and physical. And then we have his promise in 4:19. I particularly like the way the New Living Translation turns it into a personal testimony: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
While I cannot say it as eloquently as Paul, I can certainly testify to God’s faithfulness through the years. I can also say that prayer is more effective than worry. I would like to personally thank you for your partnership in the gospel! Because of your faithful prayers and contributions, all of our missionaries received full allowances in the month of October, as indicated in the table above.