Partner Update: Time to Go Forward!
My “pulpit” in our new location in Scandia, Minnesota.
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: (Exodus 14:15, AV)
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support for this ministry. You are helping us to go forward with our mission to take the Gospel to the world.
Looking back at 2021, I see that we were able to bring healing to the nations even though we did not physically travel outside the U.S. We preached the Gospel to an unreached village in Pakistan and encouraged a church in England using internet tools. We also reached ministers in England, India, Benin, and Kenya through our online ministers’ meetings. Our blog posts, emails, videos, and audio podcasts continue to reach around the world, as well.
In 2021, we saw the joyful completion of the dormitory for the Mt. Moriah Bible School in Benin, a project we have been supporting for the past two years.
In December, we sent a donation of $1,000 for Bibles to our ministry friend in Kenya, Pastor Davis Juma. He is already distributing Bibles for new converts in his evangellistic outreaches.
In the U.S, we had two open-air evangelistic events and preached at a tent revival on a reservation in northern Minnesota. We also had some great revival meetings in churches here in the upper midwest.
Going Forward: Dealing with a Physical Issue
In 2021, I finally decided to deal with a physical issue I’ve been having in my back for several years. I don’t know exactly when it started, but I can remember many painful treks through airports around the world and great difficulty walking, working, and getting the exercise I needed. In 2021, there were two times when I was unable to stand up to preach. I think that is what did it for me. I needed to get my back fixed!
Several years ago, I had a back x-ray, but the source of the problem was not discovered. Last year, I pursued it further with specialists, and it was discovered that I had a cyst in my spine, which was putting pressure on some nerves which go down my leg. They tried various therapies, a steroid shot, and drawing the fluid out of the cyst, but the condition did not improve.
Finally, I saw a surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester who prescribed a full back surgery which would involve about three months of recuperation. Ultimately, I found a doctor who recommended a minimally invasive procedure, which I had done on January 12.
I am presently recovering from that surgery. The nerves in my back are not happy about all the changes and the trauma of the surgery, and I am having pain and numbness in my leg, and difficulty walking. However, I am improving and the prospect is good for a full recovery, I am looking forward to using my “beautiful feet” to take the Gospel to the U.S. and the world very soon. By the grace of God, we will continue to use the tools we have to go forward preaching the Gospel, encouraging believers, and strengthening churches.
Thank you for your prayers for me and also for Susan, as the move to Scandia took a toll on her body as well. By the grace of God though, I believe that she is on the mend also. As we have seen by experience, healing is sometimes instant and sometimes progressive, so we continue to exercise faith and patience for the desired result.
Going Forward with Online Ministry and Prayer
Meanwhile, we are continuing our online ministry and ministry of prayer for our family, our partners, and the world. Last week, I did my first online video from our new location in Scandia, Minnesota, which is also published as an audio podcast which is available through iTunes and other online platforms. It really felt good to proclaim the Gospel verbally. I spoke on “Why is the Blood of Christ Precious,” which you can see by clicking here. You can also see the notes there.
Susan and I are excited to continue working with you to take this glorious Gospel to the world. We believe that the best is yet to come!
You can read about out move to Scandia here: