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Pr*yer
- The coronavirus disease would be controlled globally and order resume in the world. Affected people would be healed physically and spiritually.
- National believers are able to discern and walk in the Truth without compromising with beliefs distorted by political ideologies from atheist government.
- His strength and wisdom for us to serve.
Praises
- Some non-believers become Truth seekers due to the pandemic crisis.
- G*d’s daily protection and courage to national believers standing firm in the faith.
- Ministries continue online during virus outbreak.
G*d, the Master, the Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel; “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me—The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.”
Isaiah 30:15 (msg)
Shalom Family and Friends,
“To everything there is a season
a time for every purpose under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV)
At the time of writing, we are not only thankful that we stay healthy with our Father’s incessant protection and adequate daily provisions, but also we had the privilege of walking and companioning those who were navigating in desperate situations. While most ministries have been conducted online in the past few months, we praise the Lord for His faithfulness and grace to lead many people closer to Himself and give them genuine peace and hope through trusting Him in this period of unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty.
Our Lord Is Fortress and Stronghold
Recently, G*d led our friend Robert to experience His wonderful grace again. Few years ago, Robert came to meet us and sought our assistance. He was diagnosed with inner-nasal tissue cancer when his son was born. Sadly, his wife urged him to get divorced after knowing his incurable disease. We shared the Good News with him, led him to know Chr*st, and comforted him with J*sus’ love. Robert accepted the precious salvation when he was walking through the valley of darkness in his life.
In addition to physical suffering, sentimental distress tortured Robert in a deep level. Robert’s wife is not a believer. We have given many sessions of marital counseling to the couple. However, she still insisted on divorcing her husband a few weeks ago. Meanwhile Robert’s parents have not given him much caring and support either.
In the past few months of COVID‑19 outbreak, Robert’s family cut contact with him in order to avoid the burden of care-giving. With broken heart amid isolation, Robert expressed his sorrows and anger to us that not many people understand his pain from physical afflictions nor support him emotionally. Whenever he wants to give up his life, he thinks of J*sus’ death for his sins. Again and again, the sacrificial love of J*sus strengthens Robert and gives him courage to overcome all fears and worries. Robert leans on the Almighty G*d and is filled with hope and peace in the Fortress and Stronghold.
Gracious Opportunity of Visiting before Lockdown Started
We are thankful that we got an opportunity to visit Jing, our sponsored seminary student studying in Singapore, shortly before lockdown restrictions were imposed there. Jing has been a believer in our field country for a few years. One day she shared with us G*d’s calling to equip herself in theology. Last year she followed G*d’s direction to leave for Singapore and study full-time in a Baptist seminary.
Jing was excited and delighted to our visit from thousands of miles away. Despite the joy and privilege of receiving theological education (which is unfavourable in our field country), she earnestly shared with us her loneliness studying abroad. Amid pandemic, she badly misses her family, but especially her aged parents in her home country. Thank our gracious Father to provide opportunity for us to visit, encourage, and pr*y with Jing in the midst of this special period of global crisis.
Persecution of Chr*st*ans Continues
Although the gov’t of our field country has been busy in fighting the COVID‑19 outbreak in the past quarter, their hands to persecute Chr*st*anity did not turn loose. The ruler’s suppression of religions, including but not limited to, forced closure of ch*rches, jailing of pastors and ch*rch leaders, demolition of ch*rch buildings, and nationwide prohibition of B*ble and Chr*st*an books selling, etc., continues at a high level. Your intercession for national believers is very appreciated.
Last but not least, we would love to express our heartfelt thanks to your pr*yers and all kinds of support. Without your fervent pr*yers, it is impossible for us to serve here. Thank you very much!
May our Lord keep you and your family well physically, emotionally, and spiritually every day!
Your m*ss*onar*es,
Nick & Iris
2620 Taylor Green NW, Edmonton, AB T6R 3N9 CANADA