News to Pray About

The Lord continues to work in hearts. On Sunday (Jan 24) I preached on the "God of all Comfort" from 2 Corinthians 1:1-5. The text presents the truth that trouble comes our way in order to drive us to the source of true consolation (encouragement, help, strengthening). From there the comfort spreads from the comforted believer to others who are troubled. However, the process depends on the willingness of comforted believers to reach out to their hurting brethren. Too often the comfort is interrupted by our unwillingness to invest in others. A good number of folks responded to the appeal to seek comfort in God, instead of seeking it in man-made substitutes. Others vowed to make themselves available to God to comfort others with the same comfort they have already received. Praise the Lord for the power of the Word.

Anita is still awaiting heart surgery. The insurance company is stalling the paperwork, but we still believe God is in control and that the delay serves a purpose. Pray with us that the surgery will become available at the right moment. Her brother Jesús (or Chu) is still in therapy for his cancer. He is feeling well in spite of the fact that the cancer has spread throughout his body. He is still joyful and awaiting the Lord's continued goodness. Both of these dear saints are a blessing to our church.

Pray for the unity of our congregation. There are many issues that the enemy would like to use to divide us, but greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world.

Updates for 2010

Today, we had a good service. The message was taken from 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and titled, "What God Knows About You." The three main points were Your Work of Faith, Your Labor of Love, and Your Perseverance in the Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. The message was a challenge to serve the Lord with all our strength in 2010. At the close of the service about 20 people came forward to consecrate themselves to serve the Lord! It was a good assortment of teens, adults, and senior citizens. We need a good boost to start this year off fresh. Pray with us that we will indeed see a revival in this important area.

Please, pray for our oldest son, Steven. He has had a kidney stone, several bouts of flu this Fall and in recent days a seizure. The Lord continues to provide for he and Diane, but they would appreciate your prayers concerning these health needs. Like so many who face repeated tests, they need to be encouraged to continue in well-doing without becoming discouraged.

Chu is responding well to chemotherapy. He finishes treatment on January 18 and will then face renewed testing to determine what he needs next. He continues in good spirits and is feeling well. His sister Anita is awaiting a doctor's appointment later this month to see when she will be able to have the surgery to open her clogged arteries. Some of her blood vessels have up to an 85% blockage. The church has been taking up special offerings to help with expenses. The next doctor's visit should help confirm the amount needed to obtain the necessary help. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.