In a certain sense, there have been some dark clouds hanging over the small group of believers in this community. There has been much sickness going around, and several folks have not been attending the Sunday teaching regularly. There are rumors going around that one of the believers was drunk and dancing with his whole family a few weeks ago. (We are still working through this one. I don’t believe it’s true—but folks do love to accuse the believers of such sins!) Another one of the believers has been going through a time of trial on several fronts—a large debt, sickness, and family discord. Instead of wholeheartedly turning to the Lord in his time of need, he’s been seeking out different ‘curers’. Last Sunday he attended the service here, and then later in the day went to his brother-in-law’s house for an ‘honra’ ceremony, remembering the fifth anniversary of his nephew’s suicide. (These ceremonies are known for being occasions of drinking and dancing, as the family tries to convince the spirit of the dead one that they are ‘happy’ and that he should go on to heaven and leave them alone. Food and clothing are left out as gifts to the spirit.) Milton’s shepherd’s heart has been saddened by all the community’s rumors and accusations, as well as seeing the poor testimony of this fellow believer. (On a positive note, these situations have brought Milton to our house for several good times of discussion and counsel. He shared with me that he has been reading in Matthew, and that despite all that is going on, the Lord continues to encourage him.)
On the home front, Kathy and I have also been suffering with much sickness and feeling a bit low. Back in July we both had a vicious stomach flu that really wiped us out. Since then, Kathy especially has been struggling to regain her strength. She underwent lab work and several doctor visits without finding much help—the Dr. felt like it was a type of chronic fatigue brought on by the virus. The last few weeks have found her slowly regaining strength…until we were both hit again by a nasty cold. Last Sunday I woke up at 4 a.m. with a terrible sinus headache. It was a real struggle just to make it through the service---we are so thankful for the Lord’s strength and grace in pulling us through that day! Despite my throbbing head, I was able to teach and we had a long and lively discussion afterwards, as several had questions they wanted to ask. Thanks so much for praying for us—we have felt His strength upholding us. At this point, we thank the Lord that we are both again on the mend.
2 Corinthians 12 reminds us that His power is perfected in our weakness—and that His grace is sufficient for us. We’d appreciate your prayers that the Lord will uphold Milton, the believers, and us as missionaries through these ‘cloudy’ days. We love to remember that the work is the Lord’s (not ours) and that yes, HE IS ABLE! Amen. :-)
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
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