April 26, 2009

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings from Peru! Thank you for your prayers. As mentioned in my last email, my schedule is full, and I really feel the need of your prayers behind me. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Praise the Lord we are over half-way through Biblical Introduction and Geography, and most of the students are doing well. I am impressed with this class and their level of commitment to attend classes and do their homework. Except for one student who had to drop out for her job, they have almost perfect attendance. On the other hand, I am disappointed in myself for not being able to do a better job teaching. Please pray for better administration of my time and clarity of thought in preparing for teaching.

One of the reasons for teaching the course in an accelerated fashion twice a week is so that I will be able to travel to the States for a more extended time this summer. Lord willing, I will be having cataract surgery on my right eye in May and have time for other tests as well as my regular cancer check-up, plus some visits to you, my supporters. My four-year term ends in October this year, but I would like to extend it for at least another year when I return, Lord willing, in July. If you would like me to visit you this summer (June 17 – July 22), please let me know.

The visits to the deaf in Mazan, 40 minutes by speedboat downriver from Iquitos, continue with the next visit scheduled for May 1 – 3. The deaf family from Mangua has been attending as well. Please pray for wisdom in preparing lessons for the deaf and for training of believers in Mazan to carry on the ministry there.

The ministry to the deaf in Iquitos using Source of Light continues with enthusiasm on the part of most who are studying. A couple of them have dropped out and some new ones have started. Please keep praying for wisdom in teaching and counseling. It is hard to minister and not be in the same church with them.

Please pray for the Efata church and school for the deaf. The school has lost some support since the beginning of the year. Pray for the provision of Pastor Abraham and his family’s needs. They have about 15 children in the school this year.

The children’s Sunday School class at Betsan Baptist Church continues to grow. Several adults have come back in fellowship with the Lord in the past month so Pastor Enrique served the Lord’s Supper today. Pray for Erica as she takes charge of the children’s class during my absence this summer. She’s been doing a great job!

And, lastly, please pray for safety and security. My car battery was almost stolen last Wednesday in front of the institute when we were all in chapel. A passing believer and his wife ran off the thieves and called me out to check things in the car. The thieves had gotten the hood open but nothing was taken that I could see. Lately I’ve noticed that my speedometer and my odometer don’t work, so I assume they yanked or cut some wires. May the Lord richly bless you all. Keep looking up!

Your sister in Christ,
Lynn L. Porter