June 10, 2004

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings in the Name of our Strong God! He is still on the throne and ruling, though things may look bleak in our little corner. And He must win the battle, as the old hymn says, based on the truths of Scripture.

Praise the Lord, I am now one week past my fourth chemo treatment! They are not much fun to go through, but God is using them to combat the cancer in answer to our prayers and His own perfect, good will. Last Monday I saw the surgeon, Dr. Poretta, and she was very pleased with the results of the MRI and the shrinkage of the tumor. She added that the tumor is not only smaller but also softer. Lord willing, the surgery will take place in mid-August, after I have completed the six sessions of chemotherapy..

Last night I had the special joy of a phone call from Iquitos. Gina Cassidy called to talk about some things that are happening at Efata Baptist Church for the deaf, and we found out how their trip to the missions conference downriver in Pevas went, as well. God gave them a safe trip and many blessings. There were some 650 attendees at the conference from 34 churches, mostly representng river churches. Patrick Cassidy was able to teach and see God use even his limited Spanish to touch hearts and bless the congregation. Please pray for this new missionary couple and their four children, that God would help them to learn the ministry and show them where their specific area of ministry will be.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Abraham and Patsy, as it seems the enemy is working overtime to discourage them. Some of the deaf are critical of them because they are not like some of the former leaders of the church, including yours truly. As Gina pointed out, Abraham and Patsy may have to teach by example what a godly marriage looks like. They are still newlyweds and need to spend time with each other. Pray that the deaf believers will understand this and be supportive of their pastor. We need to continue to pray for Claudio and Maribel, who are engaged to be married and not attending the deaf church at this time. Pray for Patrick and Gina to have wisdom in looking them up and being an encouragement to them at this time as they deliver a gift that I promised this young couple earlier this year. God is able to work, and we can all be praying toward that end.

In all that is said and done, may God's great Name be honored and glorified! Keep looking up!

With love in Christ,
Lynn