eNewsletter » May 2008

Dear Praying Brethren,

We were very thankful to be able to spend significant time this past month with several of our missionary families. One that we saw very little of was Julie Miller. Julie (widow of the late Doug) is retiring from active service as of April 30; she is trying to sell her house, and will be moving closer to her daughters in southern Pennsylvania. We wish Julie the Lord's best as she goes. I know that she will appreciate your prayers as she goes; now is not the best time to sell a house in the USA! The Lord is able, nevertheless.

At our Annual Meeting, GFF took a step of faith and reduced the administrative fees that we charge our missionaries. As I have mentioned, we wish that we were able to provide services free (but we cannot); we still have to pay for normal office expenses, heat, light, etc. Realizing the cost of energy has gone up dramatically, we are planning for additional costs (Lord willing), but we still believe that we can manage with the Lord's help. It will be a challenge, please pray much for us!

As I mentioned last month, we did see the Frizzell family this last month, and they are making progress. It is my hope that they will be able to start with full-time prefield ministry sooner rather than later. Prayer will make that change! We also saw the Caasi family as they (very) busily went their way.

Summer is the normal time for overseas travel for us; this year, I am not leaving the United States. It is important that we get out to see our various missionaries & ministries for a number of reasons: to aid & to encourage them, and also for accountability purposes. We believe in accountability. Reports are necessary, and we get them, but there is no real substitute for visiting the missionary at his work. While it is expensive and time-consuming, the benefits (for everyone) of visiting fields are great. Often not thought of is the added benefit for the field in recruiting and reporting to the 'home' what is being done. Finally, the General Director (Bruce) needs to know the fields.

This ministry 'goes forth' by prayer. Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished but by prayer. Nothing important ever will be accomplished except through the prayers of God's people. We covet your prayers; nothing will be accomplished without them.

Partners in Prayer,
Bruce P. Busch
General Director