eNewsletter » July 2010

My Dear Brethren,

As I write this, I am aware that next month (August) may come a lot sooner than I plan. The Lord willing, I will be having my right knee replaced on July 27, and it is unlikely that I will be in the Office that first week of August. I wish that this were not necessary, but it is; I have had trouble with this knee since my childhood. Years of American tackle football and competitive weightlifting did not help either.

The good news is that I am in good general health. We are thankful that Ruth also did well in her recent trip to Johns Hopkins; her condition is essentially unchanged. She did recently 'do an overnight' in the hospital for asthma, however. Ruth and I have much to thank the Lord for, we really do!

We had anticipated that we would have a visit from an African Pastor that we have known for many years, but that has not turned out to be possible. He could not secure an entry visa for the United States. It is much more difficult than it used to be, with the attacks of 9/11 and subsequent terrorist activity.

As of July 1, Dave and Jane Claar have committed themselves to full-time "prefield" (postfield? I don't know what to call it) ministry, with the intention of returning to South Africa as soon as possible for a church-planting ministry in the Durban area. Prior to returning to the United States in 1997, Dave and Jane had a successful ministry in South Africa, and (with their children grown) are keen to return as soon as the Lord allows. Your prayers and help for them will make this possible.

Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the ordination service of Nathan Frizzell. That family wishes to get to South Africa as well, and we are keen to see them get there. After our years of service in Africa, we understand very well the saying 'you can take the man out of Africa, but not Africa out of the man.' This seems to be true, certainly in the case of the Claar family, as well as the Busch family. There are needs every place that you look in the world, but Africa is special to us. YOU also are 'special' to us; without YOU this ministry does not continue. We are so thankful to all of YOU for your prayers and generous support for the ministry over the years.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bruce P. Busch
General Director