eNewsletter » August 2009

Dear Brethren,

One of the axioms of public speaking is that you never start with an apology. I will not do that in print either, but I will admit that I have written this letter before I left for Asia (July 15). Lord willing, I expect to be back in the Office in early August, but of course only the Lord knows that for certain.

When I do return, there is much to do. I need to see the Pinyol family (in North Carolina), and several others in various places. There will be a backlog of correspondence and routine duties to 'catch up' on, although our Office Manager takes care of most of these things. With the internet available almost world-wide (and cellular phones also), I will be able to deal with many routine things even while I am gone.

Many of our readers have no idea what is involved in planning a trip such as this, so allow me to mention a few things. In addition to the obvious things like Visas (permits to enter various countries), shots [injections to avoid disease], and adapting to the various climates and conditions, there are also real missionary needs to consider. I will be carrying many items specifically for our people which they cannot obtain in their various fields of service.

Most of us are used to going to the grocery store to obtain whatever we wish. That is often NOT the case in foreign lands; for instance on this trip I will be carrying chocolate chips and various spices for one family. Also, toys for the children are appreciated; so often these things are impossible to obtain outside the United States. For many children in the third world, 'playing' is something that they never do! Thus children's toys are an unknown. In the past, I have also carried children's educational materials and books for adults - everything from serious scholarly items, women's magazines and lighter reading. Gospel Furthering Fellowship is a Service organization, and we aim to serve!

Prayer is going to be what will make - or break - this trip. All of the planning in the world, all of the care and attention will amount to nothing without the Blessing of the Lord. Please pray for us in these situations.

Yours Prayerfully,

Bruce P. Busch
General Director