Monday, October 01, 2001

VOLUME 9 - 2001

2001 changed our world. It changed the way we look at our country, our heroes, our families and our God.

In spite of worldwide tragedies, it was also an indescribable year of mission and ministry. It is difficult to put into finite terms the eternal significance of what our infinite Lord has accomplished, but I am going to attempt to include you in the 2001 experiences of Sunshine After Rain Ministries.

You are such a strong part of the ministry, You send the work of the King forth to the ends of the earth. I hope in these despairing times your spirit will be encouraged by hearing what God is doing around the world.

Rest assured He is still on His throne.

AFRICA

Tamalee, Ghana
Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

Distribution to 16,000 children - Gospel heard by over 60,000

With God

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Our mission seemed impossible! I listened with astonishment as the Samaritan’s Purse Team Coordinator said, “Our goal is to distribute over 12,000 boxes through the Operation Christmas Child program in the northern region of Ghana, West Africa.” With a certain level of unease I asked, “How many people are on the team?” “So far, counting you,” she hesitated, “four from the U.S. and Alan and Patsy Fulton, our two missionaries stationed in Tema, Africa – but… we will have around thirty African nationals there to help us, too.”

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

The van swerved around potholes in the red clay dirt of the main thoroughfare. The walking path alongside teemed with a brightly colored array of humanity. Carried on backs, atop heads, in goat drawn carts an assortment of merchandise bought and sold for this civilization’s daily survival.

This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you … say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' Isaiah 49:8-9

As darkness descended, campfires illuminated the landscape while the faces of the natives faded into obscurity. Ghostly images wandering between mud huts, the chaos of a modern western world far away. In our society filled with material wealth and microwaves, life spins at a dizzying pace, while here it exists as life always has – one day at a time.

The Multitudes

Once we arrived in the northern region of Tamalee, our task began with the arduous daily loading of shipping crates filled with “Christmas” packages. Carefully marked by gender and age, we stacked the school bus serving as our transportation, to the ceiling. Once loaded, we made our way to remote villages.

We encountered thousands of children, parents and curious bystanders waiting under the little available shade, to witness the arrival of these gift-bearing white strangers. Many of the children climbed nearby trees, to get a better view. It was quite a sight. The shear numbers that gathered was astounding.

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power … Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands… Jer 32:17-18

As the program ended an unorganized assembly line with the children standing patiently in the sweltering heat to receive their “Christmas box” formed. There were probably twice as many children as names on the list of those who would benefit from our special delivery. All in all the operation ran as smoothly as could be expected. Dissolving into one huge chaotic scream of joy, as the children began to open their multi-colored packages.

His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" Matthew 15:33

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat… without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1

When we finished, the sadness of the many children left out was heartbreaking. Realizing we were leaving, the villagers began to surround us, pulling and pushing with the youngest children almost trampled in the rush. Parents shoved their offspring forward pointing to the younger ones and babies, beseeching us “Please for my baby, for my sick child, please give me your address, can you help us, please madam.” The scrambling feet of the happy and the hopeless raised the red earth to a suffocating level of choking dust.

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

We fought our way through what was quickly becoming a mob. Once inside the safety of the truck, the children surrounded the vehicle. I ashamedly admit I looked away from the pressing faces and overwhelming need. Was this melee a scene of future images of hell- when there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, people fighting scrambling and crying out for such worthless and perishable items - while the real gift of salvation and eternal life was always free?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9-10

We drove away. But the images of the children did not fade in the cloud of red dust that surrounded us. I remain unable and unwilling to forget. Father we know You have seen each hungry face, You have recorded all their tears, and You are able!

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 2 Corinthians 9:8-9

How to Eat an Elephant

As you may know, the answer to the proverbial question of “how to eat an elephant” is “one bite at a time.”

After the first two exhausting days of the distribution, a decision needed to be made by the team. Additional boxes could be delivered and our goal exceeded if we chose to stay in the region and not spend the last day at the national game preserve relaxing and sightseeing. Despite the heat and the adverse conditions, the response by all was, “we came to serve the Lord, not see elephants.” I went to Africa a seasoned missionary in the foreign field, and yet when I heard the distribution goal with so few people on the team, and in such a short time period, I didn’t see how it could be done.

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:19-20

With each day of our obedience in faith, we took one bite out of a huge “elephant” wrapped in Christmas paper, and the Lord’s response in love was a spiritual fullness and “mountain moving” adventure better than any safari!

In a recent report from the Fulton’s [apfmin@africaonline.com.gh] there are now 500 Islamic children participating in a Bible Study in the Tamalee region with 350 more on the waiting list. Pastor Kwame and his wife Susie do not have the space or materials to bring more in. A story passed on by Pastor Kwame: a Muslim lady came on a Sunday at 6:00 a.m. in the pouring rain with her crying child. She got down on her knees and begged him to take her child in the Bible study so the child would quit crying. This Bible study is a direct result of the Samaritan’s Purse distribution efforts alongside the King of Kings in two short weeks. The local church outreach had not been able to accomplish this gathering of youth in 28 years!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory. Ephesians 3:20-21

Joshua to Jabez


Success even in the Christian realm is too often measured numerically: number of Bibles distributed, professions of faith, gospel heard by. The people we reached in Africa in that one week were ten times the number generally seen by our ministry in an entire year. So by that unit of measure it was a resounding success. I was overwhelmed to realize the people exposed to the gospel (60,000+) and the children served (16,000+). In 130° heat, in a culture unfamiliar with even the most basic modern conveniences of clean water and indoor plumbing, I saw the Lord at work in His way in His time. The experience reminded me of the twelve spies sent to report on the Promised Land. Ten returned speaking of insurmountable odds, but two came with a vision of what God on their side could accomplish:

… Do not be afraid of the people of the land, …the LORD is with us. Numbers 14:9

Yes, there were mobs of people we couldn’t control, there was pandemonium, there was disorganization. Everything was in place for human failure – but God was with us. He showed up in the dust and dirty pathways, down avenues to tribal villages held in the clutches of Islam. The Word was preached and His name held above all names.

The images in my heart and soul will remain: the upturned faces, the bright shining smiles, the babies tied to their mother’s backs, the way “beyond dirty” feet, the politeness of some, the greed of others and the dust, Lord, the dust! Father, You have been faithful to this oftentimes unfaithful servant; You blessed us indeed; You enlarged our territory.

In a mighty way Lord, in days of weakness, You were our strength. In times of trial and discomfort, our only comfort. In hours of aloneness, our friend and confidant. Lord you watched carefully over us. We were challenged by the crowds but not overwhelmed. We were sustained by Your word and shared it freely with others. As surely as you singled out Jabez, You blessed us once again with your unmerited grace. We continue to bless Your holy name.

Julia's Prayer

In 1999, we chanced to meet a young girl named Julia at an orphanage in the Kirov city limits. Each summer the children are sent to relatives while the orphanages close for a month of repairs. Galina Rueben (the pastor’s wife) expressed great concern for Julia because she had no place to go. Two of our team members tried to organize a way for Julia to come to America for the summer. It seemed a heaven sent answer. Money was left, hopes were raised and the prayers began.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, Isaiah 55:9

The plan failed. The authorities refused to grant a visa and instead Julia was sent to a mental hospital (the only public institution that had room for her) during the time the orphanage was closed. Hearts broke on both sides of the ocean. When the new school year began her situation grew even worse. She was sent to the small rural town of Sanchursk, 6 hours south of Kirov to one of the poorest orphanages in the whole region. The weekly visits by the Kirov Bible Church, became another sad and distant memory. Heartbroken, Galina contacted the East West Ministries Children’s Director to ask if the next time the Americans came to Kirov they would also do a program for Julia’s orphanage.

So are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

RUSSIA

Kirov Region
East West Ministries International
Orphanage Outreach to 600 children

The God of All Comfort

The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble… 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In April, we partnered with East West Ministries International and returned for a third time to Kirov, Russia on an orphanage outreach. Though our encounters with the children last only a few days, we are assured in many ways of their eternal significance.

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

His Plans

Our arrival again in 2001, carried with it much fanfare. The elderly look up from their rigorous daily chores to see our huge bus make its way down the muddy and rutted streets. The local children congregate at the one restaurant in town with pen and paper in hand to get the “autographs” of the American visitors. They bear “gifts” to make sure we will remember them, and bring cherished evidence of the trip we made last year. As for the children confined in the orphanage, their faces line the windows in anticipation, waving at us furiously, to ensure we feel welcome once again. There excitement is contagious. They run to greet us grabbing arms and legs and anything else they can hold on to. The team is crushed by the crowds embrace and humbled with the outpouring of love.

As we drove to the orphanage, joyfully we saw the building refurbished by money donated through East West. We experienced gratitude on the faces of the doctors and workers after the presentation of thousands of dollars in medicine, clothes and school supplies. Again we saw Julia, still broken hearted, sad, and waiting for her prayers to be answered. We come and go freely, feeling good about ourselves, and our missionary efforts. But Julia and countless other children in orphanages around the world, suffer crushing loneliness as they watch another bus disappear again, into the distance.

No is Sometimes the Answer


We all fight back the tears. Such overwhelming need remains. With gentleness and wisdom, Galina reflected if the Lord had answered Julia’s prayers to come to America, we would not have visited Sanchursk and 225 orphans who received medicine, new clothes, school supplies, and a refurbished building – wouldn’t know about God’s great love for them and hold the Bibles we delivered. In the brokenness of many unanswered questions, and seemingly disregarded prayers, now I remember Julia and know my thoughts are not His thoughts, and my ways are not His.

CHINA

Taian Agricultural University
Program Outreach 300 students 36 orphans

The Great Wall

Seven hundred years before the manger in Bethlehem, construction began on the Great Wall of China. For over 2000 years it served as a barrier to invading armies and those seeking to conquer the ruling Dynasty. Countries are in the business of protecting their property, people, and their power.

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psalm 127:1

For years, our enemy had a red face called Communism. We remained steadfast in a Cold War against a governmental evil. Times change and now the face of our enemy is not so readily definable. During the Nixon administration the first communication barriers came down between East and West. Americans began to visit China and see the Great Wall first hand. But long before that peace treaty was ever signed the Lord was busy constructing His church in China.

Why Did You Not Come Sooner?

J. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was an English missionary to China and founder of China Inland Mission, which at his death included 205 mission stations with 849 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christians. After a Buddhist man’s conversion, he asked Taylor how long the gospel had been known in England. When told it had been known for hundreds of years, the man was shocked. “What! For hundreds of years you have had these glad tidings and only now have come to preach it to us? Oh, why did you not come sooner?”

In 1998 I met Jim and Deb Phalen who were busy making plans to become “teachers” in China. They jokingly extended an invitation for me to come and do my performance when they received their position at the University. It was over a year before they made to China but three years later, what was once a humorous plan between new friends became a reality.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Pet 3:8

My impressions of China left me feeling I’d explored a varied fruit orchard planted in faithfulness by the likes of my friends and the legacy of men and women like Hudson Taylor. Tended by many down through the years – the full harvest of fruit is yet to be realized. The voices of Communism and state promulgated atheism come in to destroy the sprouting buds of the Word. Those who come to spread the good news fight the blight of a society closed to the Gospel. Supporters like you place nets of prayer over the tender branches, and we wait for the harvest.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish... 2 Pet 3:9

Toto We're Not in Kansas

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Prov 16:9

China presented a unique circumstance. Most of my past performances were geared toward children who do not speak English. These were University students, at Masters Degree level studies. The presentations at the school were designed to foster questions of a spiritual nature – which I could freely answer. Each day I went into the first class as myself. I spoke about the activities of Sunshine After Rain Ministries, while passing out pictures of CARE EE in various places around the world.

I explained the “art” of clowning and then slowly I turned into CARE EE before their eyes. They laughed far more than I expected (given their age) and engaged animatedly as I asked for volunteers for the various skits and tricks. Once the performance was completed the students were free to ask questions. I was not surprised when the students expressed more interest in the “how” of the tricks than the “who” behind them. Too often, I am the same way – asking God how and why He did something grand or awful other than asking questions that will tell me more about who He is.

Both Before and After the presentations, I spoke about becoming who God intended for us to be from the beginning. None of the students could grasp the concept of doing something motivated by charity and love. The students did not understand pursuing activities where no money was involved. The most frequent question brought the opportunity hoped for. The question of “why” do I go to these far off places; why do I witness in bad and desperate circumstances opened the discussion to share the “upward high calling”. Afterwards, many of the female students were very vocal in their praise, sharing how much they “learned” about friendship and love.

"...not a great faith we need, but...

... faith in a great God.” (J. Hudson Taylor) The fact the Lord works in mysterious ways brings a smile to some and a cringe to others. I suppose it depends on whether you are the mysterious one He is working through or watching and marveling at His humor. My past experiences in Asian culture (Japan) and a communist one (Russia) did little prepare me for the Chinese. I was pleasantly surprised to meet people quite eager to engage in conversation and try out their English.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

I encountered a young girl at one of the tourist destinations in the city. Her English was quite good, and she readily engaged in a lengthy conversation. After a few minutes of discussion she said, “I’m a Christian! I’ve been praying today for the Lord to bless me – and here you are – I meet other believers!” Her enthusiasm at the serendipitous acts of a Father toward His children was heartwarming.

Finish Strong

On the last day of performances, the Foreign Affairs Officer (FAO) for the city of Taian was in the audience. I went through the same explanations of where I go and why. The students gladly participated with enthusiasm and joy. After the class, the FAO asked if I would be interested in performing at the orphanage in the city. He would make all the necessary arrangements. This type of openness to allow foreign visitors into the orphanage was UNHEARD of! However, we know Who is opening the doors that no man can shut.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The next day our group (the English teachers at the University) was escorted to the Taian hotel, which houses 36 orphans. It was quite a turnout of city officials and dignitaries complete with news coverage and journalists. The children were thrilled at the entertainment and the attention. This event opened the door for the possibility of returning to China to visit orphanages in more remote areas where the need is much greater.

Fight the Good Fight

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Cor 10:4

In the summer of 1989 the world watched, horror stricken, while brave students faced down tanks and armies sent in to disperse the crowd in Tianamen Square. The media recorded the melee breaking down into bloody chaos, and hopes for freedom and an end to Communist oppression died in the summer heat. Twelve years later I walked in the same Square and realized that the time for revolution has yet to come to China, the Wall is still there, but another much stronger Force is poised to bring about the much needed change.

Countless thousands meet daily to share in the work of His spirit through His Word, as it has since the days of Hudson Taylor. What “tanks” are we willing to stand in the face of to spread the freedom found in Him?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1

TEXAS

Camp Allen
Joni and Friends Ministry

Outreach to 52 Families Affected by Disability

A Piece of Heaven

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, … for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

When important dignitaries visit a city, they rarely make time for children other than the proverbial baby’s hug and kiss. Those with little money to contribute, and no voting capabilities are seldom made room for. Yet wherever Jesus went, children were not far behind. His close friends were more often than not, annoyed at the persistence of the youth. But Jesus rebuked their annoyance, and gladly spent time with the children, explaining their identity and inheritance to them.

Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

I'll Be Back

The best of times and the worst of times can happen simultaneously. Of course Charles Dickens knew that, and each year when we return to Camp Allen we are reminded of it as well.

The first day when families arrive brings such joy. Friends are reunited, hugs shared and tears of happiness fall. But with their joy there is a knowing, goodbyes will come too soon and the returning reality of the world is but a short car ride away.

From the first day, the families are greeted with joy and celebration. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, normally not available to them. From horseback riding, hayrides, swimming and a good old-fashioned carnival (complete with clowns!) the families have fun. Short term missionaries are there to serve their needs and ensure it is a place of refreshing and renewal. Clowns engage the children with stories and “tricks” during daily activities and the nights bring entertainment celebrating the families and enjoying the variety of talent and gifts each individual brings to the shows! Hearts delight and dissolve into hilarious laughter to see “chicken dances” and “cricket impressions”. Joy is found in abundance

The families often express that the few days they are at the Family Retreat, their world becomes like a “piece of heaven”. It is a place where there is acceptance and much needed rest, a place where fellowship is not measured by outward appearances or capabilities, a place where love flows freely without measure or conditions. It truly is a “retreat”.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

FINLAND

Vantaa, Finland
Gospel Communication Outreach
Finnish Free Foreign Mission

The Best Medicine

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

I met Paula Vanttinen in Bosnia during a Wheels to the World trip with Joni and Friends. We kept in touch for two years, and she invited me to minister at the hospital where she works as an occupational therapist. I had the opportunity to stop off in Finland in September, while on my way to Israel for TV production. In addition to a presentation at the hospital, Paula arranged for a meeting with the Finnish Free Foreign Mission, an evangelical mission group that has a wide outreach to children. I performed for the staff and directors of the organization, showing them ways to share the gospel “in greasepaint.” On Sunday, Paula and I took the train into Helsinki for a performance at her church, but as you can imagine, the performance began when we boarded the train – the travelers getting the explanation for a clown in their midst “it’s an American!”

On Monday the meeting Paula arranged with the doctors and nurses at the hospital was really an open door from the Lord. I spoke with first hand experience on the benefit of laughter to children in difficult environments.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14

Clowns and doctors share a common goal – to improve conditions of those in pain. The goal is to affect a person in a positive way - physicians primarily through their knowledge and medicine – clowns through compassion and joy. There are two languages understood worldwide - tears and laughter – no translation is required. Healing the sadness associated with sickness and circumstance is possible even though outward conditions may not change, attitude can make all the difference – and we all are in the business of making a difference.

911

I checked into the Helsinki airport hotel for the convenience and transportation to my 5:00 a.m. flight to Israel the next day. When I got to the room I turned the television to the international BBC channel. The image I saw was staggering. In Helsinki it was 3:45 in the afternoon. The events in New York had just begun

Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world… Luke 21:26

I stared in disbelief and horror along with millions of others across the globe. Shocked, I sat down and thought “Lord You really are coming back!” As the unimaginable unfolded I realized how quickly disaster changes things. Symbols of our financial strength and position in the world collapsed in less than an hour.

In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin! … When they see the smoke of her burning, they will say, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' Rev 18:17-18

Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done" ...President George W. Bush

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God…He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Cor 1:9-11

I had a meeting scheduled with the Finnish Director of Child Evangelism for 5:00, and when she arrived the connection and companionship at such a time brought relief. We prayed for America, the countless victims and their families. We prayed for world leadership and the wisdom of our God. Then we prayed for the boldness of Christians across the world to speak up and speak out before it is too late.

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. Psalm 32:6

We turned off the continuous television coverage and had our meeting. In a strange way, in our continued conversation about how to effectively evangelize children, against the backdrop of such unbelievable tragedy, I gained strength. I felt like a true soldier in the battlefield planning and strategizing even though it looked and felt like we were losing the war. In the trenches of the determination to take as many as we can into the Kingdom, I found courage. And when I made phone calls to Israel and back home to my family, I knew peace.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

I called home (a first in 8 years of “field work”) and reached my 18-year-old son. He said, “Mom, you are just the person I wanted to talk to. You can’t still be going to Israel, haven’t you seen what is going on!” My heart was pierced in many ways - ways of joy – that he wanted to know what I had to say about the meaning of the situation, and ways of sorrow for the many sons and daughters that day who would never again hear from their parents words of encouragement that “all was going to be okay”.

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:55-58

Comfort My People

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted
Isa 66:13

I tried to comfort my son with these words, “as a believer – I do not hold to the adage a person can be “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I told him he didn’t have to be afraid of any tragedy or accident that might happen to me on foreign soil. I’m not so sure he was sure. There were not enough words to explain that for me, in the end, being found in the service of the Lord when I am called home, is the only place I want to be!

…I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

The flight left Helsinki as scheduled the next morning. But by the time I landed in Frankfurt, Germany, airports around the world were shut down. Thousands stood in lines, frantic about loved ones back home. Worried, stranded and strangely silent we waited and watched the monitors flashing “airport closed” across all US destinations. After 18 hours one flight departed for Tel Aviv under armed guards and very heavy security. I considered myself fortunate, I was getting on a plane when so many that day and in the days that followed did not. And for the 265 unsuspecting travelers on the hijacked aircrafts, they boarded 4 flights bound to change the world.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

We know God uses all things, even seemingly horrific tragedies like 911 for His glory and good. While we will never understand this side of heaven the mysteries of terror and tragic circumstance – we know that while we are here we have an important role to play in the workings of His plan. God bless you for continuing to make that possible for so many in all parts of the world!
Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13