March 20, 2011

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,                March 20, 2011

It's ten days now since the earthquake and we continue to be upheld by the Lord through the prayers of many of you. Thank you so much!

We have never faced anything like this but God strengthens us through His word and continues to encourage us to press on with the task He has given us to proclaim the hope of salvation. He has given us fresh boldness in the present crisis and we pray He will give folk ears to hear and faith to respond in repentance. Please pray with us to this end.

I'd like to share with you some of the verses I have recorded in my diary since March 1st in the hope that you too will have your faith fortified to complete the task Jesus has given you. As you read them you will understand how they have strengthened our resolve to stay here.

'Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.' 1Cor.10:24

'I will stay on.. because a great door for effective work has opened to me.' 1Cor.16:8

'we do not lose heart' 2Cor 4:1,16

'those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them' 2Cor.5:15

'as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses..in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger..patience and kindness.. and in sincere love..dying, and yet we live on' 2 Cor.6:3-9

'you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you' 2 Cor7:3

'an honour to Christ' 2 Cor.5:23

'they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death' Rev.12:11

I know many of you are also in very tough, demanding situations. Know that we pray for you too. Jesus will enable you to be faithful.

Love in Him who is more than worthy of our all,

Ruth (and Gary)