Missions Conference
Westside Bible Church, Glendale, Az
October 5-7,  2007
 
I would like to recruit as many as possible to be in prayer for our upcoming missions conference.  I truly believe, as Oswald Chambers stated, “Prayer is not preparation for the work of God. Prayer is the work".  In this and so many other vital areas we as missionaries depend on our “mission team”.
 
My opening message will, in fact, be my attempt to express our gratitude to the many faithful prayer warriors and supporters in various ways who make up our “mission team”.  You will be able to hear the message on this web-site, and I will post the transcript as well. Nan and I so often give thanks for you all, yet we know we can never express enough the gift each of you is to us from God.  Perhaps this message will convey something of our gratitude.
 
In addition, we will have with us Pastor John Kiok, a Maasai warrior turned shepherd to the saints among the Maasai in Kenya.  His story is amazing, and will also be recorded and posted for your edification.  Please lift him up during his time in America, for opportunities to share his work, and for willing hands and hearts to join in his ministry.
 
Many other missionaries, and mission organizations, will be in attendance.  We ask that you pray that each one will be encouraged and edified by our time together, and that Jesus Christ will be honored and exalted in all that is done.  His love alone can motivate and sustain the missionary, as well as the mission support team (2 Co.5:14-21).
 
Again, we thank each of you for being a help and support to us, and through us to so many around the world.  David Livingstone said, “God had only one Son, and he made Him a missionary.  Each of us should be like Him.” We thank you for answering the call! 

Also, we thank those of you who have lifted up our son, Cody, during his time in Marine Corps boot camp. The few letters we have received have shown that he maintains a great sense of humor, flexibility, and spiritual focus.  Though the training is rigorous, he is enjoying it.  He was able to achieve “expert” in rifle qualification, one of his goals, and is also a fire-team leader.  Just last week they faced the “crucible”, but we have not heard from him since then.  Please remember him and all our fine service-men and women who have volunteered to “stand in the gap” against a savage and cowardly enemy.  So many are laying their lives down, giving up all of their tomorrows, for the freedom we often take for granted.  Every time you see someone in military uniform, walk up, shake their hand, and thank them for their sacrifice.  You can’t imagine what it will mean to them.

With gratitude,

Gene and Nan