Veldhuis Summer 2018 Prayer Update
“Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified…and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.”(II Thess. 3:1&2)
Sparse correspondence on our part since the February update reflects the intervening months’ relentless Cocopah challenges rather than our utter dependence on your prayers and our Lord’s conviction for any true lasting fruit. How encouraging your prayers are knowing the Holy Spirit “will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement”(John 16:8) regardless of surface appearances.
This is our trusted prayer as we strive to evangelize and disciple the many Cocopah who missed March, April, and May’s revivals along with the core Natives who attended them. Thank you Pastor Ulises for our youth revival March 8-9, Pastor Robinson for your Tim Green meetings March 29-31, and Pastor Doyel for our own May 6-8 revival!
PRAY God will give life to the convicting seed sown each meeting and bear fruit to His glory in many more Native lives through ongoing witnessing, individual Bible studies, weekly services, and summer’s unique ministries. Sheer numbers cannot be our goal as too many professing individuals have failed to repent from demonic traditions or to show signs of transformation and growth.
Such was evidently the case with Lydia B., “Pumpkin,” and their large extended family once over Lydia B.’s near death crisis. Many of even the more educated San Diego and May family members committed their souls firmly to unseen Christ-rejecting, sin denying, spirit guides after probing the Gospel through church visits or Bible studies.
Nineteen and fifty year olds Chris M. and Joe C. are definite exceptions to this, as Chris and Joe both confess Jesus as Lord and Savior under the most trying circumstances. PRAY for both of their enormous health needs and testimonies in boarding school and on our reservations. Joe C. suffered a life-threatening head injury early June exercising and pushing too hard bringing friends to church so soon in his recovery from 3 “code blues” January-March 2018. 84 y.o. Joe H. and daughter, Mary are saved, faithful Hispanic attendees we’re blessed to help physically.
This February I also took over the complete medical, financial, and caretaking responsibilities of disabled 68 y.o. Felipe. PRAY for wisdom and strength meeting this wonderfully saved but severely limited man’s numerous neurological, physical, and mental health needs secondary to a traffic accident and one year coma in 2001&2002.
The prayers that saw the safe deliveries of diabetic Roxanna and Alex’s girl, Miracle, and Adolfo and Lyetha’s twins, Havoc and Adolfo Jr., are needed more than ever for both couples’ spiritual needs, marriage, and deliverance from substance abuse. P.T.L. 27 y.o. Vincent and Kayla returned to church and began rehab programs to break the drug abuse cycle in which they were raised and lead their four children God’s way!
The first step to helping Natives find the path of the new birth and victory over sin often requires getting them off their reservation’s vortex of sin and pall of hopeless death. We thus write this note the eve of our week of Neighborhood Bible Time earnestly coveting your prayers for God’s power, protection, provisions, and fruit through the dangerous heat and challenges of the following summer ministries or needs:
PETITIONS:
- Neighborhood Bible Time, June 17-22/2018.
- Bill Rice West Branch Jr. Camp, June 25-29 and Teen Camp July 16-20.
- Apache Creek Deaf and Youth Camp July 23-28.
- Jacob and Lydia’s deputation meetings, June 17/’018-May 2019.
- Lydia’s health
- 63 year old Shirley’s well-being.
- 28 year old paraplegic Jessica’s care since her 2017 accident.
- The Serreno, Soto, and Thomas families’ return to the Lord.
PRAISES:
- No known deaths from this year’s casino payout.
- New North Cocopah Reservation Bible Club
- Jacob and Lydia’s acceptance into our mission.
- Lydia’s recovery from her recent SIRS infection and subsequent hospital stay.
Sincerely In Christ,