Dear Family and Friends in Christ,
Where we’ve grown accustomed to contending with thorns in the desert, we were shocked back to reality in the mission work by the deadly effects of thorns of worldliness on the Cocopah.
“…that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).
Opposition to gospel preaching was so brazen and fierce our final revival week that even the evangelist wondered if the time had come to “shake off the dust of our feet against them” and go to another tribe (Acts 13:51). Those who expressed themselves by not attending services chose the self-indulgent squandering of huge annual casino checks over the golden blessings of revival.
P.T.L. the substance abuse, seasonal sickness, imprisonments, new cars, “friends,” and apartments that sifted out many Natives pushed others back to the Lord! How thankful we are for the faithfulness of Autumn, Edward, Justice, Loren, Rickey, Toni, Tyrus and siblings to Bible clubs, studies and services after health and family crises and four weeks of back-to-back revival meetings.
The tribal death grip of Native pride, self-sufficiency, spiritism, substance abuse, and antagonism that confronts us daily makes each life giving conversion from the icy cold reservation tundra a true work of God. Every new birth and character transformation has become a miracle on the scope of “Aaron’s rod that budded” (Num. 17:8) to us.
Our Lord’s faithfulness to your prayers and enabling were the basis of joy unspeakable at the conversion of 62 year old Shirley, March 8, 2015. PRAY for this very frail lady’s health, growth, deliverance from alcoholism, and testimony to Mary and Millie, her unsaved peers.
Shirley’s neighbor, Cheryl, miraculously returned to church with two of her children and her boyfriend Stanford through our year’s work with Shirley. PRAY for others such as Alexis, Alyetha, Ashley, Belinda, Delsie, Jennifer, Jolie, Karen, Kayla, Kelsie, Lydia S., Roxanna, Valerye, and Wanda would be revived or genuinely saved through our May 23 ladies’ bake day and/or Bible studies.
THANK the Lord for the revival and stand of Jesse, Raul, James, and Jessica in our county and state prisons and the phenomenal growth of Ricky and Edward out of them. Their friend Kenny went the wrong way upon release, but by our Lord’s grace Ricky answered God’s call to preach! PRAY for Ricky and Toni’s health and marital well-being as well as for Edward’s employment needs as they begin their Christian service at the ages our first saved men passed away (forties and fifties).
PRAY for true conversion and/or consecration of nominal or lost adults and young people like both Andrews, both Angels, Cameron, Chauncey, Corey, Daren, Darnel, Ezequiel, Joe, Ralph, Thomas, Tim, Tyrus, and Victor through Bible Time, camp, and other summer ministries.
P.T.L. for the 2014 N.B.T. professions who still attend Bible club or Lydia’s Sunday School class! PRAY Benicio, Lilly, Justice, Loren, Marcus, Marriella, Molly, Tyler, Tylonna, and Tyrus will help us reach their many friends or relatives who moved or dropped out of church since last summer.
Lydia’s April lung function tests were far below normal though slightly improved over two years’ ago. Her Phoenix pulmonologist put her on an extremely low salt diet and three sessions of respiratory rehab per week prior to an upcoming heart catheterization June 2nd. Please PRAY the cath. will be uncomplicated and will disclose the status of her pulmonary hypertension clearly enough to show the best treatment plan.
Dawn’s meds are being changed and an unknown infection sought as possible contributors to her weakness and vasculitis flare. Your PRAYERS for her well-being are as appreciated as those for our Cocopah blessings or needs. You truly “strive together with us” (Romans 15:30) in this manner!
PRAISES:
· Richard and Mary-Francis Hastrich’s move to Yuma and assistance wherever needed.
· Return of Cheryl, Alyetha, Wanda, and others to church after long absences.
· Sufficient sacrificial Godsends to rebuild our 22 passenger bus and prepare our 66 passenger one for summer’s grueling schedule.
· Tires, heating, and A/C repairs for our most used van.
· Michael’s relief from back pain through cortisone shots and his unimaginably improved vision after cataract surgeries.
PETITIONS:
· Fruit in unreached or uncommitted ladies through their Bible study and Bake Day, May 23.
· True conversions and/or growth through Neighborhood Bible Time June 28-July 3 and
Native camp July 27-August 1.
· Very serious discipline problems at church with some foster children.
· Salvation of George, Joe, Arturo, Millie, Theodore, and other adults.
Your Servants In Christ,
Michael and Dawn Veldhuis