Dear Friends and Family in Christ,
If increased temperatures could accelerate time, one would easily appreciate the host of gains and challenges July’s 110-degree days and 90-degree nights brought.
Each of us must “walk circumspectly…redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16), so grueling landscaping jobs were added to ongoing Cocopah work to help with summer ministries and our largest vehicle repairs ever. Through your prayers and support these bore invaluable fruit in four salvation decisions, three rededications, and three pouring out of souls for dysfunctional family situations at Bill Rice West Branch’s Junior camp, June 17-21.
Dawn kept the home and church fronts going that week. The 15-passenger van held its own all 800 miles, but I noticed chest pain with exertion at 7000 feet for the first time. Working in Yuma June 24th at 110 degrees, this evolved into a heart attack and hospitalization (until June 29th) for heart caths and the placement of three stents.
Dawn battled Covid 19 again that week, but God answered prayers and she was able to visit Michael after she tested negative the 27th. God also mightily answered your prayers in helping us resume church services June 30, conduct a funeral July 2nd, and carry out Neighborhood Bible Time’s most strenuous and fruitful annual ministry July 7-12 (the hottest week of the year that far).
We truly marvel at Gods grace in salvation decisions by 8-year-old Jovanni, and 13-year-olds Phoenix and Moriah and their subsequent transformations. Many other juniors and teens exposed to the gospel and Biblical precepts also found refuge from family turmoil and help with food and basic needs this week.
Sickness and the lure of tribal summer programs gripped others and kept us from Bill Rice West branch teen week July 15-19, while my heart restrictions to only local driving prevented us from taking anyone to the Apache Creek Camp’s Native week, July 22-27.
We’re PRAYING August’s cardiology tests will clear me of serious heart damage and initial travel limitations and that Dawn will fully recover the from bronchitis she has been dealing with since July 20th. We’re also working out details with Apache Creek’s preachers for our annual native revival here in November or December.
The June deaths of saved 32, 36, and 73 year olds Ralph, Cheryl, and Millie out of the reservation’s pre flood culture of child abuse, violence, despair, and unbridled sin cry out with the Macedonians to” come and help us” (Acts 16:9) Our work has only begun! Your Prayers and support for the following are a lifeline to that end which we will never take for granted!
PRAISES:
• Souls saved and strengthened through Junior Camp and N.B.T.
• Return of majority of teens to church despite opposition by some.
• Millie, Ralph, and Cheryl’s deliverance from dementia and major organ failure.
• God’s provision of immediate and effective treatment of Michael’s heart attack.
• Huge providential gifts to finalize bus rebuilds and pay for summer ministries.
• A 2008 low mileage mini van for elderly and disabled pickups.
• Jacob, Lydia, and Miss Rebekah’s help with N.B.T. and camp.
PETITIONS:
• Ramirez, Phillips, Lopez, and May families
• Daren’s hospitalization with a severe MERSA reinfection.
• Miller, Hayes, and Thomas new foster children.
• September 7th teen rally in Peoria, Arizona.
• Dawn’s healing from bronchitis and Michael’s heart follow ups.
• Annual Native revival this November or December.
• Coworkers to come and help with the Cocopah work.
Thank you so much for all your continued support and prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Michael and Dawn Veldhuis