All things work together for good!

As we type this, Romans 8:28 is fresh on our minds!
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Thank you for praying for Lance this week. He and our son-in-law had a great three days in Indianapolis at the North American Missions Conference. They met many people and enjoyed hearing how God is at work around the world.

In our last update, we asked for prayer for the tuberculosis crisis in the village.  The first few days following that update, we anticipated word of Sansuwà’s home going. He had told his family to prepare themselves for the very strong probability of him dying. However, God had other plans and on top of that, something else happened…

In September 2010, we sent out an urgent prayer request. Sansuwà’s daughter Dina had gone missing! Several of you have asked about her over the past year.

First of all, here are some details: Normal procedure in the Philippines is to have a family member or close friend to help with the hospital patient. Naomi, one of Sansuwà’s daughters and a friend of hers, were designated as helpers.

Ron & Michelle had left the city to return to the mission home and get ready return to the village. Naomi called several times that night letting them know that her dad seemed close to death. So, they returned to help, knowing if he died, they would have to help arrange for his body to be returned home.

Over the next few days, Sansuwà’s fever left him, he was able to breath without oxygen and they began to have hope. When the fever was completely gone, the doctor said he could return home.
Before returning to the village, they sent the two girls to another hospital to get a sputum tests done. While there, they saw Dina! She had exhibited symptoms of TB and had sent to that hospital for a TB test. Naomi said she barely recognized her but they both cried when they saw each another.

There are more details but we want to keep this brief. Sansuwà has returned to the village with his medication. We would have loved to have been present to see his wife’s face when she sees, not only her husband still living, but also her daughter that had been missing!  We don’t know all that happened to her, other than she was forced to work without pay, but we DO KNOW that “All things work together for good to those who love God!” We praise the LORD for bringing Dina back home to her mom and dad, even though it took her dad having TB to bring them together again.

 

Please continue to pray for the TB situation. Yandang, pictured on the left, might have drug resistant TB. He will be living in a “safe house” in the city and await results. That will take about two months. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll be able to return home. If he does have it, he will be there for for a long while, getting daily injections. With these two church leaders “out of commission,” we’re asking God to raise up people to help minister in their place. Thank you for praying with us!

Ron & Michelle are returning, Lord willing, to the village on Tuesday. They still do not have internet access. Please continue to pray for that! Pray also as they set up a TB treatment program.

Thank you for praying for us as Lance continues work on Old Testament translation. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and financial support. Your partnership in this ministry is much appreciated!

Secure in Christ’s love,
Lance & Laura