FINALLY! We finally received the inspection approval for the Retirement Apartments. What an ordeal! We are now completing the final touches to make sure all the apartments are ready to move into. Two of the one-bedroom apartments that will be available for long-term rentals for furloughs will be ready next week. In fact, two missionaries will be moving into them for short furloughs starting next week.

In May we had a big storm with large hail (baseball size). Unfortunately, the roofs of the short-term and retirement apartments received extensive damage and must be replaced. They are only two years old. We are told these should be completed sometime in October.

The week of July 13-17 will be our annual new missionary training that we call Advanced Mission Training. Pray for our new missionaries as we present many aspects of missionary life and ministry. Some of these courses are available for current missionaries if you would like a refresher in any of these. Just let us know.

Right after our Advanced Mission Training, I will be traveling to Brazil. I have been asked to speak three times at their national meeting where several hundred churches should be represented. I am looking forward to meeting many pastors, visiting with our missionaries, and challenging them for world missions. Your prayers are appreciated.

We have a new Missionary Care Video. I hope you will take time to watch it. Click Here

I read these verses the other day along with a brief commentary and, as I reflected on them, many of you came to mind and the burdens and challenges that so many are carrying right now.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:10-11)

When we serve the Lord, especially on the mission field, we should not be surprised when opposition comes. Jesus Himself spoke of three general kinds of suffering His followers would experience.

First, there is persecution. The words “persecuted” and “persecute” come from a Greek root meaning “to pursue” or “to drive away.” There are times when people oppose us, criticize us, or make life difficult simply because we are seeking to honor Christ. Many of you have experienced this firsthand. Yet our Lord reminds us that those who suffer for righteousness’ sake are blessed.

Second, Jesus speaks of being reviled. This word refers to insults and verbal attacks. It is the same word used to describe the mockery and abuse our Savior endured during His crucifixion. Hurtful words can leave deep wounds, and some of the most painful moments in ministry come from things that are said about us. Our Lord understands those hurts because He experienced them Himself.

Finally, Jesus mentions slander – people speaking falsely of us and spreading “all manner of evil” reports. Perhaps this is one of the hardest trials to endure because our testimony and effectiveness in ministry are so closely connected. False accusations can be deeply painful and discouraging, and the enemy delights in using such things to attack God’s servants.

Over the years, I have experienced each of these as both a missionary and as Mission Director. I suspect many, if not all, of you have as well.

So, if you are walking through a season of suffering for righteousness’ sake, take heart. Your Savior has walked that road before you. He understands every hurt, every disappointment, and every tear. He knows your heart, and He will supply the grace you need for each day.

Be encouraged! Your labor is not in vain. The Lord sees your faithfulness, even when others do not. One day every sacrifice made for Christ will be worth it all.

Until then, stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Keep loving Him, keep serving Him, and keep pressing on. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who faithfully follow Him, and His abundant grace is sufficient for every trial and suffering.

Your friend,

Jon