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“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;” (Col. 1:11).

God always empowers you to enable you to do what He calls you to do. Despite our weaknesses, the power for spiritual steadiness is ours in Christ as we allow the knowledge of His will to control our lives. Paul describes the working of God’s power as a power to help us do anything God calls us to according to His might – which is unlimited!

The result of this is patience regarding people and longsuffering regarding circumstances. Notice it says with joyfulness. When we are strengthened and patient, we are spiritually stable. Our responses will be biblical, caring, and thoughtful; not worldly, selfish, or uncontrolled.

Paul also said, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Eph. 6:10). That is possible when we trust God and rely on the infinite power that is ours in Christ.

I know the ministry is very hard, especially in a foreign country with all the other aspects of international living. It is wonderful to remember that when Jesus said that He has all the power and that He goes with us, we can be strengthened to do whatever He calls us to do. We can go with confidence and joyfulness!

We had a great time with our new missionaries during the annual Candidate School in July. We cover a lot of topics and do as much as we can to prepare them for the deputation trail and ministry on the field. It allows us to get to know them better and for them to get acquainted with us who will serve them — hopefully for many years.

A person at our church that has been involved with music in churches and also loves missions told me the other day he has two accordions that he would give to any missionary who could use one or both in their ministry. If you are interested, please let me know.

This month, I have the privilege to preach for the 70^th anniversary of the Japan Baptist Bible Fellowship. They started as a Fellowship one year before the BBFI. Ike Foster started churches there before 1950 and later joined the BBFI. Please pray for travel safety and for God’s blessings upon the meeting.

We think of you and pray for you often. May the Lord give you a fruitful August!

Your friend,

Jon Konnerup

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