As we start the month of June, the weather is beginning to warm up here in Springfield. For some of you the weather is starting to cool down heading into winter months. Either way – it is a privilege to serve the God of the universe.

The May approvals went very well. We are excited to have new missionaries join with us to reach the world with the Gospel. They all did very well in their interviews and with their testimonies. Would you remember to pray for them as they begin the deputation journey?

My trip in May to Japan went very well. I was invited to the memorial service for Lavern Rodgers. Of the 100 churches in Japan, over 80 pastors were in attendance to show their appreciation for Bro. Rodgers. It was a joy to spend time with some of our missionaries which I love to do. Then, I had the privilege to preach on Sunday for Mother’s Day. It was a quick trip, but I was blessed in many ways.

This month I will be going to Zambia for the first time. It will be neat to be a part of a pastor’s conference, building dedication, ordination of two men into the ministry, preach in two churches, and spend some time with the missionaries there. I also look forward to an excursion to see the Victoria Falls. One of the wonders of the world. This will make it seven countries in 12 months I have had the privilege to visit.  

Well, we have started the transition to the new software and website. We have experienced glitches of which many have been fixed or corrected. Thank you for your patience. It has been good to get feedback from you letting us know what needs attention. Overall, it has gone well. Some of our people have been putting a lot of extra time into this to help you all and the Mission Office staff through this process. Some even working through the night to fix things as quickly as possible.

The building project is moving forward. They are starting to put up the framing for the walls of the Mission Office building. They have poured the slab for the event center. Soon the slab for the short-term apartments will be poured. They are preparing the footings for the retirement housing. They are digging through rock for the sewage system, preparing the drainage to the retention pond, preparing for the gas and water connections, and moving dirt for the road. As you can see, there is a lot going on at the same time. Check out these pictures and video: Pictures of New Building Project and https://vimeo.com/showcase/10394920.

As I watch the events of the world going on all around us, I am reminded of Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus made it clear that following Him had its price. Rather than acceptance, fame, prestige, and prosperity, you can expect rejection and persecution. That can be the life and ministry of a missionary. There will be times when we face difficult people and circumstances. We might not face the severe persecutions the first-century believers faced, but with the way things are going worldwide there is the chance we might. May we stay true to our calling, shine the Light of Christ and rely on the Lord’s strength to endure any trials that come our way. Isn’t it great to know that God’s grace is sufficient for everything?

You may know of a missionary or missionaries who are facing some hard things or even persecution – would you pray for those you know that are suffering hardship for Christ’s sake?

I pray for God’s wisdom and strength for all of us to face persecution with an unwavering faith. It will be worth it all – when we see Jesus!

Your friend,

Jon