June is here and that means in less than two weeks the annual Missionary Family Reunion will start. It is the week of June 13-18. We are looking to have a wonderful time together. Please pray for God’s blessings on each person and each family that week. We are looking forward to spending time with all who will be in attendance. Come expecting lots of fun, fellowship, and refreshment!

As you know, the world of medical insurance is seeing some changes and taking some hits due to the ever-increasing cost of procedures, medications, and doctors. Because of the Missionary Care Offering we were able to transfer funds into the medical reserve earlier this year which helped to keep our monthly increases at 5%. If we hadn’t done that, we were looking at a 38% increase in your monthly deduction. So far this year, we are seeing a trend similar to last year with our claims cost outpacing our income from deductions. Would you make this a matter of prayer? Would you pray that God would keep our missionary force healthy and that our medical plan would remain strong for years to come?

The May Fellowship Meeting was encouraging. We saw two couples approved as missionaries and two couples received their 30-year awards. Please join us and many others as we focus on our second year of Project 938. We must pray fervently for more laborers.

The Annual Missionary Care Golf Tournament was successful with our largest number of players to date. This was our 10^th year and God blessed with many sponsors giving generously toward the Missionary Care Offering.

We are also going through the process of changing over our software system in the Mission Office. The software we used for years is no longer going to be supported by the developer. Therefore, we have had to do a lot of research, and now testing, to update our entire system. Much of it you will like. However, we all know whenever there is change it takes time to adjust and adapt. I mention this to give you a heads-up about what will be coming during the summer.

The new building project is moving forward. They have drilled the soil where buildings will be placed to check for rock and substandard soil. Everything looks good so far. We are working on plans and permits and hopefully in August we can break ground. Please pray for God to help us with costs and other challenges we may face during this downturn in the economy.

There is so much going on in our world today. Some things unique to the various countries you live and serve in. These troubles can seem to take away our joy in the Lord. We should do all we can to not allow a negative outlook take the place of our joy, no matter how bad it is.

I think of Philippines 4:4 which says:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

The apostle Paul was suffering difficult times including imprisonment, yet he was still rejoicing. I believe one reason he was rejoicing is because the Gospel message was still going forth. He was more concerned about the guards and others hearing the good news which gave him a reason to rejoice in his struggles.

His positive outlook and attitude of joy along with his message of truth impacted the lives around him and they came to Jesus. What a great example for us today. We can show a Christlikeness and godly joy no matter what world events are going on — people around us will see this and some may notice. People are not expecting this kind of attitude these days. However, we can overcome the world’s expectations because we have the JOY of the LORD!

Let’s look above and beyond our problems and world issues and focus on what Jesus did for us. And then, rejoice because we get to go tell others! Be strong in the Lord!

Your friend,

Jon