Learning Much

We have not only been blessed to “settle in” to Bartlesville quickly, but have also begun serving at Voice of the Martyrs. Our official start date was May 3rd, 2005. We are serving in different capacities. Joe is assisting the Information Technology department with user support for several weeks, planning to move in a few weeks to assisting with a long-term file archiving project in the News Services Department. And Rebecca is a General Volunteer doing whatever needs to be done: signing receipts, putting DVD covers in their cases, putting the DVDs in the cases, putting the VOM newsletters in envelopes, helping out in other departments…whatever needs to be done.

Please pray for us as we continue to search for an Oklahoma church home. We have visited two churches so far, both of which exalt the Word of God. We know that God has a church for us, and look forward expectantly to worshiping with that body of believers.

The fellowship here with the brothers and sisters (both volunteers and workers) has just been a real blessing! One of the couples we have met, Mr. Jim and Miss Alma have been volunteering with VOM when VOM was not called VOM, but was called Christ to the Communist World when Richard Wurmbrand and his wife Sabina were still alive. They’ve seen lots of changes, but for the better as the Lord has just grown this ministry.

We are very thankful for the Lord allowing some wonderful fellowship recently. We were honored to be at the homes of several godly couples who are all very hospitable as well. They are all passionate for God, and especially serving our persecuted brothers and sisters. We’ve had the privilege to hear some of the stories of people who have been on missions to other countries. The husband of one of the couples we’ve shared a meal with recently came back from China and will be sharing about that trip soon during chapel time here at VOM. We’re looking forward to that. Something we continually hear is how our brothers and sisters in other countries really cherish our prayers for them. We continually hear of how they are asked what we can do for them and instead of asking for food, clothes, money…they ask for prayer. So please keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers. Another thing we have heard and have read about is how the countries who do the persecution really make things look so good for outsiders coming in. For instance, there are countries that have churches, but the only time you see them full is when there are tourists or US officials, and so these tourists or officials from the US come and see this and think all is okay. Pray that we would have eyes to see the deception that is going on and that things are not what they seem, even if the news says so.

To God be all the Glory!