Victory Report

God has been working in many ways in this past month, but one story of healing, forgiveness and redemption stands above the rest.

On a Saturday afternoon we were summoned to help with a medical crisis. J*, a strong, healthy 17 yr old had developed a drastic change in behavior followed by a series of seizures. Tradition among this animistic tribe lead them to believe the problem was an evil spirit, not a physical illness and the family took him to a specialized witch doctor far in the mountains. When the witch doctor was unable to help, the family was frantic, they believed their son was going to die.

Rusty and Pastor Jonel loaded up the 1997 Ford the Lord has provided for us and headed into the mountains. Later that night, J* was brought to the provincial hospital at the far end of our island, about 7 hrs away from our home and the tribe. Diagnostic tests determined that J* had viral encephalitis.

Three weeks later J* was discharged. During the treatment time, his mother K* experienced many brushes with death, as five patients in J* ward died while they were there. All the while, her son was regaining his strength and coming back into his right mind, and she knew it was because of the healing hand of God.

K* had brought a New Testament Bible we had given their family to the hospital and she says it was this time in God's Word that gave her the strength to face the challenges of a critically ill son and death surrounding them.

J* came home whole and healed from his illness and his mother had a real life encounter with the living Savior who she readily credits for healing her son. Praise the Lord J* was at our youth Bible study and they were both at church this Sunday!

Your partnership with this ministry allows us to be here to share the light and love of Jesus with the Ati tribe. They aren't just a ancient tribal people group, they are mothers and sons, people with fears and hopes and dreams.

This growing ministry needs a growing group of partners, praying and giving to this work. Please click on the TAKE ACTION button above and you too can become a recurring monthly partner to this ministry! Your investment in this ministry enables us to bring them the true hope found in Jesus.

The Problem with Growth

"Then He said to His disciples, "The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine..."" Matthew 9:37 (Common English Bible)

The ministry to the Ati people is growing, and so are the financial needs. As someone who's followed our family's journey to serve Jesus and love His children, would you prayerfully ask the Lord of the harvest if He would have you partner with us in this Gospel focused ministry to the Ati?

We are seeing fruit. At a recent tribal council meeting, sworn enemies in the tribe laid down anger and resentment they had held against each other for more than two years. They spoke to each other with respect and sought unity for the sake of the whole community. This is the power of the Gospel.

Today Rusty visited a man whose chronic disease is slowing eating away at his feet. After a complete amputation more than three years ago, his other foot is beginning to lose toes. His aging parents struggle to care from him and their own needs. The situation seems hopeless and dark, but today, as Rusty visited with him, he observed an open Bible on the floor near where Reneboy was sitting. This is the power of the Gospel.

Young leaders are being trained and discipled in church leadership. A young pastor is growing in his skill in preaching the Word of God and opening his home to the needs of the community. There is growth, there is hope, there is the Gospel of Jesus!

We can't do this work without the empowering prayers of our friends. But we also can not bring this ministry to poor, the broken, and the hungry without the financial partnership of those God directs to join with us.

We would love to have you partner with us, if God gives that call on your life. Please see our New International for more details!