Anderson's June 2009 Prayer Letter

June 2009

Let me begin by apologizing for the delay in sending this prayer letter. We are seriously past due and very sorry for the long period with no update. The Lord is faithful, and He continues to bless despite our frailties–for His glory. We would like to use this letter to highlight a couple of critical prayer requests in our lives and ministry, knowing you will take these matters before the throne of God as you so faithfully intercede on our behalf.

The first matter concerns our current support level. Since this time last year, we have lost approximately $650 in monthly support. Seventeen of our twenty-two supporting churches (revised number) are in southeast Michigan. Though the economic situation nationwide is taking a “hit” from its past levels, the Midwest region is even more affected. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Please understand that this is in no way a “woe is me” statement. God has never failed to meet our needs (Ps. 37:25), and we praise His name for His gracious provision. Just this past week we learned of a car being given to us, replacing the one that was totaled in February! Praise the Lord for His goodness! The difficulty relates to our ability to maintain a house in Alabama (near the BWM home office), while continuing to do furlough replacement. As you know, we attempt to offset (as much as possible) the housing-related expenses on each field when we are covering for a missionary (rent, utilities, phone, etc.). Because of our current support level, we are finding that doing this while maintaining our own house is, in most cases, impossible. We are seriously considering selling the house in Alabama. The Lord alone knows where we would then live whenever stateside, and . . . He is more than able! We are asking for His wisdom, timing, and direction. Please pray! We are also setting up meetings in an effort to raise additional support.

Steve’s mother (83) is facing some significant health challenges. We all desire to see God continually glorified in her life, as well as arranging appropriate 24/7 care for her and for our brother Dave. We need God’s guidance and timing for these major decisions, and we thank you so much for praying about this.

Thank you so much for your prayers for our son-in-law Glenn, who was deployed in January to Central Asia and will be returning later this summer. We are all eager for his safe return, especially Becky and their two children. Glenn’s vehicle has been a tremendous blessing to use during the time since ours was totaled.

We have planned a trip to West Africa in August and September of this year to visit our missionaries in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and DR Congo. May we be a help and blessing to these choice servants!

Debtors to His grace,

Steve and Martha Anderson