Gratitude/Praise

To be honest, I have not “felt” like expressing gratitude or rising up in praise over the past 72 hours, but as my mind has raced and I have found myself seemingly dragged through discouragement into feelings of self-pity,  helplessness, and even despair the tune and words of Chris Tomlin’s song “How can I keep from singing?” have permeated my soul and prompted me to express gratitude and praise (“Our God”), and recommit myself to follow Jesus—my Lord and King!

How can I keep from singing? by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song, echoes in my soul.
I hear the music ring.
And though the storms may come, I am holding on.
To the Rock I cling!

How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King!
And it makes my heart want to sing.

I will lift my eyes in the darkest night
For I know my Saviour lives
And I will walk with you knowing you’ll see me through
And sing the songs you give.

How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King!
And it makes my heart want to sing!

I can sing in the troubled times
sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step and I fall down again
I can sing cuz you pick me up
I can sing cuz you’re there
I can sing cuz you hear me Lord, when I’m calling you in prayer
I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know,
That I’ll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne

How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King,  and it makes my heart…
I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart…
I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing.

Yeah…

I can sing!

Our God— written by Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves

Water you turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like you, None like you!

Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like you, None like you!

Our God is greater!
Our God is stronger!
God, you are higher than any other
Our God is healer!
Awesome in power
Our God! Our God!

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

I will follow —written by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan and Chris Tomlin

Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow!

All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone!

Higher than my sight
High above my  life
I will trust in you alone!

Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow!

Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose,
I will follow you, I will follow you!

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone

You’re the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone!

In you there’s life everlasting
In you there’s freedom for my soul
In you there’s joy, unending joy,
And I will follow!

“Post infectious chronic pain and multi-factorial chronic fatigue”.    This diagnosis given to Debbie last Friday (April 1) was not an “April fools” joke!   It followed thirteen consecutive working days of thorough appointments, testing, and consultations with the “team” of medical professionals at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Chronic pain is pain that stems from an infection which has injured the nerves.  It is clear that Debbie had some type of infection/disease (probably tropical) that has been healed, but brought on the chronic pain and multi-factorial chronic fatigue.

We were incredibly blessed spending 19 nights in the Fischer home.  Phil, Julie and JoAnna welcomed us as family and our interactions with  them and with their daughter Melinda (lives and works in Rochester)  and son Peter (home for spring break from Moody in Spokane, Washington) were encouraging and therapeutic.  Yesterday, as we drove south (11 hours) toward “home” (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) we found ourselves increasingly enjoying the beautiful day, warmer weather (80’s) and greener scenery.  Unfortunately, the colder air followed us south and today it is windy, cloudy, rainy, and in the mid-40’s.  We  look forward to warmer weather before heading back to Rochester and Mayo Clinic and Fischers on April 17.  Debbie begins a 3 week chronic pain and chronic fatigue rehab program on the 18th that should act as a jump start  toward a full recovery.  A couple more tests and blood work are also scheduled to definitively rule out Crohn’s disease and ensure that there is no other current infection causing pain and fatigue.  During our time at Mayo she developed a cough and was running more than just a low grade fever.  A CT scan of her small intestine was normal, but “caught” some irregularities in the lower lobe of her right lung.  An additional scan of her lung revealed pneumonia which she is presently being treated for, as a separate issue.

As we have continued to pray for healing and seek answers to what has caused the ongoing pain, low-grade fevers and fatigue that Debbie has experienced for months now, our hopes and plans remained focused on returning to Entebbe the end of May, following Abbie & Bo and Audrey & Franky’s weddings,  in order to once again take up my full responsibilities as the Regional Executive Officer for AIM’s Central Region.  Phil Byler and Dale Hamilton, together with the rest of the leadership team on the ground, very capably have covered my responsibilities and provided leadership in my absence.  That was intended to be a temporary solution that has now carried on for 7 months.   On Thursday March 31, in light of the uncertainties related to how long it may take for Debbie to regain full strength, AIM’s International Director asked me, and with the best interests of AIM and the Central Region in mind, to submit a letter of resignation as the REO.  This allows AIM Central Region to move forward under an appointed leader.  So, as of March 31 we are full members with AIM seeking the Lord for leading and direction as to what, where, and when our next assignment may be.

We value and covet your prayers!

With gratitude, praise, and commitment to our Lord and King!

Steve & Debbie Wolcott

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2).   In Fernando Ortega’s “The Shadow of Your Wings” CD the opening song is “Grace and Peace”.  The words are taken from I Thessalonians 1:2 and “parrot” this very familiar greeting of the Apostle Paul.   One evening last week Debbie and I found ourselves in a frustrated discussion that was primarily a venting related to her unanswered health issues, waiting, uncertainty, significance/value, etc.,.  In short we were both feeling sorry for ourselves and our current situation—wishing there were some answers, or even better, healing!  In frustration I told Debbie I was going out to the shop to work on finishing installing the drawers of the workbench—a nice project Marshall had for me! I “worked out” my frustration as I “discussed” with (probably more accurate to say “complained to”) Father.  Going to bed well past mid-night I reviewed Ephesians 1, which I have been memorizing, and turned out the light, hoping to get a few hours of needed sleep.  The words and music of Ortego’s song, “Grace and Peace” reverberated over and over in my conscious and subconscious through the rest of the night.  I recognized the need for increased grace in my own life as we seek and wait for answers (ultimately from Father). With grace comes peace. As I understand and appropriate more grace, the peace of God that is beyond understanding fills my soul.  Paul, could say in Romans 5 that the result of standing in grace was peace with God.  Therefore, we rejoice in the hope we have even in suffering as it produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  So…we are praying that even in or maybe in spite of the disappointments and discouragements we will demonstrate hope,  knowing that what we have and are going through is purposeful in Fathers’ overarching plans.

Praise

1. That a spirit of peace did prevail leading up to, during, and after the results of the Uganda Feb. 18 elections (presidential, parliamentary, local councils, etc.).  President Museveni was re-elected to a 5 year term.  There was a call from the opposition for demonstrations following the elections and there have been some “hot” spots, but overall the election process went well and ministries are continuing.
2. For the good transition that Phil Byler and Dale Hamilton have been able to make in their respective roles as AIM Central Region Executive Officer (REO-covering for me) and AIMAIR general manager.  Continue to pray Eph. 1:17-23 for them in these roles.
3. For the very good Mbororo/Zande survey!  One of the participants rated it as a 10+ on a scale to 10.  An initial report has been written with suggested priorities as we move forward toward establishing discipleship teams among these people.  Praise Father for those who have shown an interest in being part of this initiative- (praying, giving, going as part of the teams).
   

Pray

1. For healing!  Debbie has been referred by Dr. Hennigan (infectious disease) to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  His office began this process a couple of weeks ago. At the same time we began collecting medical records from the various doctors’ offices and hospitals where tests have been carried out.  In addition, because Mayo is outside of AIM’s health insurance network it has necessitated our looking into what that means practically.  We are very thankful for the help we have received from AIM’s US Director in making contacts and working on bringing clarity to this.  One of the most difficult aspects of all of this has been waiting—for doctor’s appointments, tests, test results, etc.,.   Debbie received a call from Mayo Clinic yesterday saying that in response to the referral from Dr. Hennigan she does have an appointment—for the 18th of April!  That is a month and a half away!  More waiting!  Pray with us! For healing!  For grace and peace!  To clearly hear from Jesus the steps for each day!
2. For the ongoing  planning for the weddings—Abbie and Bo Kim (May 21 in Columbia,SC) , and Audrey and Francis Sims (May 14 in Perkasie, PA).
3. For CECA’s Executive Council  as they meet this week.  Pray Ephesians 1:17-23 for the leaders of CECA-20 (the church denomination that we partner with in D. R. Congo).  They face special challenges on a daily basis with ongoing insecurity due to the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in the north and various other militias in the East of the country,  difficult economic realities,  nominalism, syncretism, corruption, etc.,   In spite of all this God’s kingdom is being established in the D.R. Congo.
   

Serving together, Because He Lives!

Steve & Debbie

 

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you; when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.

We remain in Arkansas, “camped” in the river ranch cabin of our mentors Marshall and Robin Orcutt, just south of Siloam Springs.  For our Africa friends, it is currently 3 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping—reached –5!.   We are very thankful for the home made wood stove that Marshall has in the cabin.  It is managing to keep us “toasty”–the cabin can be a bit chilly first thing in the morning until I manage to stoke the fire, but it is well insulated and holds the heat very well.   As I mentioned in the December Praise and Prayer (sorry we missed January!) the infectious disease doctor was “determined to get the bottom of this”– the “this” being the cause for the ongoing pain, fatique, and fevers that Debbie continues to experience.  There has been a continual gradual decline in her strength and overall health.  Following a capsule endoscopy on the 30th of December, in which the gastroenteroloigist basically ruled out mild Crohns disease, the infectious disease doctor felt that by putting all the symptoms, tests results, etc., together,  the cause behind the pain, fatigue, and fevers could be attributed to extra-intestinal Crohn’s disease.  He prescribed a treatment of entocort 9mg daily for 3 weeks.  It did nothing to relieve the symptoms, so as of her appointment with him last Friday, she is now off of that.  Following the appointment the infectious disease doctor sent Debbie to see the gastroenterologist again, who after carefully listening and examining her, recommended two possibilities—exploratory laparoscopic surgery or a visit to a tertiary care center like Mayo Clinic.  He was to consult with the infectious disease doctor and one of them get back with us with their next step recommendations.  That is yet to happen!  Our friend Dr. Phil Fischer from our time at Nyankunde in DR Congo (Zaire at the time) is currently the head of pediatrics at Mayo Clinic.  We have kept him in the loop on testing, results, recommendations, etc.,.  He is ready to help with planning for a visit to Mayo.

A friend that we were colleagues with in Africa recently contacted us and suggested that we look in to Upper Cervical Care as a possible avenue for Debbie to get relief.  The principle of Upper Cervical Care is that if the C1 and  C2 vertebrae are out of alignment the result is that pressure is exerted on the nerve stem which inhibits the normal impulses between the brain and body functions (much like the effect of crimping a water hose inhibits the flow of water).  Our bodies naturally heal themselves when they are healthy and at “ease”, but if normal nerve impulse is suppressed wellness is affected and “dis-ease” sets in.  Debbie has had neck problems for years—since she was “launched” into the cab roof of our pickup back in the late 80’s, when I hit a ridge that ran across the road too fast on the road to Rethy.  This resulted in severe pain at the time and headaches since.  Debbie looked on the Internet and found an Upper Cervical Care Center in Bentonville.  She had an evaluation done which revealed two previous injuries to her neck  and significant misalignment.  She had an adjustment to both the C1 and C2 vertebrae  Friday evening and then a follow-up on Monday with a much improved thermal scan compared to the scans prior to and immediately following the adjustment.

Through all of this I have thought often of the principle that Rees Howells found in a life of intercession–  “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity!”  We have and continue to learn much through this time of waiting for healing—however Father chooses to do that! We know that we are engaged in a battle that involves the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.  We have witnessed direct answers to prayer and deliverance from Satan’s attacks against us, but not complete healing yet for Debbie from the symptoms of pain, fatigue, and fevers!  In the meantime, as we wait, Father is at work accomplishing his purposes in our lives.  Probably most importantly He has allowed us the opportunity to practice silence and solitude, where hearing his voice is learned.  I came across the following in Dallas Williard’s “The Great Omission”: “Learn that you don’t have to do to be. Accept the grace of doing nothing.  Stay with it until you stop jerking and squirming…Far from being a mere absence, silence allows the reality of God to stand in the midst of your life.  It is like the wind of eternity blowing in your face.” I am having to learn that my identity, value, worth, significance is not in what I do.  It is in allowing the reality of God to stand in the midst of my life—to hear his voice and follow him!  Unfortunately, I have not learned this yet!  I am still “jerking and squirming”.  That may very well be why we are still here!

PRAISE:
1) That we were able to celebrate Christmas together with all of our immediate family (Abbie and Bo, Aaron, and Audrey and Francis)!  Both Abbie’s, but especially Audrey’s expressions of unbelief, surprise, and overwhelming joy (truly Kodak moments!) when Aaron showed up on the 23rd at Grandma Nokes, during their party to introduce Bo and Francis to family friends in Siloam Springs, served as indelibly stamped memories and a great Christmas present.  As a family we also enjoyed “creating a memory” together at Silver Dollar City with Grandma and Chisms (Debbie’s sister Valerie, husband Craig, and Ben, Ruby, and Jasmine).
2) For the encouraging visit from Lanny and Carla Arensen (AIM International Director).  We were deeply blessed through the time spent in conversation, interactions related to our responsibilities in Central Region of AIM, both general prayer times together and prayer specifically for Debbie’s healing,  and by the opportunity to introduce them to Debbie’s Mom and her Grandma Grace.   It was a first for both of them to be in Arkansas! In an email expressing thanks for the time spent together, they used the words ‘sacrifice’ and ‘grace’ to describe their time with us.  Here is a small but key portion of my response to that:  How we respond to pain and suffering is a choice- a heart matter as Ravi Zacharias puts it in The Grand Weaver.  There are three possibilities—”our heart will grow hard, it will be broken, or it will be tender.  Nobody escapes.  Your heart will become coarse and desensitized, or be made tender by that which makes the heart of God tender as well.  God’s heart is a tender heart..our infirmities deeply touch God…-allow God to make your heart tender, strengthen your mind through faith, and make the cross the aortic valve of your life—the result follows.”
3) For the reports of an uplifting and encouraging annual conference for the members of AIM’s Central Region. The purpose of the conference is fellowship and spiritual refreshment.  Reports are that the speaker (Eddie Larkman) “hit the mark”.   The conference was held on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, which meant travel for the 130 participants from not only within Rwanda, but from Uganda, DR Congo, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, S. Sudan, Kenya,  Tanzania, and the U.K.  Praise for safety in all the travels!  Travel in Central Africa is definitely not to be taken for granted!
4) For the peaceful referendum vote in S. Sudan!  The official results will be announced next week, but what has already been made public is that over 99% of eligible voters have voted for the South to secede from the North.  The official split will take place in July.  Praise that our members working in S. Sudan are able to return and resume the ministries they have been engaged in.  Praise for the statement from the Khartoum government that they will honor the results of the referendum.
5) Again for the wonderful place to stay on Orcutt’s farm. We have been deeply blessed by Marshall and Robin’s friendship, mentoring, and practiced intercession on our behalf.  The opportunity to lend a helping hand on the farm alongside of Marshall, Robin, and Molly Torres (their daughter) has been therapeutic.  We have cleared and burned brush, “worked” cattle, started a corral, and I have the building of a workbench in the shop as a project to be completed.  I introduced Marshall to african tea  and we have enjoyed cups of “chai” and meals together, and the opportunity that lends to interaction and learning from one another.

PRAY:
1) For healing for Debbie!  That we will: “Trust in the Lord with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge him, and know that he is making straight our paths”.
2) Ephesians 1:17-23 for Dale Hamilton and Phil Byler. Dale (covered my responsibilities as the Central Region REO from Oct to Jan) has of Jan. 19 assumed the role of AIM-AIR manager in Nairobi.  Pray for wisdom, understanding, and revelation as he provides leadership for AIM’s aviation services. Logistical support supplied by and through small aircraft is crucial to allowing us to place members in extreme ministry contexts—most often among unreached or least reached people groups.   Phil has again taken on my responsibilities as REO through the end of May.  He covered for me last year from July through mid-September when Dale we expected to be back in Uganda.   Phil also continues to carry his own responsibilities as the Unit Leader for S. Sudan.  Not an easy burden with the uncertainties related to the South’s secession.
3)  That each of the participants of the Zande/Mbororo survey, which is taking place from today (3rd-13 February) in Northeast DR Congo and CAR, will hear Jesus speak clearly as to what their personal involvement among the Zande and Mbororo should be.  The survey team includes the president (Pastor Kokole) of CECA-20 (our partner church in DR Congo), the vice president responsible for that area (Pastor Lalima), Pastor Anguandia (missions department head for Shalom Univeristy in Bunia), Mukanirwa (Congolese missionary), Steve and Sharon Entwistle (AIM members currently leading a team in Mozambique), Mark Stabell (AIM member on the team in Mozambique), Ron Pontier (pilot and leader for the survey), Jay Mundy (pilot), and David Lamb (pastor of one of Ron’s supporting churches). Pray that as they interact together and with the local church leaders in Banda, Dungu, Zemio, and Mboki,  they will discern what more is needed from CECA-20, Shalom, AIM, etc. to continue to bring the church to maturity, and to the place where CECA-20’s Zande believers are capable of leading other Zandes and Mbororo to an understanding of, and opportunity to respond to the Gospel, with the result being their lives and society transformed through true discipleship.  I believe that what AIM CR and TIMO primarily have to offer is a model for transformational discipleship through teams made up of members that are committed “to intimately knowing and bringing others into a vibrant relationship with Jesus, so that the Body of Christ among the Zandes and Mbororo demonstrates the life and character of Jesus”.
4) For the elections in Uganda on the 18th of February—that a spirit of peace would prevail leading up to, during, and when the results are announced!  Our members are being told to take precautionary measures during this time and contingency plans are in place, if needed!  Pray that our leaders will be able to discern the local “temperature”, know what Jesus would have them do, make the necessary decisions, communicate those well to the members, and see them followed through as needed.

Serving together, Because He Lives!

Steve and Debbie

Tel: 479-233-0823
Blog: sdwolcott@aimsites.org

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Hebrews 10:21-24 (ESV)  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with the pure water.  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works,

Our trust in the Lord is demonstrated through action—let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works!

We are still in the States, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, “camped” in the river ranch cabin of our friends Marshall and Robyn Orcutt. We have been given the opportunity to “draw near”, “hold fast”, and “consider” as we trust in the Lord and wait.  Over the past several months Debbie has increasingly experienced fatigue, low-grade fevers, and pain in her lower right side (extending to her back).  Knowing that Jesus is the healer (by his stripes we are healed) we reaffirm our trust in him and his ways, recognizing that he has made, is making, and will make our paths straight.   The multiple tests carried out over the past several months have ruled out several possibilities but come up short in revealing the cause of the pain, fevers and fatigue. This past Monday Debbie saw an infectious disease doctor who is “determined to get to the bottom of this”.  He requested numerous additional tests that according to Debbie required a “bucket full of blood” be drawn.  So, we wait, believing that this path will be made straight.

Praise
1. For the wonderful provision of Marshall and Robyn Orcutt’s river ranch cabin during this extended stay and for the ongoing use of Mark and Bev Knoner’s car.  Marshall and Robyn’s almost daily encouragement, expressed in many different ways has been a rich blessing to us!  Praise for the “life” lessons that we are being “schooled” in during this time of uncertainty and waiting.
2. For Abbie’s engagement to Bo Kim (Nov. 19)—they will be married May 21, 2011  in S. Carolina, one week after Audrey and Francis Sims are married (May 14, 2010) in Pennsylvania.  We look forward to spending time together with the Abbie and Audrey and our sons-in-law during the Christmas holidays.  A blessing from being delayed!
3. For Dale and Chris Hamilton who have stepped in to cover our responsibilities; as Regional Executive Officer for AIM’s Central Region and for the Ssese Islands Project. In Oct-Nov. Dale attended the meetings related to AIM’s International Council in S. Africa and on short notice prepared and gave reports both there and at AIM’s leadership workshop on my behalf for Central Region. Praise for the good reports from these meetings.

Pray
1. For wisdom and insight for the doctors who are looking into the possible causes of Debbie’s pain, fever, and fatigue.
2. That Father will continue to raise up workers for a team to work among the Zande and Mbororo people in DRCongo and Central African Republic.  Pray as preparations are made and details worked out for a survey trip that is being planned for February with potential team leaders and team members.
3. That AIM’s members in Central Region will keep their eyes focused on Jesus and his ways and purposes, particularly leading up to and through the referendum vote in S. Sudan which is to take place on Jan. 9, and the general elections to be held in Uganda in mid-Feb. 2011.  Pray for integrity, stability and peace through these election processes.  Note:  As a precautionary measure, AIM members will be out of S. Sudan prior to and through when the results are announced and reactions evaluated.  Pray that our members will be able to engage in meaningful ministry opportunities and ways while they are away from their primary ministry locations.
4. For Central Region’s annual spiritual refreshment conference to be held in Rwanda January 5-9; for understanding, insight, wisdom and revelation as the final schedule and preparations are put in place by the Conference Committee, Regional Leadership, Eddie Larkman (keynote speaker), and others leading sessions, etc.  Pray specifically that Eddie Larkman will experience the Holy Spirit’s prompting and leading as he prepares the keynote messages, and that they will prove to be a refreshing encouragement and blessing.
5. That we will know Jesus’ voice, have courage to obey what he is saying to and asking of us, and love, as he loves, those that he puts in our path each day.

Serving together, Because He lives!

Steve & Debbie

Oct. 2010

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

We have been in the States since July 5th.  Our return scheduled for Sept. 5th has postponed several times.  We appreciate your interest in us and the ministry opportunities we continue to be blessed to be a part of.  We value your interest and prayer!

Praise

1. For the wonderful provision of a quiet place to ourselves on the river ranch of our friends Marshall and Robin Orcutt.  We have enjoyed this quiet place with the opportunity for walks through the hay field to the river, sitting on its banks, and even marveling at the physics and aerodynamics of trying to skip stones across it—yes there were a few successful tries! The setting has been conducive for rest and refreshment—in every way!
2. For wonderful celebrations with our immediate family during July and August.  Our immediate family was on the same continent, in the same State and even city (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) for a couple of weeks. Abbie returned from China in June in order to prepare to begin theological studies at Columbia International University (CIU) in Charlotte, S. Carolina this Fall.  She joined Audrey at the Nokes farm (Debbie’s Mom’s place), which she was making home after finishing her sophomore year at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Aaron joined us from D.R. Congo during his month break between contracts with Samaritan’s Purse.    Francis Sims joined us August 9th and we joined Audrey and Francis in celebrating their engagement (we are staying tuned for a wedding date) as well as Francis’ birthday.
3. For the 100 year birthday celebrations of Grandma Grace (Debbie’s Grandmother).  Celebrating Grandma Grace’s life (A life of faith lived with evidence of God’s grace upon it) with her Nicodemus Community Church family and friends (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) and then at Camp Eagle (Rocksprings, Texas) with the extended family and friends was a once in a lifetime experience.  We are truly blessed to have a rich Christian heritage!
4. We were able to help Abbie find and purchase a car (Honda CRV) and together with Audrey and Francis, Steve was able to get her and her belongings moved and settled into her apartment at CIU.  Steve was then able to go with Audrey and Francis to meet his family in Pennsylvania before they headed back to school at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU).
5. We were here and available to be with Debbie’s Mom and her step-father’s (Charles) family through his extended time of hospitalization and medical care leading up to his death on Sept. 3 and funeral on Sept. 7th.  It has been a blessing to be able to be around and help out in various ways.

Prayer

1. With Charles’ extended hospitalization during July and August Debbie and I had decided that Debbie would extend her time here in the States to be available to help her Mom.  This also allowed her to take advantage of the time to follow through with her doctor on a couple of medical issues, including an ongoing infection.   Charles’ failing condition leading to his death prompted me to also postpone my return until after his funeral.  The various tests  Debbie has had following three rounds of antibiotics have not revealed what is causing the infection and resulting pain, low grade fevers and fatigue.   Join us in praying for healing, even as we continue to seek medical advice and help in finding what the causing the infection is and how it should be treated.
2. Dale Hamilton has agreed to cover my responsibilities in AIM’s Central Region.  Ask Father to give him insight, understanding, wisdom and grace as he deals with administrative, personnel, island ministry, and practical issues related to  covering for me during this time.  He also needs strength as he carries his own ministry responsibilities along with these added responsibilities.
3. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matt. 9:37,38 —ask for workers for a multidisciplinary team focused on discipleship among the Mbororo people (Central African Republic) and a 2nd team among the Zande (Northeast Congo, S. Sudan, CAR).

John 15—Abide (Remain) in the Vine!  Pray with us that we will allow the life of Jesus to flow through us producing fruit that will bless those in need of Him.

Thanks for praying with us!

Steve & Debbie Wolcott