June 1, 2008
Dearest Partners and Friends of Siberian Mission,
We are approaching the 12th birthday (in August) of our pioneer work among the Sakha Tribe. Since our latest return from Siberia, in a blessed season of remarkable ministry fruitfulness, we have been facing a combined onslaught of the deepest internal and external conflicts and trials we have ever experienced.
In one particularly difficult trial, we ask you to join us in our prayers for deliverance. Attributable to combination of physical and chemical imbalances in her delicate constitution, and spiritual harassment from the enemies of our souls, Diane has been shut-down physically and emotionally over the last 4 months and was hospitalized in Florida for 24/7 monitoring and restorative care. She has been unable to function on a basic level for her own needs. Neither has she been able to keep up with ministry needs including US communication responsibilities.
Diane’s health and well-being remains my first priority. Therefore Internet discipleship and writing for our Sakha leaders has been temporarily curtailed. I’ve not been well either, still suffering only 30% movement of my head and neck from my Dec. car accident in Siberia.
These have contributed to the most trying and character building times and trials of our lives together per 1 Peter 1:7, 4:12-14, and James 1:2-5. We are clinging to our Savior, and onto the hope that all our circumstances are working for our present and eternal good, and for the furtherance of God’s kingdom (Romans 8:28).
We are also holding on to, and rejoicing for the stirring stories of growth and maturation of the fledgling Sakha churches—for which the Father grants us a continuing small part in.
The Russian Consulate General in Washington DC still holds out to us an invitation to come and interview for a 3-5 year residence visa that we might stay long-term in Siberia. However, until we are fully healed and we can determine that this is God’s perfect will for us to return - we are postponing that interview in DC. Meanwhile, I continue a indispensable level of oversight, to build-up, funnel aide, and encourage Christian leaders in Moscow and in our remote region.
Thank you, all for your continued faithful prayers and support,
Michael |
