ANDREA HUGHES... Off to ministry training and the mission field.

Joie and I are excited, to say the least, about the opportunity to send one of our own (Andrea) off to missionary training with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), Pittsburgh base, this Thursday, January 24. God has blessed her through the love and support of Covenant Evangelical Methodist church in Morgantown, WV, in meeting the total financial cost, not to mention their confidence in the genuineness of Andrea's calling and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Andrea on mission trip to Mexico with Mayan kids
Andrea has been brought up to believe the 'great commission' of going into all the world and making disciples, preaching the uncompromised Word of God, casting out devils, healing the sick, etc., is just as much in force today as it was 2000 years ago in the streets of Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea, and all the world. And the modern movement to 'spare' people of the message designed to convert the sinner (proselytize, if you will), is not a movement blessed by God. Modern ministries who have chosen not to target Jews, in particular, for conversion, are totally missing the mark. They need to return to our first love, for sure.
YWAM's experience in Israel is exemplary of a true missionary organization, committed to preaching the gospel, converting the sinner, and being obedient to the expressed will of God instead of the will and weakness of the modern, 'seeker sensitive', people-pleasing 'ministry' organizations, so prevalent in today's American church society.

Click on the following video link and watch... You'll see what I mean.

Surgery update... 1/21/08

As of early afternoon on Monday, January 21, I am home from the hospital. Surgery was done on Tuesday, the 15th. Only a colostomy was performed, with the idea of preventing future obstruction/perforation of the colon. Removal of the tumor (through surgery) was not possible as it has become attached to surrounding tissue, including bone, small intestines, abdominal wall, prostate, etc. Only Doctor Jesus can do that, and I remain at rest in his power and willingness to do so. Great comfort comes from knowing that 'He [Jesus] Himself, took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses' (Matthew 8:17), and believing the 'report' of the prophets and the apostles, that 'He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by His stripes, we were healed' (Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:24).
I remain greatly comforted, edified, and appreciative of your continued prayers of faith.
Many thanks also, to those who took the time to call or personally visit me in the hospital, send cards, flowers, etc. May God's blessing be fully realized by you who have been such a blessing to 'the least of these, His brethren'.