press on....(week ending July 2)

Greetings in Jesus name, 

I don't have a long update on the difficulties in Bonne Fin this week.   Things continue to evolve, but I share things with caution in that things can change very quickly.  We have continued working through the situation with further meetings and communication.   

I am very thankful to share that for the first time in some time, we are seeing some positive signs.   This is simply evidence that God's hand is upon us and He is working.  We're hearing some positive 'rumors' (to date, we've only had the negative variety).  We're also further engaging with MEBSH, our mission partner and the organization that owns the hospital.   We are so grateful that MEBSH is assuming a very active and leading role in resolving the disputes with the group causing the troubles.   

There have been several updates and messages that have gone out recently.  We are thankful for the further engagement in this prayer battle!   One point I do want be sure is clear...while there have been threats of physical harm to people, those have all been focused on Haitian staff at our hospital (one in particular, Mr. Pheguens).  All missionaries are safe, and do not feel threatened or in danger.  Of course, this can change, but from almost the beginning, we have not felt that the physical harm threats are toward any of the missionaries.   Pray that this continues and God's hand is upon all those at the hospital, both Haitian and American.

Finally, our family is preparing to end our furlough and return to Haiti next week (July 6/7).  We humbly beg your prayers...not for physical safety (although that is important) but most importantly for God's grace and direction as I (Rick) begin to directly engage/integrate into the work, as well as for our family.....we are returning to a mission under high tension and under change.   We need your prayers desperately.

Thank you again for obedience to the call to prayer through out this!   God is using you and your effectual fervent prayers.

Earlier this week, Komari shared this scripture with me. In turn, I'd like to share it with you:

Psalm 27

A Psalm of David.

[27:1] The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
[2] When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
[3] Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
[4] One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
[5] For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
[6] And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.[
7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
[8] When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
[9] Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
[10] When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
[11] Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
[12] Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
[13] I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

By Grace,

Rick