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Orphan Grain Train Christian Medical Endeavor
Prayerletter
Volume 2 Number 5
September
2004
Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect
to show hospitality to strangers, for by this, some have entertained
angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1,2
We are constantly witnessing our love for Christ Jesus. In all
we do we reflect that He so loved us He gave His Son to die for
our sins. We cannot act in any other way. We have died on the
cross with Christ and He has redeemed us. This epitomizes the
philosophy behind Orphan Grain Train and Christian Medical Endeavor
as we try to emulate what Christ did in His ministry.
We see Him enter into a village. He does not go to the synagogue
and preach but first is with the people, feeding, talking and
healing before He begins His teaching. We take the opportunities
that are often very unfortunate of illness, grief, loss and hunger
and use them to expand His kingdom. Pray with us that His will
be done. As we stay in the Word, so the Word is in us. Amen.
Conventions have come and gone. The synodical triennial in St.
Louis was a most interesting affair. We met with presidents of
the national churches of Brazil, Ghana, and Paraguay and discussed
medical and other needs, which are perceived in the various areas.
Reverend Doctor Paul Finn from Ghana expressed the desires of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana to have a medical mission
to reopen and upgrade their clinics. During the following week
we were in Rapid City, S.D., at the International Laymen's League
Convention where we met with more international representatives
including Paul Magua from Kenya. The week before he went with
me to a meeting at St. John's Lutheran church in Ellisville, Mo.
There a group was trying to get organized for a medical mission
to Kenya.
Moderate anxiety rightly existed about overseas mission trips.
When anyone goes, one of the best protections is prayer. God hears,
and answers. Keep that in mind when you and others go to the far
off fields to tell of His great love and grace.
This present week we have the International Orphan Grain Train
Convention right here in Norfolk, Nebraska. Again, we will have
representatives from coast to coast here to share ideas and His
Word in a loving fashion. We will hear from representatives of
the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Lutheran Laymen's League,
LCMS World Mission, LCMS World Relief and Human Care and a special
presentation from Roger Koch of Hallam, Neb., and Joanie Smejkal,
of Milford, Neb., workers at the Orphan Grain Train Emergency
vehicle that was in Hallam, Neb. for two months, staffed by locals
to help by feeding the toiling volunteers assisting the tornado
victims.
We are looking forward to spending ten days in Nicaragua in November
with a mission-minded group from our New York Division, actually
from Vermont, a lovely green state. What a change that will be
for them. We (my wife, Sandee, will accompanying me) will do some
medical work around the city of Chinandega on the west coast of
the country, working with a missionary for the LCC, Rev. Sandor
Arguello. Also in the offing are possible medical mission trips
to Kenya, Mexico, and Jamaica. If you know of groups wanting such
mission events, please contact me.
Prayer Reminders: Thank you Lord for your grace and love. May
we also show that love throughout the world, to further Your Kingdom.
Amen. Bless our synod as we see some increase in harmony as shown
in the synodical convention. Bless Lutheran Hour Ministries as
they continue to bring Christ to the Nations. Orphan Grain Train
as the convention commences this week in Norfolk. May the cross
be before us constantly, guiding our minds and actions. Let us
exchange ideas and hope in the knowledge of our eternal salvation,
Christ Jesus. Thanks, Lord, for volunteers like Roger Koch and
Joanie Smejkal who give their time and sweat to assist in times
of need. Also, thanks for all the volunteers without whom the
conventions we have mentioned could not occur, especially those
workers here in Norfolk and other Orphan Grain Train divisions
who tirelessly reflect your love. Pray for all the partner churches
that they may continue to grow and spread His kingdom, and for
us as we try to find the best ways to assist in this growth. Bless
our efforts as we prepare for a mission trip to Nicaragua. May
You lead us to do and teach the right things and give all involved
a new and stronger mission mind and heart. All these things we
bring to you in Jesusą saving name, Amen.
Blessings and peace through His grace, Doc Foster
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