Orphan Grain Train Christian Medical Endeavor Prayerletter
Volume 4 Number 3

“And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he promised and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude ”. Luke 22:2, 3, 6

Thanks be to God that we have the grace of Christ Jesus to sustain us. We all feel like Judas when we knowingly sin, causing the Lord to go to the cross in our stead. May His great mercy and grace continue to allow us, miserable sinful beings, to have the hope of salvation because of His innocent suffering, death and wondrous resurrection.
Amen.

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Mission has Delano & Linda Meyer working in Sierra Leone and Liberia as agricultural educators and advisors. Last year we were privileged to accompany them to do teaching in the two countries.

As most are aware, illness prevented me from returning as planned this year. God’s mercy has allowed me to mostly heal from the illness that overcame me in November. Most of the in incisions have healed. Thanks to all for the prayers and support.

Teaching in Sierra Leone in 2005

The teaching we did was double edged. Linda and Delano presented information on agriculturally related topics, one of which was PHD or Pull Him Down. This concept was fascinating and can apply anywhere, not just in developing countries but also to many of the situations in which we find ourselves.

What is PHD? Many will not risk change as they may be looked at in a poor light or, if the results of any alteration are successful, the person doing the changing will likely be the subject of significant envy and even physical danger if some others feel so threatened by the increased production that they will even kill to equalize things.

True, we do not see this intensity of emotion much in the states but certainly we see a lot of bullying and other behaviors, which are very similar if not identical to what, Delano is identifying as a problem in developing countries.

I wonder how Judas felt when he saw what Jesus was doing with the populous in Galilee. He probably was jealous of the success and greedy enough to do two things, become a traitor and accept funds to identify his Lord. He then became so guilty, he could no longer live with himself.

We also feel the guilt of our sin but that does not stop us from the actions, too often.

The folks in Sierra Leone who are getting the information on ag and medical self-help learn how to share what they have gotten with the others, so that less of the envy and fear of change will be present among the villageois. They learn to share in many things, including especially the gospel. This outreach involved other villagers included Moslems. About now we expect another trip is underway, involving the LCMS medical missionary, Dr Kristen Schmaltz, who is based in Guinea, north of Sierra Leone. We see this as a great use of personnel on the field and ask your prayers that this continues, if it is His will.

Villageois sharing a meal at the seminar

Prayer Reminders

Thank you Lord for your grace and love, and healing personally. Amen.

Bless our synod as we see some increase in harmony where the various mission agencies are able to work together using locally available assets effectively.

May we discern the best ways to assist LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief through Orphan Grain Train, Christian Medical Endeavor, avoiding creation of paternalistic situations with the national churches, or dependency.

Pray for all the partner churches that they may continue to grow and spread His kingdom, and for the effort to reach many in the ABLAZE program.

Lastly, may we continue to acknowledge our sin, and thank God for the grace and love He shows as we approach the cross with Christ.

Blessings and peace through His grace,
Doc Foster

Note, I am available for speaking engagements again so call 402-992-2301 if you need a mission speaker, thanks in advance.