Home: News Archive: June 2002

He's asking questions and NOT trying to turn my answers into springboards for preaching Islam. Many Muslims ask questions about the Bible and Christianity only to show "mistakes" in the Bible and the "perfection" of the Quran. But "Ray" (a pseudonym) is asking questions, reading my much-prayed-over answers, then asking further questions, without contradiction. It's a good sign I believe.

Ray contacted me out of the blue after visiting another website which contains evangelistic material I wrote for Muslims about 10 years ago (see http://injil.org). By the way, there are at least 2 other websites as well that have some material I previously wrote, but you won't find my name anywhere (http://isaalmasih.org and http://answering-islam.org). My friend Ray apparently read something on that injil.org site that prompted him to find out more. Now Ray is looking around in the Al-Kitab Scripture Research Institute and corresponding with me about basic questions of faith.

* PRAY for RAY

Right now our heads are reeling as we come to terms with a serious problem with one of our children. Without divulging the specifics in this rather public form letter, suffice to say that we need your prayers as we go through the present difficulties. You are welcome to call us and ask for details, or email, but we want to keep it fairly confidential for the child's sake. We are seeking professional help.

* PRAY for OUR FAMILY

We are seriously undersupported for someone who is "on the field". Our official support level is 78% of requirements. In dollars that translates to a $1,125.97 U.S. per month shortfall. If we were on our way to some foreign country we would not have clearance to leave. However, as it is we are here and involved in ministry, as should be expected. We do have possibilities of some new church-based support to come, so perhaps there will be a little relief down the road.

In the meantime, Karen continues to work part-time and has a new job interview coming up. I am also doing some e-commerce to alleviate the financial pressure. We are praying for new supporters who see that missions is not just "over there" and that there is a need to fund initiatives such as ours.

* PRAY for OUR SUPPORT FAMILY to GROW

Our '89 Mazda hatchback developed transmission problems recently (no reverse) and so is parked until we can get it looked at inexpensively. I am hoping that son Adam will be able to use it to commute to Heritage in Cambridge in the fall. In the meantime, we are getting ready an '89 Toyota Corolla to be my transportation--cheap to buy, cheap to run. Meanwhile, our 7-seat family car (and Karen's transportation), our '94 Chev Lumina minivan at over 200,000 kms runs pretty well, USUALLY.

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago when we fit all 7 Kings (and the driver) into a small "baby taxi" to run around city streets in Bangladesh! Oh for the good old days! ;)

Between solving problems with cars, computers, the house, finances, web site development, and important family matters, it sometimes seems like there is not much time and energy left for what I really like doing--sharing the gospel with Muslims. Talking with a person like "Ray" brings a tremendous spiritual joy as I sense God's Spirit at work in me and in him. It's a great tonic when I'm feeling depressed about the finances and the family problems mentioned above. Thank you for praying.

George for all 7 Kings