“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  (Rom. 8:28)

Dear Friends,

In our last letter we shared with you this verse.  It’s one of the most quoted among Christians and shared by brethren when someone encounters difficulty.  During my illness and Luke’s accident and recovery, God has been causing me to have a deeper understanding of this truth.  Yesterday, (Sun., June 9th), I had the privilege of preaching in the morning at Faith Community Chapel in Batavia, NY and then at night near Hammondsport, NY.  About 9:30, after leaving our last meeting, a deer with definite suicidal tendencies darted in front of the van where contact sent the poor animal flying.  I was going about 50 mph. and had only an instant to hit my brakes.  Praise the Lord, the damage to the van seems only to be a bent bumper and busted grill.  The point is that even this is for good, and that no matter what comes our way, even those annoying attacks from Satan are for good.  You know Satan is a defeated foe, isn’t he?  But I was just thinking, can you imagine how frustrated he’s got to be?  Everytime he comes against God’s people, eventually his purposes are thwarted and turned around for God’s good purposes.  God has done everything to show and prove that He is trustworthy.  Jesus showed us the way by trusting His Father on the Cross, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.”  (Luke 23:46)  God wants you and me to rest in His glorious faithfulness.  Satan wants us to worry and fret.  We must choose to trust Him.  He is worthy of your trust;  He has proven Himself time and again.  “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;  do not fret because of him who prospers in the way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret — it only causes harm.”  (Ps. 37:7,8)

We in the Church are going into troublesome times.  What we see now is nothing compared to what is coming, but God knows how to keep His Church.  Are you encountering difficulties?  Praise the Lord, He’s teaching you to trust Him more.  In these last days we’re going to have to know how to stand by faith, and a lost world will be able to see Christians living and walking by faith.  This will give validity to our testimony, “All things work together for good.”  So stop being down and look up to Him.  “I will lift up my eyes to the hills — from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”  (Ps. 121:1,2)  Are you struggling with loneliness?  Look to Him!  Are you facing financial struggles?  Look to Him!  Are you having a hard time in your relationships?  Look to Him!  Whatever you need, He can and will meet it if you’ll look to Him in prayer and reading His Word.  Be patient and wait, He will meet you.  He does love you and wants you to know Him in a deeper way.  Keep looking up and remember, “All things work together for good.”  Praise the Lord!

Concerning the Ministry:

The work in Conestoga at the Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church began in April.  I was there for eight days the first time, and God’s Spirit is still moving upon the people.  Following right on it’s heels was the beginning of another work in Batavia, NY.  I was there for five days, home for two, and then back for four more days.  Upon returning home, I was off again to Conestoga for five more days.  God is so good.  I feel so privileged to preach the Gospel.  What an honor.  Please continue to pray for both of these works.  The pastors’ names are Rev. Dale Kramer at the Bethany E.C.C. in Conestoga, Pa., and Rev. Gene DeMay at Faith Community Chapel in Batavia, N.Y.  The work is not finished, and I thank God that there are men who mean business and are willing to give the time necessary.

Concerning the Family:

Luke is recovering very well.  His eyelid is still slightly swollen, but he’s back to playing and banging around with the rest of the Anderton clan.  We’re not sure if his eye will ever be completely normal again, but there has been no impairment to his vision and no neurological damage.  Jesse, Ben, and Seth have finished school for the year at New Covenant Academy.  Melody is four now and she’s a little spark plug.  I am blessed.  I love my children and cherish the time I can spend with them.  Recently, as I was preparing to leave, Jesse started to cry.  Sometimes it’s difficult, but God’s grace is more than sufficient, and when I think of sacrifices that many missionaries make, then what I do seems small by comparison.  I thank God for a godly wife.  How I ended up with a woman like Bev, I’ll never know, but God knew my needs and the work I would be doing.  Thank you Jesus.

Thank you for your prayers and letters of concern and encouragement.  Your eternal reward is at the throne.  Glory to God!  We love you.

Your Brother in Jesus,

Jim Anderton