The Economics of Fuel

No one is untouched by the ever rising costs of fuel as we begin to feel the impact, not only at the pump, but in all other areas of expense.   Last week we received an email from a missionary family located in West Africa whom we have supported with web site help for 5+ years.  In their newsletter they shared a bit of how they’ve been affected.   They shared that not only has the dollar devalued by nearly 25% (which results in an immediate loss of 25% of their monthly living and operating income) but that diesel fuel – which runs their generators and their cars – now costs $7.60 a gallon!  As you pray and consider the effect of our “fuel driven economic scenario” please remember to consider those who serve in faith-based ministry who are often already on slim incomes and the impact of even slimmer funds due to rising costs and devaluing dollars.

Did You Know?

“Almost 2 billion people (27.9% of the world) are still essentially cut off from access to the Gospel. Many of these peoples live in major urban centers. Some are more remote and rural. All continue to be largely “ignored” by the Great Commission Christian world. Sorry, but the statistics prove this fact.  These same researchers tell us that if all the mission organizations from every continent continue to grow at current rates and continue to increase (and decrease) the number of missionaries at current projected rates, in the Least Evangelized Peoples of the world will still be 23 – 25% in 2025!”

Did you also know, depending upon how “Least Evangelized Peoples” is qualified (if it’s 5% or less presence of a ‘Christian’ influence) that some communities in cities in the United States fall into this category?

Personal Update

Last month we shared with you about Jim’s medical activity.   We’ve had a second visit with the Urologist where we were able to view the MRI scans of his left kidney.   The doctor pointed out “the growth”, that he is now referring to as a tumor.  The tumor is growing from inside of the kidney to the outside of the kidney.  On the scans it looked like a tiny little finger!  The doctor shared that they do not know whether it is cancerous or not.  That the scans do reveal that it is malignant — actively growing.  As we’ve considered this little fella and prayed about it we’ve decided that surgery is the best option.  Ours prayers are for the Lord to take care of it … but if that does not happen, we’re praying that he’ll guide the two doctors who will be performing the surgery in doing just that.  Jim’s surgery has been scheduled for August 11th – a Monday, with his pre-op physical on August 4th – also a Monday.  The doctors plan is to remove the tumor.  He has indicated, though, that if there are complications, they may need to remove the entire kidney.   Jim will be in the hospital about five days and then will have an at home recovery period of 2 to 3 weeks.  Thank you for your ongoing prayer for this item — along with your expressions of care. The surgery will be performed at Jewish Hospital – Downtown – here in Louisville.  It is expected to take between 2 to 3 hours to complete.  We should be able to update you once more — early August on the finalization of “the plan”.

Other Prayer Items

• Please lift the staff and families of CrossRoads Missions in prayer.  We have many concerns within our ministry at this time for our own staff and for our ministry fields.
• Our Director, Rob, and his wife, Beth, delivered a new baby at the end of June who is named Aidan.  After two days the hospital released Aidan and mom.  Two hours later the baby was rushed back to the hospital by the EMTs.  Aidan has a very low temperature and very low heart rate.  At this point it is expected that he has some kind of staff infection.  He’s had many tests, spinal taps, scans and the sort. As of today he has been in the infant ICU since last Sunday, the 22nd.  Today’s Update, June 30 – the most recent culture has come back negative – PTL.  Aidan is now stabilizing.  We do expect he’ll remain in the hospital for several more days as they continue to observe and ensure he is on the right course.

As always — thank you for praying and ministering to us in this way, and for your partnership with us!