From:
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 3:22 AM
To:
Subject: Prayer Update 8/25/05 An appeal for prayer
Thursday, August
25th, 2005
Dear Family
and Friends,
John 15
teaches us that we have a loving Father that sometimes takes us through seasons
of pruning and purging, that we might bear even more fruit for Him. Like a
grape vine that is carefully pruned and dressed by the husbandman, God
sometimes takes us through difficulties and trials, so that we might experience
a greater measure of His love and faithfulness.
Our witness
to the world is usually not that of a life that is always smooth and easy,
where problems seldom occur. The world laughs at such examples, thinking
"I could be a good person too, if my life was that easy."
God's love
for us is far deeper than just our present circumstances. Like gold that is
refined in a fire, or like a valuable pearl that is created by an irritating
grain of sand, God wants us to show His character in us through the suffering
He allows in our lives.
I have not
written in several weeks, but this was not for lack of desire to keep you
informed. Unexpected difficulties and needs seem to have been coming from all
directions, revealing priorities and testing character.
*
Internet Connection
After
working very well for the first month, our wireless Internet connection began
experiencing difficulties as we tried to send and receive e-mails. After many
days and hours of troubleshooting, we learned that this had been caused by some
changes that our service provider had made.
After a few
weeks they were able to resolve the problem, and the connection worked great,
-for about three days. We then began to experience further connection problems
which still have not been resolved. I don't mind troubleshooting these kinds of
things, and enjoy the learning involved, but it can be difficult when you have
other pressing responsibilities needing your time.
*
Computer Issues
A number of
unexpected computer issues have also come up recently. One of our main
workstations suddenly would not start up one morning. It took the better part
of a day to identify the problem as a malfunctioning modem, and to rebuild the
computer system.
Last week I
was made aware of some strange things happening with a couple of the computers,
and when I finally got around to checking things out a few days later, I
discovered a computer virus on our network. It took Jedidiah and I about four hours, working late into the evening to
eradicate the virus.
Yesterday I
sat down to begin planning for the children's seminar this weekend, when I
learned that our printer was not working. After about an hour I had identified
and corrected the problem, but was not very prepared for the meeting to discuss
the children's seminar program.
* Phone
System
This
morning my brother came up to the office to tell me that the phone system was
not working. Apparently during a couple phone calls this morning, the system
suddenly went dead, and we could not get a dial tone from any of the phones.
After resetting the system, I began to be a little concerned when the faithful
little TalkSwitch would not start up.
I
disassembled it for further troubleshooting, but it seems that after five years
this phone system has breathed it's last, or at best,
would need some parts from
These and a
number of other issues have brought an accumulation of challenges unlike what I
have seen before. I remember times of great challenge or pressure, but usually
not from so many directions all at the same time. As we discussed today in our
noon prayer meeting, I wonder how many of these things are pointing towards the
Anger Resolution Seminar we are holding this weekend.
In the past
I have often seen how some of our greatest difficulties were just before the
greatest advancements in our work and ministry for the people of
This is the
first time that we are holding this seminar in
I don't
want to leave you discouraged. Although most of this update describes some of
our recent challenges, I want you to know that God is also working in the midst
of all these things.
A couple
weeks ago I felt prompted to do a backup of the primary data on our computer
network. I had no idea that just a few days later a computer virus would invade
the network and destroy some of our files. So far I have not identified any
damage that could not be replaced from our backups.
Having the
Spiritual gift of serving, I greatly enjoy the opportunity to assist others,
and especially missionaries, using the computer skills that the Lord has
entrusted to me. Last week we received a call from a friend at the New Tribes
Missions headquarters.
An 8 hour
jeep ride beyond the last paved road and train station, Jeremy and Roxi are serving in the countryside hometown of our Pastor
Enkhee and his wife Sodnom. Their laptop computer suddenly crashed one day, and
they have been unable to get it started up again.
I could
only imagine the frustration of being so many miles away from help beyond what
they could do on their own. Reaching them by phone, I walk them through some
troubleshooting steps which seemed to indicate a failed hard drive. They are
sending the computer into the city with another family today, so I hope to look
at it further in the next few days.
Some of you
may remember that I have been involved in a project to make the Mongolian Bible
available on the computer. Although my time has been very limited, I have been
praying about this project, and the Lord seems to be opening up the way to move
forward.
We are
potentially a few weeks away from the first widespread distribution of
Mongolian Bible Software. I am looking forward to the day when I
can prepare CDs to give away.
Requests
for trainings continue to come in. Tim just came back from a meeting with the
Please
continue to pray for us! There is so much happening, and we greatly need the
Lord's wisdom as we move forward. May the Lord bless each one of you for your
part in this work!
Praise
Points:
- For the
many requests and opportunities that are before us! We need wisdom in knowing
how to best focus our energies and efforts.
- For the
safe arrival of my brother Derrick on the 16th of August. Now our entire family
is together again, serving with the Character Training Institute in
- For the
many opportunities to further develop computer skills as I troubleshoot
computer and Internet issues. Although the timing is sometimes interesting, it
is a very effective way to learn.
Prayer
Requests:
- For the
Anger Resolution Seminar and Children's Institute this weekend. Pray for extra
grace and enthusiasm as I lead the children's program.
- Pray for
wisdom as I work on Jeremy and Roxi's computer. We
would like to recover the data from the old hard drive, but this can be
difficult to do.
Pictures:
A large
stadium next to our building provides a nice area for the younger ones to get
some exercise. Here Matthew connects solidly with the ball in our kickball
game a couple weeks ago.
Some
friends from church invited the team to the countryside for some berry picking
and hiking. Here Isaac fords the stream with Rebecca on his shoulders.
The water
was cold, but this did not stop three young Wallers
from making the most of it.
While the
ladies went swimming, several of the guys climbed a nearby mountain. In the
valley behind me we picked berries that are similar to the chokecherries I have
seen in
The round
tent-like structure is called a ger. (Pronounced
"Gare") This is
the traditional Mongolian home, and is commonly seen, even in the city.
In spite of
overcast skies and light rain that morning, the Lord answered prayer and gave
us a beautiful sunny day in the countryside. In the photo above you can
see the returning clouds and rain on the horizon as we left.
Thank
you so much for your prayers!
In Christ,
- Adam
"And
let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not." - Galatians 6:9