Your prayers make a difference!

Dear Friends,

My Mom is a missionary.

For that matter, so is my Dad, and my brother, and my sister. But my mom has a very particular gift and calling. She and Dad are officially retired after years of fruitful service, but they still manage to traipse around the world, blessing everyone they come in contact with. Not long ago they joined us for a staff conference, and spent their free time encouraging young missionaries with stories of courage and faith.

Often she calls us from their home in Colorado. Almost invariably the conversation turns to specific question. “What can we pray for?” I choose my answer carefully, because I know the “we” includes her Sunday school class, the mission’s committee, our relatives, and just about everyone else she comes into contact with. I can often hear her jotting notes in the background so that she gets every detail right.

Then a second question follows. “How has God met the needs you shared with me last time?” Before passing on new requests, she wants make sure people know God has used their prayers. Since you get my updates by letter rather than by phone, you don’t get to ask as many questions. But maybe, just like her, you are wondering if your prayers made any difference. The answer is YES.

In February I asked you to pray for our Josiah Venture Council meetings in Slovenia. We sensed the Lord’s presence in an unusual way and made decisions that will increase our capacity to train young leaders here in Eastern Europe. Thank you for praying!

In May I asked you to pray for a pastor’s conference in Romania. Over 300 pastors were encouraged by excellent Bible teaching that challenged them to be contemporary without compromise. We continue to hear stories of lasting impact.

In June I asked you to pray for our 40 summer interns who were heading into a week of intensive training, and for the preparations for 62 English camps this summer. This year’s interns were unusually responsive during our journey through the book of Ephesians. Now in July we need your prayers as these English camps begin.

It really does make a difference. Thank you for asking!

Dave Patty
President, Josiah Venture