Dear Friends,
Greetings from Portugal,
I just got back from two wonderful weeks in Pakistan. As I had mentioned in previous emails, this year I have dedicated myself to the training of pastors and leaders. On this trip I was able to minister in four cities to a number of pastors. The reception was fantastic and the pastors are already talking about a next year repeat. The first week, it was just myself and our grandson, Jamin, doing ministry in Hyderabad and Karachi, then we were joined by three other brothers from America. The second week we traveled to Lahore, where we did rescues of six families, (36 persons), from slavery. This was done under the leadership of The One Rescues, led by Lee West, a dear friend of ours. What an experience as we were able to witness the joy of being set free from over 30 years of slavery in the brick factories. The organization was able to purchase rickshaws for each family to give them a means of livelihood. I would encourage you all to join with them in setting the captives free. After this time in Lahore, we drove to Murree in the North to minister in yet another pastors’ retreat. After this we flew back to Karachi for more ministry before returning home.
I felt an extra amount of grace on this trip. Even though we were in 100ºF/38ºC temperature in the South to 45ºF/5ºC in the North, I felt strong and able to keep up with all the young guys. I even rode 3-deep on a motorcycle with bags, (no helmets), in rush hour traffic to the airport. Our car had broken down and this was the only option we had. One more adventure to add to my portfolio. ha! On the way there and back, I was able to spend some time in Doha, Qatar. What a wonderful, modern city. I know it gets a lot of bad press, but it really is safe and friendly to foreigners.
Helen stayed home on this trip, but will go with me to Germany next month. We will be there for two weeks before I fly to Thailand for my last pastors’ seminar for the year. Once again I will be with Bru pastors.coming out of Laos. Last year was so special, and I am looking forward to being with them again. Helen will stay in Germany one more week to attend a wedding of a friend of ours, before returning home. From Thailand, I will visit members of our church who just moved to Malaysia. I will be back home on the 12th of December.
This has been quite an amazing year. It is our Jubilee Year (50 years in ministry), and it has really been special. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are not done yet and will continue to spread the Gospel to the nations as long as we can. So many doors are opening around the world and we ask the Lord for direction as to the right ones for us. My next book: The War Within, is printed! PTL. I’m sure you can get it soon via Amazon or Kindle.
I’ll give another update when I return home in December.
Love you all. Be blessed
Jim and Helen