update from Lud and Mur

July 26th, 2017

A mid-summer update from us:
Since our last update we had a great visit with our girls, Debbie and Tammi and granddaughter Maddie. They took Mur to Niagara Falls, Niagara on the lake, Toronto and Chautauqua. I enjoyed visiting with them before and after their trip. A highlight while they were here was to visit over lunch with our missionaries, the Heffners, in our favorite summer place – our gazebo. Our granddaughter Sam had a great mission trip to the Philippines with 60 others from their church. We’ve been working on some projects around our home. And we continue to find ways to minister for our Lord. As I write Mur is ministering to four women over lunch in our gazebo! I will be preaching at the Chesterland Baptist Church the next two Sundays, July 30, in their 11 am Worship Service. Below is a script for my upcoming September 22 broadcast, followed by a few responses from radio listeners in a number of countries.
Please continue to pray for God to use us in these ministry efforts. As you pray, if God touches your heart to support the ministry, that would be much appreciated. Follow directions on the Donations link. (Philippians 4:11, 17, 18b – 20).

A mid-summer devotional:
Psalm 18 is a real life experience, a word picture, of how God delivered David from his enemies and enabled him to live victoriously in a hostile world. He begins with a focus on the Lord, whom he loves and is his strength. He continues with a wonderful array of descriptive pictures of God. He is my rock – as a foundation. He is my fortress – as a hiding place. He is my deliverer – who overpowers my enemy. He is my refuge – where I find comfort. He is my shield – ever ready to ward off enemy sniper arrows. He is the horn of my salvation – my salvation’s strength is His preserving grace. He is my stronghold – I’m gladly in His grip. Take some time to meditate on these truths about God. When you call upon this God, whatever your need, He understands and is adequate to meet your need and sustain you through it. As you read Psalm 18 notice the emphasis on God’s presence and on His power to sustain and deliver. God is ever present to work in and through you to accomplish His perfect plan. As He does this you’ll no doubt feel like joining the psalmist in declaring, “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to your name.” This is the song of one who has triumphed or is anticipating victory over enemy threats in the strength and sustaining grace of God. Do you know Him?

A mid-summer response from radio listeners: As I mentioned last month, the current objective for my radio program is to encourage listeners to read through the Bible in two years. These responses from listeners are encouraging. Please keep on praying that many who hear the program will take the challenge to read through the Bible. From Diva: “Good day brothers in Christ. I have been listening to you for many years. At first I did it in my country of birth, Colombia, in Bogotá. Then the Lord moved me to Houston, Texas, where I listen on the internet. Your ministry is helpful to me. From my experience, it does not matter what problems I face, I am fortified through your programs which inspire and encourage me to go forward. I thank God for you, because you continue to be a blessing for me, and for many more who are hungry and thirsty for the truth’ From Benjamín: “Beloved in the Lord, can you help me find the archives of your program from the first of January through all of February. From Anny: “I have a problem (after she describes it she continues). What should I do? Please! I need your answer urgently.” From Daisi: “Please send me the archives of daily readings. I listen to you in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.” From Luis: “Wishing you a good day. I would like to obtain your guide for reading the Bible. Cochabamba, Bolivia. From Nicole: “As well as greeting you, I’d like you to know that I listen to your on-line programs in Chile. I would like to receive your guide to Bible studies.