Hello All,

During this time of change and uncertainity, no matter how things look or how we feel, we know that God is in control.

The main thing we want to let everyone know is that we are safe and healthy here in Brazil.  We are experiencing many of the things here that you all are experiencing there in the US including stay at home orders and closures of nonessential businesses.  Our team has also prayerfully decided to temporarily halt ministry in our rural communities.  This decision was made mainly to protect those we serve with less than optimal health and lack of access to sufficient resources because at this time, there are confirmed cases in the city where we live, but no cases in these communities at this time . While it has been hard to stay away, we believe this is the best way to serve them at this time. 

Our team is using this time to focus on our families and also for  group prayer and Bible study online.  One of our team goals for this year was for all the team members to begin learning English so Lisa and another bilingual team member have been teaching English online for team members.
 
Before Coronavirus arrived, we were able to complete two important trainings.  One on Godly leadership and another with World Challenge in use of Community Health Evangelism (CHE), the tool we are using in community development.  It was a great time of learning and fellowship for our entire team.  We are looking forward to putting our new skills and knowledge into practice as soon as we are able. 

Especially in this uncertain time, we want and need your prayers and partnership.  We again want to thank all of those who currently partner with us. If you feel God is calling you to begin partnering with our ministry or to increase your current partnership, contributions can be made through CTEN, either online at www.cten.org/dalewhittom or by mail or phone at CTEN, PO Box 291307, Kerrville, TX 78029-1307, 800-872-5404.

Praises

• That we have remained healthy during this time.
• That while Coronavirus is here in Brazil, there are not as many cases as in many other parts of the world
• That our team is all finding ways to stay in contact and minister to each other.

Prayer Requests

• Protection for those most vulnerable during this time
• That we would all prayerfully seek God's direction during this time.

In Him, 
Dale & Lisa Whittom

Dear Pastor and Friends,
 
Since we have not been able to return to Ethiopia we have been able to take care of some personal health issues.  We are staying at home now here in Missouri as requested, for the good of our health.
 
Now that the Corona virus is in Ethiopia, the American Embassy is advising all Americans that wish to return to the United States to make their travel plans quickly while there are still commercial flights available.  Ethiopian Airline is currently the only airline with direct flights from Addis Ababa to the United States.  For those who prefer to remain in Ethiopia, they are advised to be prepared to stay for an indefinite period of time.  There is only one hospital in the capital city of approximately 8 million that will be treating those diagnosed with COVID-19.  PRAY FOR YOUR MISSIONARIES!
 
Many of the country people are blaming all foreigners, including missionaries, for bringing COVID-19 into the country.  Satan uses many such things to attack God’s mission.  PRAY FOR YOUR MISSIONARIES!
 
Papua New Guinea also has confirmed cases of the Corona virus.  We have not heard of any deaths in the country from our people there.  PRAY FOR YOUR MISSIONARIES!           
 
National pastor from Papua New Guinea, Birua Sialas, was recently here in Missouri for a short visit.  Some of the missionaries and friends were happy to greet him.  There were prayers and tears as he returned to PNG.
 
Our brother, Tura Mako, leads the church in Fitche.  The Sunday school is blessed as Tura teaches the Word of God.  Abdi Boru Primary School has been recognized by the government as the “Best private school.” Both the Northway Baptist Church and Abdi Boru School meet on the same property and minister to many children.  Pray for Bro. Tura as he leads the church and school.
 
Thank you ministry partners for your prayers and faithful support.
 
Your missionaries,
 
Frank and Karon Auterson

We're so glad you've chosen to attend our online Sunday church service.  We recommend starting with the first YouTube video for the adult Sunday School message from Ed Hughlett Sr., and then clicking on down through the worship, special music from Kim & Joan, and the sermon from Pastor Ed Hughlett.

Ed Hughlett Sr. bring this week's message about life's prize.  We are currently going through the book of Philippians.

We're so glad you've chosen to attend our online Sunday church service.  We recommend starting with the first YouTube video for the adult Sunday School message from Ed Hughlett Sr., and then clicking on down through the worship, special music from the trio, and the sermon from Pastor Ed Hughlett.

Ed Hughlett Sr. bring this week's message about life's prize.  We are currently going through the book of Philippians.

Pastor Ed Hughlett continues in our study of the Four avenues of repentance listed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, a message titled "Seeking God's Face--Not Just His Hand."

Dear friends,

Here is the latest...

Medical updates:
We came from Ukraine January 1, 2020 for medical treatment and analysis.  We are well, but we do not travel much now because of the virus related restrictions.  Ron finished 39 days (he calls it 40 to remind him of Jesus’ time in the wilderness) of radiation treatment on March 11 in Amarillo, Texas.  Everything signals his health is very good. On March 12 we went to a great missions conference in San Diego.

On March 1, Nancy and some grandkids, etc. went to a big concert at a church in Pampa, Texas.  She went to the restroom and it was dark when she returned to her seat and she fell on the steps.  We treated her right wrist area for a bad bruise and she wore a wrist movement restriction gadget.  She did normal work, etc. but on April 1, we had a routine checkup and the doctor wanted to x-ray her arm.  It clearly showed the wrist bone was fractured that night, but was healing itself.  The doctor said to keep using the arm wrap thing and to keep working outside, walking, mowing, etc.  Thank the Lord for his grace in our lives.  On another medical note, one grandson broke his leg working in our back yard on April 8.  Seems there’s never a lack of happenings around us :)

Prayer items:

• Our Summer Evangelistic English Club.  We need one more ten-week and a two-week helper.
• Our health and safety.  We came to the States for medical issues and feel well.
• Wisdom in scheduling classes in Ukraine.
• Some more kids to come to Christ through the Ukraine ministry.
• The five churches we were in during this USA visit - that they would stay strong in the Lord.
• Traveling safety and God's timing for us to return to Ukraine.  Our return date went from April 8 to May 3, but it may be pushed back again if the Ukraine government extends travel restrictions.
• Nancy’s sister and brother-in-law visited us for a month starting in mid March.  They were also caught in the travel problems related to the virus.  Pray for their safety as they travel.

Bible College:
We were able to have a good number of classes in the Bible college before Covid-19 slowed things down.  We have had to reschedule other classes, but we, like many churches, are doing some things differently for a while and in a few days Ron will teach a course online for students in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.  Please pray for the college.  We have two or three cities where we plan to possibly start some classes in the fall.  The cities are in Ukraine, Georgia, and Estonia.  With the state of the world, only God can make things happen, so we totally depend on Him and his timing.

Service:
This Easter season, let’s remember that God does not need any of us in order to accomplish His work of bringing people to Him.  I received an email from another missionary who gave me some of these thoughts.  God has been working and will continue to work.  It is only by the wonderful grace of our Lord Jesus that we (all Christians) are allowed to serve Him.  He loves us, his children, no matter what, and I am always amazed that God allows me to be in ministry for Him.  He does not need us and we are not worthy, but just knowing and appreciating that fact qualifies us to be Jesus’ partners.  They crucified Him, but Acts 2:24 says it was impossible for death to hold him.  We are therefore on the winning team because our Captain cannot lose.  The resurrection guaranteed it all.  Easter is now past in America, but in Ukraine, it is April 19 this year.  Let’s all pray for God to continue to use His own Word to bring more people into the fold.

Thank you so much for helping us win Ukrainians for Christ.
We count you among our dear friends.  Pray for Peace in Ukraine.

Ron and Nancy Minton

We're so glad you've chosen to attend our Easter Sunday online church service.  We recommend starting with the first files--the PowerPoint and adult Sunday School message from Ed Hughlett Sr., and then clicking on down through the worship, special music from One Achord, and Pastor Hughlett's sermon file.

Listen along to this week's message about life's purpose and pattern from the book of Philippians. The first file is the PowerPoint file with the graphics for this week's lesson; click to download this file first so that it's ready for you to follow along.  Then click on the second file, which is the audio recording. 

Pastor Ed Hughlett shares an Easter message titled "The Savior & Lord of Easter."

We're so glad you've chosen to attend our Palm Sunday online church service.  We're doing things a bit differently this week--you'll see we have added a worship segment, and a musical special.  Additionally, Pastor Hughlett's sermon is video-recorded this week, instead of audio-recorded only.  We recommend starting with the first files--the PowerPoint and adult Sunday School message from Ed Hughlett Sr., and then clicking on down through the worship, special music, and Pastor Hughlett's sermon files.

Listen along to this week's timely message about life's purpose from the book of Philippians. The first file is the PowerPoint file with the graphics for this week's lesson; click to download this file first so that it's ready for you to follow along.  Then click on the second file, which is the audio recording. 

Pastor Ed Hughlett shares a timely message titled Prayer: The Natural Response to Biblical Humility.

If something touched your heart and you would like to leave a message, prayer request, compliment, or question, please leave a comment below.  Comments may not immediately appear but they will shortly.