Prayer Letter from Arequipa, Peru, October 2024
Thank you for all you do. You make a tremendous difference in our lives through your praying and giving.
Betty and I are visiting our family, David and Katie Gardner, and grandchildren in Peru. I will also teach and preach in the 25th annual Pastor's School. I look forward to seeing great friends and reliving old memories of all God has done.
Our Granddaughter Married
We already had three married grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, but Lelia was the first granddaughter to get married, and it was an extraordinary time. She married a wonderful young man we are proud to have in the family and believe will be used by God.
Pray for Lelia and Gabe Chedid
Health Update
My health is puzzling the doctors. I have one cancerous growth, at least, that has returned. As you know, I have been dealing with cancer now for over 12 years. I had my kidney removed in 2012. All went well until COVID-19 put me in the hospital for 30 days and on the ventilator for 21 days in a drug-induced coma and paralyzed.
Then, three years and three months ago, the cancer was back with five tumors ranging from small to the largest, as big as my fist. I was on immunotherapy and cancer meds for about a year and two months.
Then, a massive surgery that removed all signs of cancer. I was cancer-free with a 50-50 chance it would return. It did.
Now, the cancer is back, and we are waiting to see what to do. It's not that large and not growing aggressively. I will talk to the doctors in November to see what they think the next step is. They are leaning towards immunotherapy again.
Despite the challenges, I feel great. Except for Addison's disease (no adrenal glands) and taking steroids to stay alive, all is good. Your prayers and support have been a source of strength, and I am deeply grateful for them.
I preach several times weekly, write nearly daily, and do other ministry. So, I am in great spirits and feel blessed by God for all He has done in my life.
Pray for the Doctor's appointments.
Pastor's School
I started the Pastors School here in Arequipa 25 years ago to share what God taught me. Looking back, I was still pretty lost in the weeds. I have learned so much since then. Today, I feel I learn more and more every day that I sure wish I had known back then.
I have discovered the love of my Father, my Abba, my daddy like I never knew it before. I have learned that Jesus is living His life in me. I am His friend.
Understanding how blessed I am, I desire to shape my ministry after his, focusing on sharing uplifting news for those in desperate need, bringing freedom to those in bondage, restoring sight and hope, and uplifting the suffering and marginalized. In Luke 4:18, Jesus introduced His ministry by saying something I want to imitate. Intending to declare hope and God's grace and favor for all to experience, I want everyone to know God and the abundant life that Jesus came to give.
Pray for the Pastor's School
Marriage Conference
Returning to the States, God opened doors for me to preach on marriage based on the marriage book I wrote. I will preach in Virginia. Please pray for that meeting as well.
Pray for the Marriage Conference
Your Missionary Giving
Your giving through Alignment Ministries is making a significant difference in the Ukraine, Peru, Northern Ireland, Japan, Kenya, and other places. Your support is crucial to the success of these works, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in spreading God's love and grace.
Pray for these servants.
Betty and I are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. You have been such good friends, and we can't thank you enough for all you do to bring honor and glory to God. Your friendship and support mean the world to us. Let's continue this journey together until He takes us home.
Till the entire world knows
Austin and Betty