Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Updates and prayer request 7/1/09

Greetings all,
It has been a few weeks since our last news update, and we wanted to share what has been going on with the Cowperthwaite family recently. We arrived in Maine 2 weeks ago, and have had rain pretty much every day since. Even with the poor weather, we have had high spirits as we have been able to enjoy such rich blessings. Maine is still consider our home, and this place so beautifully portrays God's handiwork, even in the wettest weather.
The children are enjoying Maine, riding bicycles and looking forward to swimming in Grandma's pool. We have plans for friends to come over on the 4th of July, and many other times of fellowship. Justin and Mark also have times scheduled and plans for door to door witnessing in this area, along with a few other areas of the state. We are excited to continue to share the Gospel here, desiring to see God reveal Himself to many who will come to Him for eternal life. We are blessed to have so many opportunities upcoming to share the Gospel and encourage God's people.
With the loss of Joshua, we have spent much time considering God's plan for our lives, our ministry, and our family. We were so blessed, then, to find out that the Lord has blessed us with another baby, due to arrive around February. This is an answer to our prayers, as complications from an infection seemed to indicate that we may have a difficult time having more children. We know that God can overcome any difficulty and that our faith, when place in Him, is able to bring us through any trial.
Our desire is to come back to Maine for the delivery of the baby. Pray for Sara as she deals with morning sickness and all that goes with growing a baby inside. She is in great spirits and we are enjoying each day with this child, knowing that whatever the outcome, we are blessed. We can see God at work in each life, no matter how short it is on this earth, with everything bringing glory and honor to Him, for He is worthy.
Mark is scheduled for surgery on August 4th. I know I have mentioned it before, but I wanted to explain and ask for prayer in this matter. I have a tumor about 1" in size in my left sub-mandibular lymph node(whatever that means). After a FNA biopsy, the doctor has decided we need to remove the tumor. This requires surgery, which will be done August 4th. This surgery will leave me out of commission for a week, then recovering hopefully before the open air preaching at the Union Fair starting August 16. I would greatly appreciate prayer for recovery and healing, also the results of the tests. Whatever the results, we will praise the Lord. He has given all things, and will give us strength through whatever comes.
Complicating my recent health issues has been the recent diagnosis of Giardiasis, or giardia. Some will recall that this intestinal parasite caused 3-4 weeks of pain and ill health when we first arrived in California. The doctors thought that it had been taken care of, but recent tests have revealed that it is back, and thriving. I will be on meds for a week of so, and should be feeling better within 2 weeks.
Our first few weeks here were taken up with catching up with friends, family, and church family, along with many appointments. The blessing of loved ones surrounding us in prayer has been such a comfort. We have seen the Lord at work in so many lives, and through our experiences, have been able to help others deal with grief and trials through pointing them to the Lord. God is the master healer, the comforter, and we rest in His great love and mercy poured out to us in Christ Jesus. We know that nothing can come our way, no trial or persecution, that can ever shake the foundation we have in Christ.
We have also been blessed to have the opportunity to share with a few local churches. Mark will be sharing in the upcoming weeks with groups from a few local churches. The purpose of these meetings is to share with others about how God is shaping our lives day by day, giving us strength, and to encourage others to be faithful witnesses for Christ is whatever arena is open to them. Not all will preach on the street, or witness door to door, but all believers have a part.
We desire to express what joy the Lord has shown us in just the short time since we left home. We also strive to accurately present Jesus as the precious Savior, the sinless Lamb who sacrificed Himself for all mankind. The heart filled with the love of Christ will have no difficulty expressing it. It is not about methods or compulsion, but about sharing the good news. This news is that God who loved us when we were dead in our sins, and paid the debt He did not owe to save us from the wrath we deserved. What a blessed thought! What a glorious privilege!
Evangelism should not be seen as a program or an event, but a blessed privilege and a way of life to those who desire to see souls saved from the grasp of sin and the penalty of Hell. When we share of the ministry the Lord has given us, it is our desire to paint a realistic picture, including the hard times and easier and blessed times. All this is worth whatever it may cost for the sake of being able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost soul, showing them the way to true and eternal life that can only be gained through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior.
We thank you for continued prayer on our behalf. It is such a blessing to know that our family, both physical and spiritual, are there for us. We can never say "thank you" enough for all the love poured out to us. We are truly blessed. Please let us know how we can be praying for you, too! We take seriously the requests shared with us, so don't hesitate to email or call.
Praising the Lord,