Sadly, the work on Mark's part has been slowed in recent days due to herniation of his L4/L5 disc, a lower back issue. This is a matter for which we would ask for your prayers, as this is an all too regular occurrence of impedance to the work. This injury tends to never fully heal, and progressively gets worse. For 10 days now, Mark has been unable to walk, drive, or even sit without great pain. An MRI showed no immediate need for surgery, but other tests did conclude that we should seriously assess things looking forward. For now, Mark continues to write, to correspond with brothers involved in the work, and assist as much as possible. Sara has been meeting with young ladies for Bible study and discipleship, and we thank the Lord for the blessing these young ladies are to their local meetings.
Looking ahead, we plan to be in Belleville, Illinois July 21-25, then Richmond, Kentucky July 26-August 15, then visiting family in Ohio for 3 days. These days on the road will be especially hard on Mark's back. We are prayerfully considering a few options from there, and would appreciate prayer about a possible trip to Maine to assist in Gospel efforts and teaching in local churches.
As for continuing work in Kansas, Johnny Douglass and family from Texas have been instrumental in Baldwin, while in Ottawa, Justin Humes' family coordinates the work, assisted daily by SaraGrace Hinton's tireless efforts. Please prayer for all these workers, and the Christians in the local churches. The Lord has blessed the Gospel effort with many professions of faith, and many local believers finding more opportunities to share the Gospel. We praise the Lord for all the fruit we see in the hearts of new converts and long time Christians.
