September 2026

Much has happened since our last newsletter: some good, some heartbreaking, along with just ordinary days of life. Yet, through it all, I have needed to remember that the Lord our Savior and King is on the throne. Everything is working out as He has planned and designed to bring about His glory. For that reason, when my plans need adjustment or are even replaced with His, when something unexpected occurs that is heartrending, or when events and circumstances happen that I cannot fully understand in the ordinary things of life, I have to go back to TRUTH. This is especially true when answers to prayers seem delayed or unanswered. Through all of this, I must keep my stance steady, allow His Word to renew my thoughts, and keep my walk aligned in faith, resting on who He is and His power to do what is needed to produce lasting results. I pray these words of confession will stir your heart to think on these things.

One of those heartrending circumstances was the loss of Robert, my 57-year-old nephew. He had suffered health issues for several years, some of them consequences of bad life choices from earlier years. Thankfully, over 10 years ago, the Lord brought Robert to the end of himself; he repented of going his own way and placed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation. Although it quickly became obvious that his desires and purpose in life had changed, it did not alter the damage that was wrecking his body. One of the pieces of evidence of new life was his appetite for God’s word. When he called me after his new birth, he wanted to talk about what he was reading and learning in Scripture. At his funeral, I was reminded once again of the importance of God’s testimony in and through a life that He has changed. That is what we heard that day, not Robert’s testimony, but God’s testimony.

His funeral was held in a small country church outside of Atlanta. This precious church had taken my nephew in, loved him, gave him a few small jobs around the church, and provided him with a room to live in. His health had deteriorated so badly that he could no longer do his old job or even drive. These loving, compassionate people made sure he had food and willingly drove him wherever he needed to go.

One of Robert’s jobs at the church was changing the information on the church’s marquee weekly. As this godly pastor came to church daily to carry out his work, he took time every day to do a Bible study with Robert. He told us that he loved that time as much as Robert did. Unknowingly, in what would be Robert’s last week on this earth, the pastor told Robert to change the marquee, but this time he wanted Robert to decide what would be read.

We don’t often have the opportunity to know someone’s last thoughts or last words. Throughout history, we have been reminded of the importance of someone’s last words. However, with Robert, we had the opportunity to view and hear his last words. After that, one of the dear ladies was scheduled to drive him to the pharmacy to pick up his heart medicine. Riding to that destination, Robert just slumped down in the seat and took his last breath. Paramedics were called and attempted to revive him, but he had died instantly. So, what were those last words that remained on the marquee for all to see:

Even though that pastor was grieving over Robert’s death, that loving, caring, country preacher had no problem preaching that funeral, because Robert preached his own. Even though Robert did not realize how the Lord would use those six words while he was on this earth, the Lord was pleased, honored, and glorified.

You may be thinking, why have I shared this in this newsletter? I am sharing for several reasons, but one in particular is that Robert thought his life had become useless because of his health challenges. He saw what seemed like a small, simple assignment at church as having little or no significance. He had no idea how the Lord would use his life.

I know many who struggle with such thoughts because of their age, declining health, limited resources, or the trials and sufferings they have endured. You look at others who are front and center and may appear more significant and important in the Kingdom work. But we must stand on truth and walk by faith. Remember our God is sovereign. He is over all things. He knows where we are; He knows our hurts and struggles; He knows the assignments and gifts He has given; and how He plans to work in and through His believers to accomplish His plan. He is working all things out for our good and His glory. You are not useless. Your life is valuable to His kingdom’s work. Through His eyes, He valued the widow’s mite and showed compassion on the needy.

Friends, if you have been saved by the grace and mercy of God, it is you He has called to stand, to walk by faith, and to proclaim to others His glorious salvation. Age, resources, talents, and physical limitations never hinder God from working in you and through you. You are His vessel; He lives in you, and He desires for your words and your life to honor and glorify Him.

After considering those last words, I cannot help but think of Nepal. I’m sure many of you saw those disturbing images. They looked like an AI picture, like something from a disaster movie. But it wasn’t! It was a real flood, in an authentic country where actual people live. Watching those tall structures destroyed in moments, as if they were built with Legos, was jarring to my soul. Seeing vehicles tossed about like toys was unbelievable. But even more devastating and heart-rending was watching as those hundreds and hundreds of people ran, trying to get to
safety. Then seeing individuals standing together on a balcony directly in front of that river, with a powerful force of water surrounding them, was gut-wrenching. They were running or waiting for help, with no hope of survival and no path to escape.

That day, I was out running errands and hadn’t heard the news about Nepal yet. My last stop was to get an oil change. I walked in and sat in the lobby, waiting for my car. As usual, when I walked into the lobby, others were sitting around, and everyone had their heads down, looking at their phones. But a gentleman sitting near me suddenly began saying aloud, “Oh no, oh my, oh no.” Then he looked at me, asked if I had seen what was happening in Nepal, and handed me his phone. My first response, with tears in my eyes, was to say, “Oh no, they had no time to repent, and most probably did not even know about the Lord.” As I handed back his phone, he repeated, “Yes, no time to repent, and again he said, Repentance.” It was a sobering time.

Oh, dear friends, it is critically important to stand and walk in faith, telling others that today is the day of Salvation. Today is the day to repent of going your own way and turn and trust Jesus Christ for your ever-dying soul.

As we continue to ponder lasting words, never forget that God’s plans are always unfolding. For this reason, we must walk by faith, not by sight. Even as the disasters in the world are verified and seen, those who know Him may be shaken at times, but we are never without hope. We are living where this is tested often. A few recent examples come to mind: the catastrophic food crisis in Nepal, which we could describe as apocalyptic; damaging earthquakes in Venezuela, Japan, and Mexico; wars and daily tensions involving so many nations; fires; and tropical storms. This doesn’t include the violence, lack of concern for human lives, and other disruptions in our own country. This is just a minimal list. Yet, through all of this and more, the Lord is allowing the glorious Gospel to go forth.

Because of this, I want to turn the focus to another nation: Nigeria, which is in turmoil. The enemy of God desires to take over this country, vowing to rid it of any Christian influence. Much persecution is taking place daily in this genocide in the name of false religion. Well-documented massacres are taking place, including public beheadings.

However, because of your faithfulness and love for the Lord, and your support of this ministry, we were able to help send one of our faithful partners with the gospel to this perilous country. What a blessing to have a young pastor among our partners who is willing to face such a dangerous climate for the souls of men.
In gratitude, with a thankful heart for your prayers, love, and support of this ministry, I have asked Austin Huggins to share a testimony from this opportunity.