Dear Pastor and Fellow laborers,
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Ps. 18:30 from II Sm. 22:31).
It is comforting to know that as we follow God's way, it's flawless! It is reassuring knowing that in our searching and proclaiming the Lord's word, it's faithful! It is encouraging to know that placing our trust in him, especially his Son, it's firm!
Tribulation is one of the many things all men have in common; none are immune to it. However, for those following “God’s” perfect way, believing the word of the Lord and trusting in him alone, their reaction and action throughout tribulation differ from the “man’s” way. Not long after arriving in Brazil, we faced a family crisis as we received difficult “to bear alone” news from one of our children in the US. In their extreme hurting, they cried out to us for prayer, encouragement, and compassion. In our hurting with them and yearning to be with them in their tribulation, we reached out to a Brother in Christ in the US for prayer and encouragement who, unbeknownst to us, was dealing with his extreme family crises that very week. Our circumstances differed, but we imitated King Hezekiah in his “day of trouble” in II K. 18 & 19. 1) Hezekiah went into the house of the LORD-19:1; 2) he sought the man of God-v. 2; 3) he approached the Throne of God-vv. 14b-15a. And God heard our cries and prevailed in each of our particular circumstances. We’re each rejoicing in the Lord's unspeakable goodness to us-ward today as we continue “overcoming” with God's help (Ps. 121:2). We are always giving thanks to God for your prayers on our family's behalf and for His putting us in your hearts, and asking Him to tend to and meet you all’s circumstances and needs as well.
God has blessed us with an important and much-needed opportunity; another missionary and his wife, Bro. Stephen and Sister Kelley Doolittle needed to go to the US to attend to important family matters and asked us to fill in for them in their temporary absence. Bro. Doolittle and his wife are church planters in Guarantã do Norte, located in the northernmost point of Matto Grosso, Brazil. Bro. Stephen's first assignment for me here was to preach for his missions conference/anniversary. God's house was packed throughout the three-day conference, and there were some new people who Bro. Stephen had been “compelling to come in” many times but finally showed up; praise the Lord! They’re currently supporting four missionaries and, after this year’s conference, reported an increase in their faith promise giving, hallelujah!
While here in these parts of Brazil, God has given us the honor and privilege of preaching in two other church plants. Missionaries Alex and Jessica Lima are establishing a church in Nova Mutum, MT, about 6.75 hours drive south of Guarantã do Norte, MT, and Missionaries Jedidiah and Gloria Duarte are planting a church in Alta Floresta, MT, about 3.5 hours west of us. Please remember these works as you pray for us. These missionaries desperately need help—“laborers.”
Since our return to Brazil, four missionaries and a national Pastor have asked me to fill in for them at some point for one reason or another. However, as everyone knows, we can’t be in two places simultaneously; our work in Joinville and another. Will you please join us in praying more fervently our Lord's prayer request that “the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers” (Mt. 9:38; Lk. 10:2)?
Thank you so much for your love for us, prayers, and faithful financial support, all for which we give God the glory.
Scott and Donna Allen
Loving His Appearing 2Ti. 4:8
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