Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
It seems that even when trials come into our lives while serving the Lord, the blessings far outweigh those trials. It has caused me to realize that regardless of the circumstances, God is still in control. Laura is starting to feel more of the side effects of the chemotherapy, but thankfully, the tumor has begun to shrink again (but not the spots in the lungs). It had shrunk significantly after the first round of chemo, but after a short break, it began growing rapidly and was even larger than before. The oncologist has said her chemo treatments are “open-ended,” a euphemism for “needed for the rest of her life.” We are trusting the Lord for His healing. In spite of her health issues, Laura saw Jenny, a worker from Vanuatu, trust Christ as her Saviour last month. Most of the seasonal workers have moved to the mainland, but we are praying for the Vanuatu ministry to resume when they return in October/November.
Many of our dear church members have chronic, serious health concerns as well. One 85-year-old saint has cancer and was given only months to live. He was moved to a nursing home recently. His memory is failing rapidly, but the one thing he never forgets is that Jesus saved him as a 10-year-old boy! He had us write a booklet of his testimony, which we finished recently. Please pray that Gordon will continue to be a witness for the Lord and that he will not suffer. He is eager for Heaven!
Overall, the Coastline Baptist Church family is thriving. We are seeing new visitors almost every week, and some are staying. Cassandra is more faithful to church than ever, even getting involved in the recently formed church choir. Nick (mentioned in a previous letter) is beginning to appear at church services. A young married couple in our church now has a second child, a little girl. A new family with four young children drives over 45 minutes one way to attend church. Many in the church family are faithful to soul winning and are supportive of missions.
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for the continued spiritual growth in the church family and for visitors to return.
2. Pray for the health of Gordon, Mike, Patty, Les, Annette, Gaylene, Angeline, John, Gwen, and Kathy.
3. A week ago, I had surgery to remove the titanium nail and seven screws from my tibia. Please pray for my leg to heal quickly.
Once again, it is your support that helps us maintain a presence for the Saviour in Tasmania, and we do not forget it. Thank you for helping to make a difference in this corner of the globe.
All for His glory,
Bro. Andrew Steers