OCT-NOV-DEC 2009

Dear Christian Friends,

            We know it has been a while since our last newsletter. This is due to an unexpected event. As many of you already know Herman had a hemorrhagic stroke while preaching at a church in Lakeland, FL on September 27. There are so many details of God’s miraculous intervention that point to His great love and mercy that it would require many pages to tell. God’s awesome love is continually being poured out on us and our family (Matthew 10:29-31). There are not enough ways to say thank you for what the Lord has done! We so appreciate how His people (during our nearly month long stay in FL and since our return to New York State) have blessed us in prayer, support, visits, cards and phone calls. No words in English, Spanish or “Spanglish” could be enough to express our deepest gratitude but we’ll say it just the same: THANK YOU, GRACIAS AND “GRACIYOU”! Herman continues to make slow but steady progress. Thankfully he never lost his voice (though it is somewhat diminished) or his memory of people and most importantly he still has the eternal Word of God that has been deposited in him (2 Corinthians 4:7). He is currently at DeMay Living Center here in Newark, NY. We do need continued prayer for his balance, severe head pain (where the stroke occurred-behind the right ear), swallowing, strengthening of his voice and his left side and the persistent swelling of his left hand. He needs encouragement also as the physical, occupational and speech therapy tend to be very exhausting. Sandra needs prayer for His wisdom to address the decisions that need to be made and for the seemingly endless paperwork. Thank you in advance for your prayers on our behalf.
            We do want to update you on what the Lord did during the times we did speak since the last newsletter and we also want you to be aware that the prison ministry is continuing on with Sandra and those volunteers who have been with us. In August we had the opportunity to speak at Wellspring Church in Clifton Springs, NY (Pastors Jim & Linda Knarr). The Lord had me to speak on “Laying the Foundation” based on Isaiah 28:16 and Luke 6:43-49. We saw God touch and save eight precious for His Kingdom! Praise God! Then we went on to Bridgeport, CT to speak at Pivot Program, a Christ-centered rehab program (Exec. Director, David Smith). Sandra shared from Psalm 42:7-8 on the need to call out of the deep unto Him in the midst of the storm. I then spoke on Genesis 1:1-2, sharing how we are all created by God and without Him we are without form and void and have darkness upon the face of our deep places. Eleven souls came forward with nine wanting to receive a touch from God for their storm and two who came weeping to ask the Lord for salvation in the Name of Jesus! Isn’t our God awesome?!
            During this Christmas season we come to remember the best gift of all: Jesus, who came to be born and to die on a cruel cross and rise again on the third day. That helps us to keep things in their proper perspective. As we look forward to the New Year of 2010 it is important for His people to be encouraged, to walk in hope and obedience. Is it easy in these trying times? The answer is: NO! Is it worth it? The answer is a resounding YES! He does give joy for the journey! We want you to know that while God’s people are pressed on every side (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) and while we have found our current estate to be challenging on many different levels we have found Him to be faithful in every way! He has given us strength, hope, peace, wisdom, fellowship, the gift of laughter and His boundless, amazing grace! The awesome part is that we only need grace for today and when tomorrow comes we can ask our Heavenly Father again for the grace that is needed and He will give it to us (Lamentations 3:21-25). Be blessed in this coming New Year and walk in expectation of Him.
            BE ENCOURAGED IN THE LORD!  (Daniel 6:27)

                                                                                    Your servants in Christ,

                                                                                    Herman & Sandra