Ministry Update March, 2010

·         Greetings from your missionary family in the city of Dayton.  The months are moving by so quickly…..so much to do and so much being done.  Our continual focus is found in Titus 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

·         We have heavy hearts for those who are living on the streets.  It simply isn’t easy to live under a freeway overpass, in an abandoned building, or a cardboard box.  We can probably point out many ills in their life which has brought this upon them.  Nevertheless, it is still a test of our compassion to do what we can.  Luke 10:33 sets the example:  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was [injured man]; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.  Pray that we will be able to reach many in this condition.  They are young and old alike.  Salvation will start their journey back to life and life in Christ.

·         Some of the major problems that keep people on the street is mental illness.  These can be very difficult cases to work with.  Many need medicine, housing, and counseling but their life irregularities keep them from receiving professional help.  Many do not see the need.  So, we work with those who seem to be outside of the envelope to get the assistance they should be receiving.  Pray for the power of the Word of God to penetrate the complexities of a mixed up mind and that the Gospel might get through and bring them clear thinking and the grace of Christ.

·         Affordable housing is a big issue today for many people who never thought they would have a problem.  It is especially a challenge for people on the lower income level.  Many housing conditions are very poor if you have a landlord who has no integrity or real concern for the people.  We look for quality housing…nothing fancy, just clean, free of bed bugs, roaches, mice and with a little heat and hot water.  Pray that quality resources would be made known to us.

·         We often use the words “roughing it” when there is a little something in our life out of the norm of comforts.  Most all of the youth that we work with are “roughing it” every day.  Stable home lives with consistent food, clothing, showers, heat, guidance and discipline just aren’t there.  The children are very creative and design their own methods of living to compensate for the lack of a nurturing home.  Thus, their behavioral standards are all pointed toward survival of the fittest.  As you can imagine, that creates quite a challenge for our youth staff.  Pray that we can show the children that God is with them and they need not go through life “roughing it”…Christ can bring order out of chaos.   Without Christ they will continue believing that survival means carrying a gun as a teenager!

·         We want to thank everyone for their support of the work here.  If we have somehow missed thanking you….you are very much appreciated.  The Lord is sustaining us…we are very thankful for everything that comes our way.  We are always glad to say that we have the freedom to preach the Gospel, use the Bible, have prayer and say the name of Jesus because our support comes from caring people and churches.  Pray that our support would increase to meet the needs and advance the cause of Christ in the city.

·         We will be glad to see summer arrive for all of the activities at the mission and Camp Jabez.  Camp Jabez is a wonderful experience for young people age 5 to 14.  It is a lovely environment centered on the work of Christ in creation.  Please pray for full attendance and support for the entire amount of funds it takes to operate the camp during the summer.  You can designate funds to specifically pay for our campers.  We now have on-line registration taking place….now is the time to sign up groups or individuals….or get those grandkids in.

·         On our needs list again this month is a very large riding mower (60”) for Camp Jabez…..a projector for computers for our Nehemiah University class rooms….lap top computers for our Adult Technology Classes….large emergency generators.  Pray that these things will become available.

By His grace,

Ken Clarkston
Ken Clarkston
Chaplain, Director