2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

Suffering is a difficult subject to talk about. Everyone, including me, asks why at some point. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do Christians have problems just like non-Christians? Why me? Well, there is no easy answer. But, as Christians we have hope. We believe that God keeps his promise to,"never leave us nor forsake us," which means that we are never alone, and we always have someone to listen to us, and who will speak words of comfort. God does not always take us out of some trouble or hardship. He takes us through them. God sometimes bring hardship on us to test us, or to teach us something that we will be able to use to bless somebody else with. It may have nothing to do with us, but our willingness to be used by God however he wants to use us. It may not be any fun, and you may never want to go through it again, but God will use it for his Glory. 

Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ: In Sudan. Christians face growing persecution because of a large population of Muslim extremists. Pray that God would fill their hearts with love for their enemies, and courage to follow Jesus.

Pray for your church: Join with Tomi Eaton and our church in praying and fasting for our children's ministry. We are seeking God's direction, and taking time to listen for where God is leading us rather than doing our own thing.

Pray for your local Missions: Pray for the SB Rescue Mission. Their aim is to help men to be set free from addiction. Pray that God would use them to raise up men of and women of God to boldly proclaim the gospel.

Pray for your city: God. Raise up the men in this city. Make them your own. Draw them to yourself. Lead them, so that they may lead their families, friends, and churches in following you. Make your glory shine through them.

Pray for your nation: Pray for our leaders. The choices they make affect millions of people. Pray that God would remind them that their purpose is to represent the people, to protect people, and to serve people. Ask him to continue to remove corrupt individuals and replace them with men and women who will be a blessing to their country.

Pray for your international Missions: IJM (International Justice Mission) Pray that the work they do to set women and children in slavery free would grow, and that God would continue to provide for them so that more and more oppressed people might see God's salvation.

Praise God: Praise the Lord for his mercy and compassion. Praise Him for not leaving us alone, and for sending His son so that we might spend eternity with Him. Thank you Lord for giving away your son so that we might have an abundant life.

In addition I wanted to let everyone know that I will begin sending out the prayer e-mail every other week until my schedule becomes a bit more normal. Thank you for your patience.

May the Lord bless you and and fill you with strength and endurance, so that you might finish the course that God has marked out for you. May his presence guide and council you daily, and may hislove pour out of you to everyone around you.

Michael

Prayer Request - (Notes: Pray for these as the Holy Spirit leads you. That is why I keep them concise.)

Rose Ortiz - Husband diagnosed with cancerous tumor in his chest. Currently in Chemo, and unable to work. They have two children.

M. Macias - Job search. Applied to a couple of full time positions. Looking for God's open doors.

Prayer Updates - Rick Moritz, and Gibby may be housed within the next month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers until everything has been brought to completion.