April 8, 2008
Dear Friends,
Here we are again almost a year later. We have had some major changes again. We returned to New Jersey back in January, 2007. On our Christmas trip in December, 2006, it became apparent for the need for us to return to help Judy’s parents with the aging process.
Upon our return, we resumed our ministries at our local church. George returned to his Deaconship role, Wednesday night prayer meeting and substitute for Adult Sunday school. Judy returned to serving children in nursery, children’s church and substitute Sunday school classes. As a family, we began serving the elderly; not just Judy’s parents but the wise elderly of the church (through visitation to those in nursing homes.) We have assisted with a nursing home ministry in North Carolina and assumed some assistance upon our return down near the New Jersey shore.
The Lord has blessed us with opportunities in visiting other churches with our mission story and ministry as well. Throughout the year, we have been blessed through fellowship with Northfield Baptist, Chelsea Baptist, Open Bible Baptist of Millville, Mays Landing Baptist and Washington Township. We were more recently blessed while being part of First Baptist of Elmer’s mission conference compiled by fellow missionary pilots. We were also blessed by many individuals who have taken personal interest in our ministry by their cheerful and generous giving. We have meetings booked through May of 2009 with many holes to fill. We are praying the Lord will fill the gaps in our schedule. Pray for us as we seek the Lords leading in finding new churches to contact and visit.
As stated earlier in the letter, we returned home early in 2007 to live with and take care of Judy’s parents. They seem to be failing fast physically and mentally. They both are showing some lack of memories. This requires 24 hour daily watch and care. Judy’s mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. While surgery and radiation are helping, she was diagnosed with a different type of cancer in her other breast. This needs different care. She is not doing well with all of this; it’s causing her much distress and pain.
Physically for her parents, things are not good. Spiritually, things are worse. Both mom and dad need assurance of the Lord as their savior. We are praying for them to take care of this while they can. I’m reminded of the words of the Prophet Isaiah 55:6 ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Soon they will not be able to do this. Please pray with us, that they will come to know the Lord before it’s too late.
Although at times, situations may seem a misfortune, the Lord always knows what’s best for us as well as the people around us. We plan on being here for another year or so while we continue to raise our support. It has been a luxury to have a house to live in. Living in the camper for 2 years has taught us how to get along in “tight spaces”. We still love one another as a family. Actually, the Lord used the experience to strengthen us in many ways. I believe we needed this growth and experience as a family, before the Lord gave us the ministry here at home. This has been trying to us as a family unit. We thank the Lord for the way he seems to know just what we need before we need it. While here, we took the opportunity to enroll the girls in school. Before this we home schooled everybody. We still continue to home school our son for various reasons. Please pray for us, we need wisdom in this matter. The girls are doing great, and love school. George IV (our son) is doing better now that we have more time for “one on one” teaching.
Prayer Requests:
- Continue to pray for us as a good testimony amongst lost loved ones.
- Continue to pray for the leading of Lord to the churches that he would have us to minister to.
- Continue to pray for our family as the Lord leads us to school our children, direct them in spiritual character and growth in the Lord.
- Pray for the selling of the property owned by Open Bible Baptist
Praises:
Great is the Lord in the guidance in this past year’s devotions, visitation and opportunities in ministering to local churches. Praise the Lord for promised support by a church as well as individuals. Praise the Lord for the many blessings he has put in our path of deputation. May those that the Lord uses for blessings; be blessed ten fold.
In Christ’s Work,
George Pine III