December 18, 2010

SURGERY TIME CHANGE

Lord willing, Janice will go into the Pennsylvania Hospital (in Philadelphia) on Monday, December 20th, at 6:30 a.m., for neurosurgery on four vertebrae of the spine. There has been an ascending amount of numbness, falling, and pain, all diagnosed as part of the same situation. Thankfully, a consulting doctor has ruled out a second surgery (hip), concluding that the pain is all from the same source.

As we understand it, the procedure involves fusion with rods, screws, and bone graft; decompressing spinal nerves; repairing damaged bones; cutting off segments of four vertebrae; a post-op back brace; and a substantial recovery time.

December 16, 2010

As you may remember, this is the time of our year at home for being put back together. This means paper and administrative work, house responsibilities, visits with family/friends, and medical needs. It's also a time of more relaxed personal and ministry study in God's Word. His supply of health for us to keep all commitments has been no small thing!

Lord willing, I (Janice) will go into the hospital on December 23rd for neurosurgery on two locations of the spine. There has been an ascending amount of numbness, falling, and pain, all diagnosed as part of this same situation. An orthopedic surgeon was also consulted to be sure a 2nd surgery (hip) is not necessary first. We should receive that answer on Monday, 12/13. God's leading in this situation has been absolutely phenomenal. We're taking it as He brings it to us, and we are content. Christmas may be very different this year, but Jesus will be there, and that is no small thing.

There is a certain press of ministry that does not go away with the ceasing of travel. There are always new and many hurting people with extremely serious situations. We have not found the "off" switch to stop thinking of/praying for them, even when they are not with us.

Please continue to pray for:

1. David's mind to be finally free and rested
2. Future details of all the scheduling
3. Successful renewal of a Cuban visa and US license
4. God's help /guidance /protection of this mission, its board members, officers, webmaster, and many others who bear great responsibilities.

Always grateful for God and for your unending care and true partnership,

September 9, 2010>

Please thank and give special praise to God for all that He has done in the past, per the reports in the "Recent Newsletters" section; then petition Him for the future.

1. Tuesday, 9/7, David departed for JFK Airport in New York flying to Zambia by way of South Africa; he's due home 9/28. Please pray that the seed of GOD'S WORD THAT LIVES will fall on the good ground of soft/open/obedient hearts; that GOD'S SPIRIT will flow through David as His channel. We have received word of his safe arrival, never to be taken for granted.
2. The Zambian Christian leaders, interpreters, and organizers need prayer. There is much wisdom, time, and effort involved in the planning and facilitating of these meetings, e.g., they must make a round trip bus trip each time they communicate using a computer. We're thankful for this devotion to God so that others might hear HIS Word, and know Him personally.
3. Please pray for All NEEDS PHYSICAL: travel safety and sleep when he returns home; that David will not be sick during this stay from all the medications in him; that he will not be allergic to/sick from a 2nd new anti-malaria antibiotic he is to try beginning on 9/10 for 25 more days; that he'll be able to find non-reactive food. Each and every day has been planned for him to minister; it is nearly always at a different location. Pray, please, for GOD'S strength in the high temperatures and during this full itinerary…and that God will enable David to continue to keep his focus on his task of things eternal.
4. Please pray for Janice especially during this month, a time of catch-up after nearly the entire summer away from home and desk. You can guess there's a fair amount to do…ministry-wise, and home-wise.
5. Please refer to the "Calendar" on the Home Page for future itinerary commitments after David's return, Lord willing, on September 28, 2010.

We are continually grateful for you and grateful to God for you…those of you whom we know, and others whom we may not know. Please accept our thanks.

David and Janice Clemens

JUNE 28, 2010

Good afternoon,

It was wonderful to be able to write you and ask for your prayers regarding David's laryngitis and needed voice for speaking Sunday morning. Thank you for the personal and truly encouraging notes (arriving almost immediately from two of you). That was something!

Here is what happened AFTER you were contacted: by the time church began on Sunday morning, God had restored to David a soft voice. That is what he used for the entire service. They also turned up the loud speaker system volume control. Mark, the Dutch ministry director AND the interpreter, had also been sick...from Friday through Sunday. However, he was able to hear David speak loudly enough to translate and get the message out. Also, unknown to us, it was Communion Sunday, and our God had led David to include in the message some moving specifics regarding the death of Jesus. The whole experience was just a wonderful evidence of the working and gracious ways of God. THANK YOU for the part you had in all of this. (Internet is frustrating at times, but it does have its moments!! :)

With our love,

David and Janice

JUNE 26, 2010

Good morning,

It is Sunday, 3:30 a.m., and I can't sleep. We are in The Netherlands and are six hours ahead of you. God has put it in my mind to write and ask you to pray if you get this in time.

After a tremendous week of ministry and God-empowered Bible studies on the topic of "God's Testing Program" (which was very specific regarding the ways of Satan as he tries to foil God's purposes), the final session was Friday evening. Within minutes after its conclusion, David got laryngitis and lost his voice, and it has not yet returned. In fact, he just got up to take more medicine. The need? He is to leave to preach in 5 hours and 20 minutes (at our 9:15 a.m. on Sunday) Would you pray? The desire of our hearts is healing, but most of all we want His will. Feel free to share this request, and we will see what God will do.

Our love,

David and Janice

AUGUST, 2008

REQUESTS: PLEASE PRAISE FOR ALL THAT IS PAST, AND PRAY THAT…

1. …leaders, teachers, missionaries, directors, pastors overseas and here will be tenacious and passionate for the study and teaching of Scripture, not only in word, but in practice. Talk and life MUST agree; there can not be a disconnect. Pray for continued courage/protection/peace for those who stand alone.
2. …the first three weeks of September will truly be a much needed break in the intense schedule which has been going on since February. Please pray for his mind, body, and soul to rest and become refreshed for all that lies ahead on (and off) the itinerary.
3. …God's direction will be clear in planning future itineraries and that He'll keep working strongly throughout the 2008 itinerary.
4. …"J" (from the airplane conversation) will write us or that God will use another person/means to encourage him into life with Jesus Christ.
5. …Medical "stuff" will be handled quickly, per God's best will.
   1. David's lips and face - The sores closed and looked good…in time for Cuba and Holland trips. We await further word regarding the diagnosis. The next appointment: 09/08).
   2. Janice's arms/hands - The results of surgery #1 were: fast healing, added degree of hand strength and hand mobility, cessation of physical therapy. Arm #2 surgery: 09/23.
   3. We thank the Lord for His gracious timing and His good purposes. His ears were open to the requests of so many of you concerning both of these health issues. His answer was, "Yes," this time; if it's "No" in the future, we shall remember, God is always good.
6. …although recent meetings in Cuba (as well as Holland, Spain, Zambia, and our USA) have ended, the precious Spirit of God will continue to lovingly draw individuals to Himself. Many need to accept Christ as their own Savior; many need prayer; many need encouragement; many need God's strength to conquer addictions/habits/doubts, but they must choose to allow Him to help them in HIS way.