Dear Team,
What a whirlwind month it has been!
John Jere was finally able to get the U. S. Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia to issue him an entry visa for the United States. That put us on high alert as we hastily rescheduled as many of his meetings as possible.
The many meetings, both pre-scheduled by us and all those “God-scheduled” meetings have been an overwhelming blessing to John’s heart and soul.
Without fail, each group or person that God ordained for us to meet with, poured into John just what was needed at that moment. So many of you have showered John, Joyce and the 95 children that they care for with many gifts and “tools” that will make a real dent in war for the hearts and lives of the many desperate souls of Zambia.
I hope that next time John comes to the States, you will be one of the fortunate ones that can host or invite John to share his heart, his love and his passion for his mission field called Zambia.
John Jere sharing passionately about God's work in Zambia.
While John and I were in the Salem, Oregon area last month sharing his unique opportunities to advise the President of Zambia on spiritual matters, I received a call from a strange looking number on my cell phone that I have come to know as most probably from our ITMI partner in Southern Sudan, Vicky Waraka.
I called the number back and had a wonderful time hearing how Vicky is being used mightily during these challenging times of civil unrest in Southern Sudan due to the national vote in the south to secede from the Islamic north controlled Khartoum government.Even though Vicky was very sick from a nasty bout of malaria, she told of how God has been using her through out Southern Sudan to bring the gospel of peace and salvation to a people group that has been abused and neglected for almost a generation.
Pray for Vicky to have the health and resources to care for the many orphans that come her way and for wisdom to speak truth into the lives of the many villages she ministers in.
On the home front, we still keep pressing on as I deal with the effects of heavy metal poisoning. Some days the energy is back to levels that brings a smile to my heart, and some days the effects are very constraining. I am told by my doctor that this is to be expected during the process of extracting these metals from within my body.Your prayers for patience and contentment would be most appreciated.
I am reminded of what David shares in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
May we always, in all circumstances be mindful to keep our thoughts and our words in line with what is acceptable in our Lord’s sight.
As your representative, ambassador and partner in HIS work,
Summer Kelley is a writer living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. She’s a homeschooling mom and a T-shirt and jeans aficionado who likes all things simple. When she’s not writing or homeschooling, you can find her honing her skills as what some might call a "suburban survivalist" as she learns to thrive in the suburbs with 3 kids. As a productivity and organizing enthusiast, she may or may not spend hours attempting to use technology to "save time.” Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic from the fountain.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.
