Prayer Letter – May 2023

“The ‘Gospel-destitute areas’ see us as criminal combatants, not friends (Colossians 4:2-4). We’re up against reigning principalities, religious powers, radical politicians, and recurring persecution. We get attacked from the front, from the rear, from the sides, and, yes, even from within (2 Corinthians 7:5). Sure, pray for our safety (Romans 15:30-31, 2 Thessalonians 3:2), but please don’t exert all your time there. Jesus made it clear that mission work is exceedingly unsafe, so we’re already past that hump. We’d love to avoid pain, but not at the expense of boldness; Christ must be lifted up at any cost (Philippians 1:20-21). So pour over our prayer letters (and reply once in a while). And when you pray, pray the prayer that Paul requested: that the word of the Lord would spread quickly and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1). That’s the crux of the matter. That’s the reason we came.” – David Hosaflook, missionary to Albania, Gospel Meditations For Missions. 

We truly have an increasing conviction that if the Lord doesn’t build the house, they labor in vain that build it. This would certainly apply to church planting, but also to individual discipleship, personal evangelism, child rearing, and even medical campaigns. We praise the Lord for dozens of visitors over the last few months, several new families that have joined the church, a baptismal service, and a few precious souls who have been saved. The church folks did a great job with VBS, and I had the privilege to preach 14 times to about 200 at youth camp. The Lord is certainly at work here, but that is not say that there are no difficulties. We have had to confront sin several times recently, and we ourselves have challenges and weakness. 

While serving at MK camp in January, I had an MRI due to back pain, and discovered a mass inside my spine. After much investigation, we opted not to treat it in Peru. In early March we flew to Sao Paolo, where I had surgery on this lesion embedded within my spinal nerves. The doctors believed it to be a simple growth, but after an extended wait pathology reported that it was a cancerous type called ependymoma. I now have a large scar, as well as a couple of titanium screws, so you may refer to me as “iron-man” if you wish. On a more serious note, God truly blessed: had it not been for the back pain and MRI, this probably would have taken much longer (maybe too long) to discover. Kind missionary friends in Brazil helped us get this set up and took care of us in many ways. We were able to travel as a family, thanks to the generosity of Hillsdale Baptist. The surgery removed the entire tumor, and no others were visible post-op. Loren’s mother was able to join us for one week. Many church members stepped up to serve while we were gone. One member took us out to lunch and lamented that she had not really prayed for me seriously up until this point, but God used it in her life. 

Although we missed two Sundays while traveling, and I had to slow down in some of my physical activities, the Lord has kept us busy and fruitful. Our family continues building relationships through the kids’ sports activities. Loren faithfully teaches the ladies. I taught two block classes at the Bible college in Cusco, as well as preaching a church anniversary while there. I already have less back pain than I did pre-surgery. This is huge a blessing as I teach youth, as well as preach 3-4 times per week, and disciple many individuals and couples. 

Lord willing, we will have a teen outing June 3. June 12-16, I will be taking a block class. June 18, we will hold a big Father’s Day outreach at church. June 19-21, Loren and I will go to Lima for a follow-up MRI (which I will need regularly for some time). June 27-29, Mike and Hannah Martin visit. July 14-23, we will have a mission trip from the Cusco Bible College. August 6-12, we will host a medical mission campaign deep into the jungle. 

Prayer Requests: 1. Souls have been saved, and we have celebrated a baptism. 2. MRI cancer scan next month. 3. Possible pastoral candidate coming. 4. Upcoming teen outing (with unsaved visitors). 5. Loren is facing regular health struggles with Hashimoto’s and other things.   6. Joseph was very sad that his goats were killed during our travels: MK life has its trials. 

Praises: 1. Spinal surgery was successful, and I don’t currently need further treatment!     2. Initial plans for parsonage are done. 3. Multiple volunteers for the medical campaign in August. 4. I am working towards an advanced ministry degree. 5. The Mother’s day and Easter outreaches went splendidly! 6. The civil unrest and strikes in Peru are over for now. 

Grace and peace, The Fitzgerald Family