Next Wednesday, we will be on a plane, Lord willing, headed for Brazil. It’s been a wonderful time on deputation. The Lord has used so many of you to be an encouragement, help, and blessing as He took us from place to place. Thank you for your prayer and giving to help us on our way. Looking back, there’s been so many lessons that Father has taught us. So many blessings that He’s bestowed so graciously. Yet, we know that in many ways, deputation was the “easy” part. We know there’s to be new trials and steps of faith that we’ll need to take in just a few short days. And through it all, we know He’s faithful, in control, and has a plan.
With our anniversary coming up shortly, Jamie and I decided to getaway together before the start of our first term. It was wonderful to spend a couple of days with her and really once again share our hearts and reconnect. She has been such a wonderful help to me over the last 5 years of marriage. I’m so grateful for her love, help, and wisdom. I also had the opportunity to preach at Faith Baptist in Bourbonnais and Northwest in Elgin. Our hearts were so full as we said goodbye to both churches which we love so dearly. We’re so thankful for so many who have poured their lives into ours growing up in our churches.
I had the chance to go out soul winning with my dad before leaving for one final meeting in Arkansas. Prior to starting I had prayed that the Lord would not only allow us to share the Gospel with people, but also to be sensitive to the needs of people. The greatest need without a doubt is the Gospel. As I’ve heard it said, behind every door is a broken heart. Our very last door on that cold morning we met Bea, a 66 year old Iranian immigrant. I gave her a tract and invited to church and she didn’t seem too interested. But, she did ask us to come in and pray for her. As we sat down and began to talk with her, it became readily apparent that Bea had some real heartaches. I was able to share the Gospel with her. She told me that in 35 years of living in the United States, we were the first people who were not Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon to talk with her. May it never be said that those with a false gospel are more proactive than Christians who have the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for Bea. Like so many today, she’s in desperate need of hope – the hope found only in our Resurrected Saviour! There are hurting people everywhere. The Gospel is good news, not only because of the forgiveness of sins, but also for the peace that passes all understanding.
We know that you pray for us. We know that your intercede on our behalf and we are so grateful and humbled by that fact. Please, in the days ahead, continue to pray for us and that the Word of God would have free course. We know only through Him can anything of eternal importance be accomplished for His honor and glory!
Love in Christ,
Keith, Jamie, Elaina, and Clayton Putnam | Philippians 2:16
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