We have learned that though we generally know what God wants to accomplish, He figures out special ways to get us there. Although we keep asking for a monthly budget figure, nothing near that has been donated. Several times only 1/100th of what we asked for came in. We patiently wait for His time and purpose. God offset the low giving this year by more honorariums for speaking. The trying times have again and again brought us to points of crying out to the Lord.

Some principles/beliefs have been the backbone of our faith.

God will definitely, most surely, without doubt provide.



God carefully uses the timing of provision in order to emphasize different lessons. We are far less likely to confuse His provision with coincidence when it is last minute and as a result of much prayer.



We will not ask the government for support though we easily could.



God, in His care for us, wonderfully orchestrates a great host of situations and individuals. These methods are sometimes ordinary but often totally unexpected.



We will not go into debt. If we need to step into debt, then Paul will start working elsewhere.



We can, if needed, go without a lot of things such as a second car.



God reveals as much love and care as we need in difficult times so that we can rightly understand Him and be protected from becoming bitter.



God normally uses difficult times to train and purify His people and establish works that bring greater glory to His Name.

Let me explain this last point a bit. It is crucial. God never made a mistake with Joseph, David, Jesus and Paul. They all needed to go through trying times to bring greater glory to God. The strains, stresses and hardships are part of the ministry. This concept is opposite to the professionalization of the ministry which states our individual lives are to be separated from our ministries. The apostle experienced much greater testings than we ever have. He said, "I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus" (Gal 6:17). We do not choose these hardships. We do not like them. And yet we are ready for them when they come. They are necessary for greater things to happen.

God is doing great things throughout the world in these last days. We desire to be part of God's great masterpiece. We believe BFF is being created to increase our participation and effectiveness in His great work. God has kept us busy working at getting the kindling wood ready for the bonfire. It is hard work to saw, carry, chop and split the wood. But there is a goal that is beyond ourselves. It is the Father's will to touch the world with the Truths of His mighty Word.

Thanks for joining with us in prayer through these sometimes rough stages of ministry. Please continue on!