Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” With Bible Institute on summer break, we began Children’s Bible Club in our compound and excitedly anticipated Saturday visitation in nearby villages … but… In June, Angie developed a rash which quickly enveloped her legs, stomach, and arms. After seeking medical assistance both locally and in Accra (the capital city), one of the leading dermatologists in Ghana told us that the cause of the rash was internal and that we should seek treatment in the USA. The Lord provided for us to be on a plane headed to South Dakota within a few hours of that diagnosis.

We thank God for a doctor in our home-church who specializes in microbiology and international health. He spent four hours with us the afternoon after our arrival, drew blood for numerous tests, and was able to diagnose the problem. A specific toxin in Angie’s blood was twice as high as what the highest marker should be. She had “Scarlet Fever Rash” which she developed through Strep A bacteria entering her skin and its byproduct getting into her bloodstream. The doctor assured us that we did right to get her home as quickly as we did. He explained that, left untreated, it would have done significant damage to her heart and kidneys in a short amount of time. We praise the Lord that after ten days of heavy doses of penicillin, Angie was completely healed. Last Tuesday, she arrived back in Ghana. We praise the Lord for directing our steps through this ordeal and providing our airfare and medical costs in their entirety. Thank you to everyone who gave to meet these needs. We also enjoyed getting to see some of our children on this unplanned trip.

The Bible Institute students have been enjoying their summer break. Some of them have continued gathering every Saturday for evangelism alternating from one village to another as they share the gospel. We anticipate a full fall schedule as we offer seven courses to the students beginning August 13th. The student body continues to increase. We are honestly humbled for the opportunity to invest the Word of God into these young men. I am realizing that the Bible Institute is equally important to the work of the Great Commission as preaching Christ and planting churches.

Last Monday, we received a 20-foot container loaded with 10,000 whole Bibles, 2,000,000 gospel tracts, and 1,200 pounds of new shirts/ties for the pastors and churches of Ghana. We want to publicly thank Pastor Wayne Sexton and the Ridgeview Baptist Church for purchasing all the materials, loading the container, and shipping it to us. By the end of this week, we should have 75% of the contents of this container shipped to several different locations in Ghana where they will be distributed. We are also grateful for the twenty-four folks from six different churches who helped unload the container. I could not have done it by myself.

The Lord gave us the opportunity to preach two revivals in June and July. It was a blessing to see folks give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. I will never tire of preaching the simple gospel message that Jesus saves. While Satan certainly holds these dear Ghanaian people in animistic and charismatic bondage, I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ which breaks both sinful and self-righteous chains to set these captives free. Please pray especially for a Muslim man with whom we have developed a good friendship. We have given him the gospel several times. Tomorrow, God-willing, in answer to his request, he will receive his very first Arabic Bible.

We thank the Lord for His provision for the church-building at Agona Nkwanta. We are awaiting a building permit from the village assembly to begin construction. We continue to pray for the Lord to provide land in Shama for Pastor Augustine and the church there. The finances have already been provided for that land. We are hoping to set our second gospel tent in Kojokrom in the near future for a church-plant that is in the process of being started there. Angie and I continue to ask for your prayers as God is opening some great and effectual doors of ministry.

Would you pray for God to keep us in good health as we walk through these doors? God bless you for your faithful prayers and support.