Dear Praying Friends,
Greetings in the good name of our Jesus Christ. As we begin another prayer letter, I want to testify concerning the goodness of our God. Romans 2:4 speaks of the “riches of his goodness”. Exodus 34:6 says that He is “abundant in goodness”. And Psalm 23:6 says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” As we review the first half of 2021, the goodness of God is surely following our family and ministry.
During the last two months of furlough, the Lord has allowed Angie and I to be in over 40 church services in ten states. Our support has increased by $350 per month. And most importantly, we have witnessed eleven young folks answer the call of God to preach and/or be missionaries. These are exciting days. God is still alive, well, and working in hearts. The Lord has allowed us to preach three different mission revivals as well as the first annual Who Will Go Camp in Roanoke, Alabama. God is good.
On June 18th, we welcomed our first daughter-in-law into our family. Jesse & Leah Ruckman will begin their home in Sioux Falls, SD. What a joy to witness God’s goodness upon our son and his bride as they begin their journey of life together. We are humbled and grateful that our children are walking in truth. God is good!
God continues to provide for our churches in Ghana as they continue to preach Christ and literally “build” churches for God’s glory! In the last week, the Lord has provided another $4,400 towards “The Hope of Africa Baptist Ministry” as we buy land and build church buildings. We are also trusting the Lord as Angie and I prepare to return to Ghana on January 4th, 2022. We have several large needs that we are asking God to provide including airline tickets and container fees. We have no doubt that God will supply as He has always supplied our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I am telling you; He is good.
I would like to request special prayer for an upcoming trip. In August, I will travel with a close friend to Ghana for two weeks. There is much preparatory work that needs to be accomplished before our return in January. We NEED “the good Hand of our God upon us” as we do much paperwork and secure housing. Please pray for Angie in my absence as she gets some medical and dental work done during that time.
Thank you again for your continued prayers for Angie’s health throughout this year. While she has had some minor complications from her cancer surgery, overall, she is doing well. Angie is a special lady. Not many ladies would go through what she has went through and be traveling full time on the road as she prepares to move to the other side of the world. I bless the Lord for His goodness to me in giving me Angie! He is so good!
Your missionaries to West Africa,
James & Angie Ruckman