Hey DABers,

My wife, two daughters, and myself are currently in the U.S. on furlough raising support for a ministry the Lord has started through us in very “closed” regions to the Gospel in Northeast Asia. One of these closed regions is said to be arguably the most closed country there is to the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We experienced Jesus’ amazing sovereignty while in this area for about 2 years before returning to the states to have our second child, who has been born now. And while we’re stateside we are visiting supporters, meeting new supporters, helping our sending church with various needs, etc and meeting the more challenging people in our lives, unbelieving, or rather family members who believe they are Christian because their parents are/were.

We’re traveling to meet a rather divisive family member in a couple days in Indiana who we have learned had been spreading lies about me.

Long story short, his wife (my wife’s mother) is one of our biggest monthly financial supporters and he seems to be upset by the fact that she decides to partner with us financially. Last year when we visited this side of the family, he and I had a conversation alone in his workshop about our ministry. He didn’t like the idea that missionaries don’t provide for all of their own financial means. I explained we do when we can, but in some contexts this isn’t always possible and went on to explain that one way some people choose to partner in the Great Commission is by financially supporting others who go abroad.

Since this conversation he has told my wife’s side of the family I told him we didn’t know what we were doing in Asia and didn’t know how donations were being used. This is nothing short of a lie.

I know who the father of lies is, of course. But I am requesting wisdom and the strength to exercise it while we will be visiting them for about a week’s time. And also that my the Father completely protects my wife and two daughters’ hearts, minds, and souls while we are among this darkness, as well as my own.

It is very very similar to the darkness we experience in said closed regions of Asia. Very similar.

Thank you all for your time, and PRAYERS!

“Lou” (a pseudonym)