God's People Will Not Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity

COVER LETTER

Dearly Beloved:

“PASTOR DAVID, YOU SPEAK SO MUCH ABOUT HARD TIMES COMING. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I'VE BEEN LIVING HARD TIMES FOR YEARS.”

These words came to me by mail from a frustrated prisoner who has been reading my messages for a number of years. He was not condemning me; he simply said he was just very tired of years of hard times and prayed for some good news.

He is right about the hard times so many have endured for years. We minister to inner-city believers who have known only trouble and difficulty for most of their lives — struggling to find a decent apartment, trying to feed children with no father, needing a miracle every week just to survive. We continue to help supplying needs of widows and the fatherless, yet the battle they face is daunting.

These struggling souls are not concerned about Wall Street or about multimillionaires losing fortunes. Their focus is not on the economy or stocks and bonds. They live one day at a time, trusting the Lord to help them pay the electric bill.

I think of the pastor who called me yesterday. Wearily, he told me of his wife's battle with cancer that is spreading throughout her body. His focus was not on the possibility of a recession or worldwide depression. All his thoughts and prayers are focused on his dear wife for “just a healing word from God.”

What blesses me most are the uplifting letters we receive from those whose faith has held steady or is growing in the midst of their very hard times. They have been severely tested and at times have wondered if they would make it through the storm. But they still trust the Lord completely.

Beloved, the Lord’s coming draws near, and soon we will all stand before his throne. All I have to give him of any value is my faith. Unwavering faith is the most precious gift we can give him — both now and at his throne.

“He [the trusting believer] shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid...” (Psalm 112:7–8).

A closing word: Every day, when we open our mail in the office, we are amazed. God is sustaining our ministry to nations, and every need is being met. We give God all praise. We thank all who keep supporting these important missions outreaches. Thank you for caring.

We love reading your comments. We do pray over all prayer requests. God love you.

In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 12.31.69