Seasons of Sickness

I remember going to a mission’s conference as we were preparing to go on the mission field full time.  We were featured guests as missionaries telling about work when we weren’t even sure what that work would look like.  We had a small group meeting at a home that weekend.  There was a missionary that was on medical leave because the son had problems with his speech.  The missionary seemed worn down and discouraged because of this delay.  He shared that one of the greatest challenges their family had faced on the field was sickness.  He said the days never turned out the way you planned.  For one, you’re in a third world country and you rarely get what you expect.  Secondly, sickness played a huge part in keeping you from accomplishing your goals each day.  Even in simple matters of paying a bill or depositing money into the bank.  It could be that the bank is closed for some holiday you didn’t know existed.  Maybe the teller was sick and there was not another to replace her.  Sometimes they may be out of the proper document to fill out to complete the transaction.  Regardless of the reason, it doesn’t go as you planned.  Then on a day the bank is in working order, you’re sick. 

We’ve been in a season of sickness.  They come and go, but now that we have been on the field for 6 and a half years, we’re better able to see and understand what this missionary years ago was talking about.  Satan seeks to steal, kill and destroy.  He’s not happy with the work we’re doing because of God’s call on our lives.  Not that every sickness is his doing, but he likes it when the Lord’s work is slowed down.
As Adam especially has struggled this month, would you pray, wholeheartedly believing that he will be restored and able to function at full strength?  Being sick not only wears you down physically but mentally and emotionally, it gets old!  The Lord is doing amazing things all around, with and without us.  Pray we would be healthy enough to be a part of what he wants done through us!

Praises:

*We've had safe travels over the past month and a half. 

*Ministry is going well!  Many are following Christ in the obedience of baptism.

*We’re beginning to feel better.

Prayer Requests:

*Upcoming travels

*Unity across the island: IMB missionaries, partnering organizations, nationals, national conventions

*Clear vision for future

*Our health would be completely restored

SAVE THE DATE:  July 2018 – Feb 2019

We’ll be in the States for our Stateside assignment (STAS)

We’re already scheduling visits to churches to tell about the work God is doing in Madagascar!! We don’t want to miss an opportunity to meet with you!

Please email us at asphailes@aol.com and we can begin discussing possible dates.  The calendar is starting to fill up!!

 Disciple practicing at our Sunday trainings.

 Baptisms in Androy (3 villages together. 5 were baptized)

 At a La Liga game in Malaga in Spain.

 Group that gathered for baptisms

The ladies on our team visiting our friend and her new baby.