In 2007, doctors diagnosed me with leukemia. Would that limit our evangelism of the lost? Since then, four of the six churches that have supported us for so many years have had to completely drop their financial support of our ministry. Will that limit our discipleship of the next generation of missionaries?
We are not deterred. We know that, ever since Loren Cunningham commissioned us to revive the YWAM missionary training center and outreach programs in Tampa Bay, God has made it clear that we are in the center of His will. Since establishing YWAM Tampa Bay and sending out our first 6 disciples 4 years ago, we have had the honor of discipling more than 50 future leaders from 6 continents. We have had the privilege of laboring alongside them to see the Holy Spirit lead hundreds of people into His Kingdom.
This year, almost every guest lecturer said that teaching at this year’s DTS was one of the best experiences (or some said simply “the best”) that they have had in teaching at any DTS, among the hundreds of DTS’s at which they have collectively spoken. We feel the same – so blessed to see God moving in such power. A few weeks ago, we returned from a 2-month outreach in Malaysia, Thailand & Myanmar (Burma). We ministered there with 11 of our missionary trainees in churches, prisons, refugee camps, schools & orphanages. We had the overwhelming joy of seeing more than 200 people saved!
The Gospel is advancing with force. The leukemia, however, is not advancing at all. My doctors – who had told me that the cancer would likely take my life in just a few years – are now indicating that, at this rate, I will more likely die from martyrdom than from cancer!
Blessings, Art