September, 2011 Prayer and Praise/John’s Health up-date
September, 2011
TRAVELS
What a joy it has been to report to many of our prayer/financial support team! God has granted safety over 5,200 miles across 16 different states. The opportunities to share Christ were limitless…gas stations, VBS’s, toll booths, churches, prisons, wheelchair fix it shops, back yard barbecues, restaurants, camps…the list goes on. We are now back in Iowa with full and thankful hearts. Sooo many times in our travels, we heard the words, “We pray faithfully for you every day.” Wow! No wonder we are so blessed! This is the first “long journey” (over one month) that we have made without our children since John’s injury. Even though there were a few tense moments (of course!), the trip went smoothly and God used His Word and worked through our lives in ways we never imagined. Many decisions were made for salvation, assurance, and a renewed Christian walk. Just this past Sunday a lady said, “Pastor John, before I heard your sermon, I was ready to give up on life. But after seeing you and hearing your testimony, I’m going to keep fighting and do what is right.” Praise the Lord!
TESTINGS
Awhile back, John had some difficulties breathing and began coughing up blood clots. A chest x-ray revealed what doctors thought to be pneumonia. After a round of antibiotics was taken, a second x-ray still revealed something in his left lung, and the doctor requested a CAT scan followed by a PET scan followed by a bronchoscopy. Yesterday, we received the results. A rare grape-sized lung stone was removed from the bronchial tube. The doctor informed us that six weeks of strong antibiotics should take care of the severe infection that was backed up behind the stone. He is feeling fine and all of us are REJOICING at God’s goodness to us. Thank you for praying.
TIMETABLE
Pray for us especially during the upcoming months of September and October. We will be involved in four missionary conferences, and many additional meetings. We know that God is faithful and will give us strength and blessings as He always does.
TRIUMPH
Our oldest son, Joshua, was finally diagnosed with severe osteoporosis caused by past radiation treatments. The prescribed medication is helping him greatly. Our second son, Jerrod and wife Alyssa, continue serving the Lord in Michigan. Jonna is in the missionary nursing program at Faith Baptist Bible College, and playing soccer. Jeanne feels God leading her to be a second grade school teacher and has officially begun classes at Des Moines Area Community College. Thank you for praying for our children as they follow God’s leading in their lives.
The three works we were involved in this past term (Jundiai, Gato Preto, and Sao Pedro) have all sent reports of growth and maturity. Thank you for praying that their lights may continue shining.
In the service of the King,
John and Bev Leonard
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