farnell

God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God… Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scripture says,
“If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:28-29, 30c-31

We thought we would send the Kafa Bible to the publisher by May, by July, by August. It didn’t happen. Finally, on August 13th, our publisher said, “Send me the files as they are.” This was quite unnerving as we had no idea what he would do with them, but we sent them. Since then we are still struggling to get them ready to actually go to the printer. I don’t remember ever experiencing spiritual battle so constantly and intensely as in the past several weeks…read more.

Read more of my August 2020 Prayer Letter.

“… the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.” John 5:36b

I am convinced that a major purpose of God in the COVID-19 pandemic is to jar us out of our complacence and turn our thoughts to Himself. Others must agree, as daily I receive communications urging me to listen to a certain message or song, pray for a certain person or people group, study a
certain Bible lesson…read more.

Read the rest of my May 2020 Prayer Letter.

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness,
and by the worries of this life… Keep alert at all times. And pray
that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and
stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36

It is too easy for us to focus on the worries of this life: terrorism, the coronavirus, elections, the economy…These matters are important – for this life. But if we believe that God is working out His purposes, we must be alert and sensitive to the leading of His Spirit so that we are not distracted from things that matter for all eternity.

Click here to read more of my March 2020 Prayer Letter.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so
that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)

We were not able to finish all the revisions to the Kafa Bible (Luke through Revelation) by the end of the year. We may not even finish by the end of January, though we are very close. I have reviewed all of the books and sent Matt my notes on the verses that I think need revision. He has completed revisions on all the books except Hebrews and Revelation…read more.

Read the rest of my January 2020 Prayer Letter.

Matt and I began each workday reading from Matthew’s Gospel. As we read Jesus’ words in Mat. 26:38, we were touched afresh by His unfathomable love. Probably all of us who have trusted Him remember a time when we were so overwhelmed by a weight of guilt that we felt it was crushing us. How much more must the perfect One have felt crushed by the weight of all the sin ever committed by the human race!

Click here to read more of my July 2019 Prayer Letter.

Sometimes it is hard to wait for the LORD’s help – not because He is slow but because we are impatient and, sometimes, foolish enough to think we can do it. Our faithful God has not disappointed us…read more.

Click here to read the rest of my May 2019 Prayer Letter.

During our Bible conference this year, we considered what an upright, godly life looks like. The verse quoted above sums it up. Among the great things the LORD has done for me, I count the annual Bible conferences (something I sorely missed during my pre-retirement years), friends who visit me here…read more.

Click here to read more of my March 2019 Prayer Letter.

Thank you for praying for resolution to my computer issues. They are mostly resolved, and I have decided to live with those that are not. The typesetting of the Kafa Bible has again been delayed by an upgrade in software which we were required to install…read more.

Click here to read more of my January 2019 Prayer Letter.

It seems that the forces of evil are intent on stirring up strife both in my home country and in my country of ministry. Jesus told us that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. As I ponder these matters I am immeasurably encouraged by the reminder of God’s sovereignty. I continue to pray that He will yet bring righteousness and justice to both nations and, in His time, to all nations…read more.

Click here to read the rest of my October 2018 Prayer Letter

Before I left for Ethiopia, a friend said, “I am praying for two or three seats so you can lie down on the flight across the Atlantic.” I responded, “That is a very kind thought! But it will never happen. Planes do not fly anymore unless they are full.” God gave me favor, and I was allowed to board the plane in Orlando with the families and those in wheel chairs. One of the flight attendants chatted with me and learned where I was going and why. After everyone had boarded, she came and said, “A family of three sitting a few rows back moved because one of the seats would not recline. Would you like to have those seats?” I replied, “I’d love to!” I soon fell asleep thanking God for graciously answering my friend’s prayer despite my unbelief.

Click here to read the rest of my August 2018 Prayer Letter