Another year has come and gone. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. As a ministry to the Persecuted Church, we have been able to help so many of the persecuted Believers, thanks entirely because of your gifts (see our year-end summary in the following pages).

It has been a difficult year as so many of our friends in Egypt, Gaza, Israel, India, Bangladesh, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Jordan, and Lebanon have seen an increase in persecution.

In spite of their difficulties, persecuted Christians will say that God is in control; that nothing is impossible with our God. They have taught me so much about faith and utter dependence on God. As an American Christian, I sometimes forget this and try to solve my problems without prayer and without seeking God’s guidance. Still God hasn’t forgotten me and has always provided what I need. I left my veterinary practice in 1988, and I tell my friends that I haven’t starved yet!

God has not only provided for my financial needs, but He also stretches and builds my faith through family, co-workers, and the many relationships I have with the persecuted. I can honestly say that even when I neglect to meet with God, He is always faithful and loving to me.

In my travels, I have learned that God’s plans are always better than mine. It sounds rather trite, but when a door closes, God has already opened another. There are many places that I’ve visited overseas with a plan that just doesn’t work out for one reason or another, but God directs me to a much better plan.

While in Sudan, I decided I would like to travel on to Syria for the first time, but I could not get a flight. There were flights available to go to Lebanon, but unbeknown to me, the U.S. had banned travel to Lebanon because of the hostage situation. Still, I got on the plane and was possibly the first American lay person to arrive at their new airport.

I was met by Tom Hoglind, who drove me all around the capital, Beirut, showing me the buildings pockmarked by the millions of bullets that were discharged during the recent civil war. He and I developed a friendship that has lasted for 33 years. I finally did make it to Syria -- not by plane -- but by a special taxi that Tom arranged for me.

Another time, I was asked to go to Morocco because “They need you there.” I really didn’t know why, but I had a peace from God. This time my plan was simply to go, but the first day there I was met by Brother “S,” whom we often write about. A long-lasting friendship began that day. God’s plan! I’ve learned to let God lead.

As we begin a new year, I pray that we all will be more sensitive to the leading of God in our lives. And I encourage you (and me) to pray for each other and the beloved persecuted brothers and sisters. They understand the power of prayer so when I am with them, the first thing they ask for is prayer. And they don’t ask that we pray that the persecution will end, but that they will remain faithful! Maybe consistent prayer for the persecuted could become our New Year’s resolution?

In His glad service, Dr. Pat