July 2013
Just as there are seasonal changes in the weather, there are seasonal changes in life. Solomon's gift of wisdom was definitely in operation when he penned the scripture found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
(1) To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
(2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
(3) A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
(4) A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
(5) A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
(6) A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
(7) A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
(8) A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
There is much turmoil in our world right now, and some may be experiencing personal struggles as well. Whether our seasons are full of happiness or suffering, God sees each and every one, and He lends His hand in assistance however, and whenever, we need. We simply have to remember to allow Him to help us!
Summer has proven to be a wonderful spiritual season in Finland thus far, and we are excited to share it with you. God has certainly been good to us.
On May 27, our first Associate in Missions (AIM) help arrived in Finland. Zachary Mitchell of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Mesquite, Texas, has been a great help to us. We cannot possibly begin to list all of the benefits of having his assistance, but two stand out the most: he has been spending much time doing prayer walks throughout Helsinki (either with or without us). This is an extremely important ministry, for while we cannot always physically see the results, we can definitely feel them. The spirit world is being greatly impacted! He is also working side-by-side with one of our dear Finnish friends to create a Finnish translation of Bible study charts. His help has been invaluable, and we are grateful to Pastors Richard and Chad Flowers for loaning him to us for two months.
During the first part of June, Veteran Missionary Darline (Kantola) Royer came to spend a few days in the homeland of her grandparents. During deputation, it was a joy to discover that she was half Finnish, so it was doubly special when she asked if we could share our wonderful country with her. She was able to meet all of our home group members or Bible study students at one point or another during her trip, and it was fun for them to discover that she was part Finnish!
We appreciated her ministry to our home group. We are also grateful for the friendship that she has extended to our family.
PRAYER FOCUS
LANGUAGE
We currently have a short time off from language classes. We have been told by a number of multi-language speakers that, after learning many grammatical processes and words, it is important for us to slow the learning process for a time so that our minds can order the new information. (Mark and Glenda take periodic classes; Candace's integration course will last at least six more months.)
Pray:
...that our minds would be free of confusion; that the words and processes would become natural and make sense when we try to use them; that it would become second nature to speak what we have learned. Bind confusion, loose clarity of thought
BIBLE STUDIES AND NEW CONTACTS
A new Finnish family is taking part in our group meetings, with the mom saying that she is choosing to make us her church. We have a Bible study scheduled to begin following their summer holidays.
We were contacted recently by someone that Candace had given directions to once while out in the city. He is looking for a church home and wants to visit our group.
Our ongoing studies are proving to be profitable. Our students have said that they thoroughly enjoy learning, and they always look forward to meeting with us.
Pray:
...that we would have wisdom in providing the information that our students need to make informed decisions about salvation and their relationship with God. Bind confusion, error, apathetic approach to Truth and the necessity of salvation. Loose wisdom and knowledge, the spirit of God to bring conviction.
FINANCES
To date, we have lost approximately $3,000 in monthly support since our arrival in Finland. THANK YOU to those who have recently PIM'd us, and to those who have faithfully continued to do so. We could not possibly 'do what we do' without you.
Pray:
...that we would attain the additional funds needed for our budget to be sustained until deputation (currently scheduled for January 2015). Bind spirit of poverty, loose financial blessings on those who have a desire to give but cannot due to economic constraints.
GENERAL REQUESTS for the country of FINLAND
--- BIBLICAL TRUTH to prevail over false teachings
--- GOD'S LIGHT to be shed abroad in people's hearts
--- GOD'S SPIRIT to seek and find those that are hungry for Truth
--- GOD'S PEACE to envelop those who enter our home
--- GOD'S LOVE to greatly impact all of our contacts through our actions
Please feel free to share this with anyone that you feel would be interested in TEAM FINLAND.
We hope that this has found you well and enjoying the Lord's blessings. We pray for you often, trusting that God will supply all of your needs. Thank you for the time that you have spent praying for both Finland and our family. Please know that you are making a difference!
May God Be With You All,
Mark and Glenda Alphin
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