Going through some difficult times.... 

After a recent trip, I returned home with quite the stomachache.  At times it feels like I'm on my death bed. When I finally went in for a check-up at the clinic here it was confirmed that I have two intestinal parasites..... Don't worry, I'm on meds now and the parasites should be gone soon :)    

On a different front, we've been going through a very painful case of discipline for fornication in our local assembly here in Tarapoto. A brother that is very dear to our family and to the whole assembly fell hard and it has really shaken everyone.  Moral failures like this always serve as a massive warning that any of us are capable of the worst of sins and we must keep our eyes on Jesus and our steps in conformity with the Spirit.  

On yet a different level, and even more difficult, a separate brother that I led to the Lord years ago and who then went on to plant several churches has now apostatized. He's left the faith, left the church, left his wife, left his son and has completely embraced a lifestyle of wickedness. He refuses to be reasoned with…. HEARTBREAKING! 

But, there's always incredible hope in Christ. There's an indomitable joy in the midst of suffering and sorrow. There really is so much to be encouraged about! Oh the joy in Christ even.... (especially)... in the midst of difficulties!  "As sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing everything" (2Cor 6:10). 

The spiritual battle can be felt on every side.  "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day." 

-After preaching in the market last week, several interested visitors showed up at church on Sunday morning... That was encouraging. 

-About 100 indigenous natives came to a conference I was preaching at.  Most of them traveled 2 or 3 days by foot. I taught for 6 hours a day, 10 days straight.  Their hunger for God's word was incredible!  That was encouraging. 

-I’ve been trying to meet with a few guys most mornings at 5:30am to read and pray and work out together. The whole morning routine takes about two and a half hours.  It's pretty cool to see a growing passion for the Lord in these guys! ......That's encouraging.  

Bible verse for the day:   "As sorrowful yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor 6:10)

Micah for the Tuttle's