January Prayer Letter

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ, January 2010


Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. (Mat 21:21)

The power of God truly is unlimited. As we present our burden across this country we tell of the vast opportunities to preach the gospel in the Philippines. From schools, jails, street ministry, extension classes, door to door and so much more, it is tiring even to think of all the open doors that exist in this country with its religious freedom and spiritual sensitivity. Our Lord Jesus is bigger than our obstacles, bigger than our American economic problems, bigger than the Laodicean lukewarmness that is prevalent today. Our God is able to populate every classroom and jail, to establish churches in every community and break down the strongholds of Catholicism, other cults and tribal spiritism that reside across these 7000+ islands. This is what we desire. Our prayer is to see local churches that will reproduce themselves and train an army of laborers to reach the 97 million souls in these islands as well as impact the rest of the world. Again, our God is able. Whether it be in small towns across the US where the door knocking seems so cold or big cities where Bible believing churches are being smothered by the entertainment driven social clubs, masked as churches, our God is able to overcome. He desires that none should perish, that revival take place and that pulpits and pews alike be focused on His great cause to reach this world with the gospel. May we be followers that lay down our lives, pick up our crosses, deny self, die daily and follow Him closely. Living for eternity will require investing in eternity and not in time and it will require walking by faith and not by sight. I have heard the negative statistics regarding missions today and I admittedly have seen some discouraging things to go along with the great things along the way. Yet I believe fully that God can still powerfully use America in spreading His glorious gospel. What better time than the new year to examine ourselves? This is what the end of December has been for us, a time of quiet self examination, reflection on God’s desires and family communication about the path forward for the Lord.

The past two months have allowed some time visiting with family along with many great meetings and opportunities to present the work. From New Hampshire to Texas we have had the privilege of preaching the gospel and encouraging God’s people in the area of missions. We continue on in January in Louisiana primarily and look forward to our first missions conference of the new year starting on the 7th. We give God great thanks for all that He did in 2009 and for all He will do this year. Please pray that God might quickly raise the rest of our support that we might get to the Philippines as soon as possible. As always, we need wisdom in our decisions, the leading and power of the Holy Spirit in our meetings and that God would increase our faith, for truly we want to see Him move every mountain that stands between the Gospel and the vast Filipino population that still needs it. May the word of the Lord have free course and may God bless you all and your ministries in this new year. Thank you for your support, prayer and encouragement. We need the Lord’s help and appreciate your prayers for our family.

Because He Lives,
Aaron & Stephanie Putney
Autumn, Anna, Sarah and Emma

So much to say

Just a quick note as I take a moment away from calling churches. We have arrived safely in NY for our meetings here over the next few weeks and despite some runny noses etc, everyone is doing well. We praise God for keeping us safe for another 1600 miles last week (maybe it was 1611 amen?!) and we are being refreshed and refocused on the work ahead so we might get to the field as soon as the Lord sees fit. God has done so many great things in the past months I am awestruck! God has allowed us to lead some souls to Christ on the street and seen Him move among His people in the many churches we have visited. Of particular amazement to us is the way God seems to be raising up more laborers to the Philippines and perhaps leading some to maybe someday join us in the work in the Cordilleras. It has yet to be seen but in the past two months there have been two families that have been praying about God's will concerning the burden He is giving them for the Philippines as well as a young lady that told us she has surrendered to God's will and believes that the Lord will someday bring her to the Philippines. Just today I had coffee with a dear friend that has committed to come and help using his many gifts in both spiritual and professional areas and it thrills my soul.
Please pray about the possibility of some ideal property that may be available that could have incredible potential for ministry there. God can do some incredible things as we are privileged to see right now, expect great things from Him!