February 2010 Prayer Letter

Dear Fellow Laborers of the Gospel, February 2010

Luke 6:48 says, “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

It’s rainy season in the mountain and jungle regions of Peru, where we have received word of flood waters leaving thousands of Peruvians without shelter and provisions. As Christians, we are reminded of the parable told by Jesus of the wise man and the foolish man. We’ve been given the truth of building our lives on the rock of our salvation which is able to withstand the storms of life, but need to realize there are many who have built their lives on the sand because they have not heard of the dangers that will come. Our hearts yearn to go to Peru and assist in pointing them to Christ and bringing hope back to Peru where the Gospel is needed.

We began 2010 with great anticipation of what God will do this year. We found ourselves traveling and presenting in churches in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Canada, Indiana, Illinois, and Montana in the months of January and February. We’ve seen our support raised to 85% and rejoice in those churches who have partnered with us. It has been a blessing to see evidence of the Holy Spirit working in hearts while serving in mission conferences, teaching Sunday Schools, preaching in worship services and Christian school chapels, teaching in the Christian school classes, and soulwinning. It has been a delight to see churches increase their faith promise commitments for this year. We’ve asked for prayer to see God provide our needed support for a sooner departure.

We’ve been able to witness God’s hand of protection on us this winter. While driving our car on a divided highway in Canada, we found ourselves coming over a little incline to see a semi-truck in the left lane and a car attempting to pass it in our lane. Without any time to stop, it seemed as if it would be a head-on collision. My immediate response to avoid the accident was to drive onto the shoulder of the road only to see the oncoming car decide to take my shoulder of the road before me. Their car began to fish-tale in the snow of our shoulder, leaving our only option to drive between the semi and the oncoming car for a safe passage. It all happened in a short moment and reminded us of God’s mercy. We thank those who have prayed for us as your prayers have been heard. What a compassionate God we serve!

Serving the Lord,
Jon & Nisha Harris

Winter Traveling!

In Montana, Jon was able to be given a tour of an Air-Force base. Jon was also able to see much of the beauty of the mountains while traveling on the road between churches.

Ministry in Montana

The time for Mission Conferences brings excitement for those on deputation. Being able to meet new missionaries and enjoy fellowship with churches with mission hearts has been a delight. It has been a blessing to be under the preaching of main speakers like Dr. Creed, Dr. Sisk, and others. It has been evident of the Holy Spirit working in hearts where the Gospel is proclaimed and the Word of God declared. God has blessed our traveling from meetings into Canada, Indiana, Illinois, and even for Jon flying into Montana, all within these last two months. We appreciate those ministries who have allowed us to come present our calling for Peru and are praying that God will allow even more churches to support our ministry of spreading the Gospel and planting churches in Peru.

Pastor Scare!

We stopped at First Baptist in Goodells, MI on the way to our Sunday evening meeting, only to scare the Pastor who thought he might have scheduled a missionary in unawares. We assured him of us just visiting and desiring to worship with them.

We were able to preach and present our calling for Peru at Royal City Baptist in Canada. Our children became excited when given a tour of the school portion of the building after the service where they had a gym to play in and a rabbit to feed. Our time of fellowship into the morning hours with Pastor and his wife was a blessing.

It was then time to go back home in Michigan for Jon to catch a plane to Montana and for Nisha and the children to recoop.

God brought us encouragement by hearing of a church in California that took us on for support.

Our meeting at Grace Baptist in Plymouth, IN brought back many fond memories from when I served as Youth Pastor. It was such a delight to see those who remain faithful in their walk with God over the years. I appreciated the opportunity to preach in their chapel times in the school and to give an update on our ministry. Pastor Elliott's heart for missions is evident in his life and ministry. We thank them for the use of their prophets chamber and hospitality shown on our behalf. Our children appreciated the gym in which they could play and run in. We thank God for safety while driving in the snow storm and for the meeting in Beecher City, IL where God is being worshiped and growth is visible.