LINK TO THE CAST NET PUBLICATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Dear Readers:
Everywhere we look today we find fear. If it is not fear of losing our jobs, home, or other “things”, it is fear of being infected with COVID. Satan is enjoying instilling the thought of fear in the hearts and minds of all. God tells us we do not have to live with that fear. Way back at Jesus’ birth, God had the angel of the Lord tell the shepherds to “fear not”. We have many verses in the Word of God to comfort and allay that fear. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Our Lord’s words of comfort can remove the specter of fear. God strengthens us, so there is no reason to fear. He is with us and shows the powers of this world to be small. Focus on the Lord’s good presence and the fear will melt away from your soul. Then you, like the shepherds of old, can realize that Christ has indeed come. Make this Christmas season special as you let God take care of your fears.
The last couple of months have passed quickly as there have been many details to take care of concerning Wayne’s passing. I would like to say that by the end of 2021 all has been completed, but I will just have to wait and see. I know that I have been able to function and continue serving the Lord because of the prayers of you, my (our) friends and fellow servants. I cannot thank you enough for your words of comfort and encouragement as well as the unceasing prayers. You have written, texted, emailed and telephoned to let me know that you are continuing to support FOMMI. Thank you!
Fisher-Mund’s voice is continuing to be heard from the many radio stations that carry “A Fisherman’s 5-minute Look at the Book” Monday through Friday, and “The Mariner’s Call”, a 15-minute broadcast aired on week-ends. I have become one of the regular listeners as I get it via a Podcast early each morning. It has been comforting as well as instructive to listen each day. Fundamental Broadcasting Network (one broadcaster with many affiliates that carries the FOMMI programs) has recently reported that their internet listening audience has grown considerably. Listeners in America in 2020 were at 410 thousand and in 2021 are at 500 thousand. International listeners in 2020 were at 50 thousand and in 2021 are at 70 thousand. Traditional radio listeners are not counted in that number. We are privileged to provide programs that are reaching those people via FBN, as well as many other stations.
Please note the correct telephone number to reach FOMMI—251-752-1495. By the time you get this update the old number (251-752-6474) will have been retired. Snail mail addresses are still current as well as the email address (see letter heading).
Bro. Joevest Varghese in India reports that he is able to “do normal things” again since his heart attack three months ago. India is still having restrictions on gatherings and on schools. He says, “Our Bible Institute students are trying to reach out to many interior villages which are totally unreached with the gospel. In some places they were threatened, also warned not to share about Christ. But in other places people were receptive. In those places our students helped some people who suffered with COVID.”
In Bangladesh the long-awaited boat has been delivered and is at the dock, ready for trips to evangelize in unreached areas along the many rivers. Thanks to the contributor(s) that made the boat and dock possible. Bro. Lemon is very busy with the growing work there. Please pray for him as he evangelizes, disciples, trains, and directs this exciting ministry. This photo gives a little view of the dock as well as the boat. Remember that tides are of a great variation there. High tide brings the boat almost to the top level of the dock. Pray that this boat will see many “fish” (human ones) caught and lives changed through salvation in Jesus Christ.
Bro. Jeph Palit-Ang in the Philippines reports: “Fellow Fishers, Greetings! We praise the Lord for His great mercies and safekeeping upon us all. I know reports are necessary to encourage those who pray for us and keep us on track. We are still operating as far as our ministry is concerned, though we went through many quarantines imposed by our government. The attendance is not affected as we evaluate the outcome today because those who had no opportunity to attend during the previous months because of restrictions are recharged and more eager to attend now. They learned that without God and the church, it is worse than having COVID. Yes, church is essential. As for my family, we are healthy after my two hospitalizations last year and this year (COVID positive). I thought my time was up but the Lord didn’t let me since there are still things to do. My wife, Marge, is doing good in spite of her previous hospitalizations due to her heart condition. By the way, we are very much grateful for your prayers that the Lord provided the expenses in the procurement of her pacemaker. My two children are helping in the church. More young people are taking violin and piano courses to help the worship services become better. We are going to baptize 3 candidates this month. November 28 was the birthday of our church (anniversary). We emphasized the theme ONE VISION, which we need to keep preaching the Word of God. Prior to that we held our Mission Conference on November 25 with the emphasis ONE MISSION, the proclaiming of the gospel and supporting mission works. We are very grateful for your partnership and ‘fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now’ (Phil. 1:5). Your contribution or investment is not in vain. The words ‘Thank you’ are not even enough to express our feeling. Finally, we miss Bro. Wayne Mund. His partnership with us is something we can never forget. This is why our work here is always associated with him; his labor is not in vain. Of course, all glory belongs to God. Praying for you all! Keep looking up and keep fishing!”
In closing let me tell you of the funny (and embarrassing) incident that occurred on November 1. I had taken my purse (which has my life’s story in it), FOMMI bank deposit, cell phone, and car keys outside the house, locked the house door, opened the car door, and deposited everything inside the car. As I was moving to get in the driver’s seat, I saw all the leaves piled up on the carport as a result of the heavy winds from the two previous days. Instantly I decided to go back in the house and get the battery-powered blower and clear the leaves off before leaving. (I had forgotten that I had locked the house door.) I closed the car door and then I heard it---that dreaded locking sound of all the car doors. Then my memory activated and I knew I was locked out of the house, car—EVERYTHING. Next door my son-in-law was at work, my daughter was gone. I only had a few minutes wait and my daughter came home. She had a key to the house, but my purse (locked in the car) had the only other car key. We looked at each other and she called my son-in-law and he told us to call the Emergency Road Service to come unlock the car (never used it before so had forgotten all about it). After that it was about 40 minutes and the car was unlocked. I immediately gave my extra car keys to my daughter, so hopefully if my aging brain does that again it will be easier to get the car unlocked. I have been driving since I was 15 (for 62 years) and that is a first for me. I hope it doesn’t happen again! (You may laugh now!)
Continuing on,
Lenora Mund
Office Manager
Fishers of Men Ministries International
PO Box 400
Bon Secour AL 36511
(251) 752-1495
awmund@fomm.org