August 2016

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Greetings, in the name of our Lord.

As I write this letter, Labor Day is behind us, the trees are turning colors and winter will soon be upon us. It has been a very busy summer, and now we are scurrying about preparing the stations and our homes for the freezing temperatures that will in just a few days descend on this part of the world.

I apologize for the lapse in the newsletters the last few months. We have been very short handed and everyone has been occupied with all the work that is necessary to keep the stations on the air. We are thankful to God that so far, we have managed. The good news is that there is some help on the horizon. Mike and Valerie Arena have raised approximately 60% of the funds required for them to come full time and we hope to have them up sometime next year, Lord Willing. There is also a possibility for a couple of missionaries to be seconded to us from other organizations.

Please pray that God will provide the staff we need to effectively proclaim the truth of God's Word and the message of salvation in Christ to a needy land. Every week it seems, we read or hear of a suicide or violent death in the remote villages. Alcohol, drugs, and hopelessness are rampant in these communities. The only hope is a transformed life through a relationship with Christ.

We recently met a group of men from a downriver village that were visiting Nenana for a Potlatch (funeral) for one of their friends. They were walking down the street and stopped to talk to one of our staff. They asked us to pray for them. Although they appeared intoxicated at the time, they were clearly familiar with the station and said that they listened to it in their village. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use the Gospel message we broadcast to draw these folks to Himself.

Pray also, that God will supply the funds necessary to keep the stations operating as well. We have been running a bit behind due to some increased costs, but God had blessed us with a small surplus in the past few years that has helped to carry us through.

It has been an interesting and challenging summer, with the threat of flooding, the lack of staff and the numerous technical difficulties. But through it all, God has greatly encouraged us through your faithful prayers and support.

Thank you so much for being a vital part of this ministry. Blessings in Christ,

Art Thompson,
VFCM Executive Director.