I (Jim) am writing this first letter of 1999. Cora's health has continued to worsen and she is in no condition to write at this time. 1998 was certainly the hardest year of our lives and we are very much hoping to see the Lord move and change things very soon this year. We covet your prayers at this time for relief from all the pain and suffering.

Seeing her get worse has been very hard on Jenny and me. The other day Jenny decided to read in Lamentations since that seemed appropriate for the situation we are in. When she began reading chapter 3 she couldn't believe how much it described her mother's condition. Sometimes we wonder where we missed the boat, so it is helpful to know that a trusted servant of God understood our situation. We also see that Job and David (Psalm 69) went through very difficult times. Below are some of the verses Jenny read from Lamentations 3 (New Living Translation).

1 I am the one who has seen the afflictions that come from the rod of the LORD's anger. 2 He has brought me into deep darkness, shutting out all light. 3 He has turned against me. Day and night his hand is heavy upon me. 4 He has made my skin and flesh grow old. He has broken my bones. 5 He has attacked me and surrounded me with anguish and distress. 6 He has buried me in a dark place; like a person long dead. 7 He has walled me in, and I cannot escape. He has bound me in heavy chains. 8 And though I cry and shout, he shuts out my prayers. 9 He has blocked my path with a high stone wall. He has twisted the road before me with many detours. 10 He hid like a bear or a lion, waiting to attack me. 11 He dragged me off the path and tore me with his claws, leaving me helpless and desolate. 12 He bent his bow and aimed it squarely at me. 13 He shot his arrows deep into my heart... 15 He has filled me with bitterness. He has given me a cup of deep sorrow to drink. 16 He has also broken my teeth on gravel. He has rolled me in the dust. 17 Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what good and happiness are. 18 I cry out, "My strength is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!" 19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. 20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.

Facing another day under these circumstances has been extremely hard for Cora, and trying to have hope even harder. But we were encouraged as we read on in Lamentations 3. Please pray that all of us, but especially Cora, will see the fulfillment of the next few verses VERY SOON that we will be able to know their truth in an experiential way.

21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" 25 The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. 26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.

As for the Wycliffe situation, I will continue to do computer work for both the regional office that will be located about 5 miles from our home as well as some projects for the computer department in Orlando. However, the apartment situation is still not settled. Please continue to pray that we will not have to move while Cora is in this condition.

We are so thankful for the many people the Lord has given us that faithfully pray and provide us with support and encouragement in so many ways. We wouldn't even want to think about going through this situation without you. It is our prayer that this new year will be filled with the Lord's special provisions to enable us (God's people) to give Him increasing glory.