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Dec. 18, 2020

Email Update Newsletter December, 2020
from Eric Barger

I am grateful to finally be sending this update to our subscribers and I want to begin by saying how much we’ve appreciated the emails and calls from those of you checking in on us. It’s an understatement to say that regardless of many other factors, we have all endured a very unique and dark experience in 2020. Though the turning of the calendar year surely isn’t going to put our collective earthly troubles to rest, a new year can bring optimism and seems to offer a fresh start in some respects. For us who’ve firmly placed our trust in the Lord Jesus, our long term future is one filled with eternal joy and peace! However, our concern is with the events between now and that great day when we enter His presence.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:9-10

In the past few months, I've watched as God has stretched and expanded my personal boundaries. Perhaps you've been experiencing some of this too. There have been unusual opportunities to engage in ministry in some uncharted waters. It is at times like this - when we move outside of what we're accustomed to - that our dependence on God's leading is crucial. But regardless of how or where or to whom the opportunities to engage in ministry may manifest, I am even more resolute concerning the importance of biblical apologetics. Also, recent events are shouting to us that the Lord is coming for His own, very soon. This is a critical time to remain focused, steadfast and persevering in the mission Christ gave the Church.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. - Matthew 28:19-20

Since the Coronavirus shutdowns began, I have been limited in carrying out the #1 mission God called us to engage in - which is traveling to preach and teach from the Word. In fact, just when the first round of government mandates were announced last spring, I was about to begin five weekends ministering in conferences across both the US and Canada. Obviously, all of those events were either canceled or postponed. But the ministry has survived and we're going on regardless of any setbacks!

Our ministry has always depended on offerings and honorariums from churches and conferences where I have been invited to speak and minister. Considering that last weekend I was in a church pulpit preaching for just the sixth time this year you can understand some of the toll that the pandemic of 2020 has exacted on us. But it could have been far worse. With the exception of the sharp decline in income from our seminar and conference ministry and my personal frustration in sitting still while there are lost souls to win, there has been a hidden blessing in being stymied from traveling out to minister full time as I’ve done each month for over 37 years. I'll explain about that blessing in just a minute.

Melanie’s Health Struggle...

For Melanie and me personally, 2020 has continued with the most trying and troubling time of our collective lives. Many of you are aware that back in 2017-18 Melanie experienced an extended bout with the H. Pylori stomach bacteria. You may also be aware that once we returned from leading our most recent trip to Israel in November 2018 that she continued to experience some very painful issues that caused us to seek help from several doctors including two gastroenterologist and a naturopath. Now, after several procedures, including four CT scans, we believe we’ve finally gotten to the root of the problem that has caused her so much discomfort.

Honestly, saying it like that doesn't really do justice to how debilitating this whole health issue has been for us and for the ministry. Change is perhaps the one great constant in life on earth and we know challenges are bound to come. As believers, we are comforted in knowing that God has been with us through all of the twists, turns and adjustments. There’s been great solace in understanding that He’s sovereign and aware of each and every nuance long before Melanie ever experienced an iota of pain.

I know that many of you have also gone through medical issues, financial problems, emotional stress - and worse during 2020. Had we not asked for prayer and then received numerous inquiries as to how Melanie was doing; there would probably not be so many words in this update. The absolute best news is that we are thankful to know that her condition is not life threatening, though I'm sure there were times when she had wondered if God just wasn't going to allow her to go Home early.

To put this as succinctly as possible, we have discovered that Melanie's large intestine is considerably longer than other individuals of her same stature. This has finally caused a portion of it to bend over upon itself (imagine an "S" curve on a highway). What ensued has become an advanced case of diverticulitis, which can completely devastate and destroy sections of the intestine. In Melanie's case, the bulging diverticula has ruptured and will likely need to be surgically removed.

Recently we conferred with a surgeon who was very helpful and who prescribed a low dose but longer than normal regimen of antibiotics to attempt to instigate healing. In January, Melanie will have another CT scan and we'll discuss surgery. In the meantime, I am asking each and every one of you to pray for Melanie, particularly that the severe pain she is still experiencing daily (sometimes hour to hour) will decrease and be gone PERMANENTLY and that she'll receive complete healing from the Lord. I will post updates as things progress.

Now, what was that "hidden blessing" I mentioned earlier? It is simply that the pandemic brought about a temporary but mandatory halt in travel for me. In Melanie's absence from the ministry, I have become our de facto office manager. I have also taken up the daily duties of cooking, cleaning, and other responsibilities that she has always carried out so marvelously in our home. Bluntly, I do not know how or what we would have done if I would have been faced with being out on the road presenting ministry as well. Physically, it just could not have happened. But because so many lives and schedules have been disrupted by the pandemic, an interesting byproduct has been that we’ve received a steady influx of ministry related questions concerning many aspects of apologetics and discernment. Many are also seeking biblical understanding about what is transpiring all around us during these last days. In providing answers to those calls and emails, I have been considerably busier than normal and in this respect; the ministry has certainly forged forward. Sure, I’ve definitely had my hands full but it’s been a privilege and I’ve managed.

Needs...

Though 2020 has presented challenges galore, Melanie and I have watched as God has sovereignly taken care of financial needs during this challenging time. Thankfully, we haven’t had to take any drastic actions just to stay afloat and that is a clear testimony of what God has and is calling us to perform in His Kingdom.

This Email Update is the first mention of anything you’ve received from us resembling fund raising in 2020. God, as always, has provided in sovereign ways using the hands of His people. But with the added expenses of doctor visits and the drastic slash to my speaking schedule (our primary funding source), I’ve thought that what is happening is akin to Elisha and the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4. It has been amazing how far it appears each dollar has stretched for us this year. I praise God that considering the emotional stress stemming from Melanie’s illness that our finances have not been dominating every discussion. But we are aware how each day presents new challenges and the need for more faith on our behalf.

Year-End Giving is Always Crucial

It has only been during this fall that we have seen a slowing of contributions to the ministry. Perhaps this is a result of my silence in fundraising or from not stressing our financial needs. Regardless, with the year drawing to a close, now is the time for those looking for where you might place your final gifts of 2020 - and we do need your help and partnership.

Besides sending a check to our Spanaway, Washington address or using PayPal here online, we are now able to receive one-time gives or repeating regular donations via SimpleGive. It is the most cost-effective way to support the ministry electronically but regardless of how you might contribute; every gift of any size is always appreciated. Just click the "support" box below for details. Thanks for your prayerful consideration!

From the very bottom of our heart and in the spirit of Christ's love, we are grateful for your prayers and support now and until He comes for His Church.

God bless you!

 

 

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