March 23, 2015
I am thrilled to announce that things are on track and almost ready for my departure date. A year ago today I sent out my very first prayer letter announcing my internship. Today I am writing you for the last time on American soil until next year. I fly out of Columbus Tuesday, April 14, at 12:18pm to Dallas. From there I will spend a few days with my brother and his family and then April 23rd, at 3:40pm and I will begin my journey to Kiribati.
God has done a great work in my heart this week through the Missions Conference at Loudonville Baptist Temple. The Lord re-established in my heart the purpose of missions and this internship. This purpose can be summed up one verse, “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art most high over all the earth.” Our purpose on earth is to bring glory to God. If this is true then those of us who know that and have His word MUST make it known among those who do not. I am humbled that God would chose someone like me to be a part of making Himself known to other parts of the world.
Previously I mentioned that I was in contact with a doctor who would be able to monitor my heart while I am overseas. I am very excited to share with you a new ministry he is starting and how I am able to be a part of it. God has burdened Dr. Bruce Martin to use Telemedicine to help meet the medical needs of missionaries around the world. Recently he has purchased some equipment in which uses telecommunication and digital medical equipment in order to provide health care from a distance. Sunday evening Dr. Martin presented this digital Stethoscope to me.
This is what I will use to do monthly heart checks with him, as well as help out with medical issues that may arise while I’m on the field. I firmly believe that God can use this for His glory! Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He quite often met physical needs, which opened the door for Him to meet spiritual needs. If Christ did this, so can we. My prayer is that we will be able to reach some physical needs, which will in turn allow us to show the people how Christ can meet their spiritual needs.
Thank you for all of your continued prayers for my health as well as my support. I completed my cardiac rehab last week! With the budget changes we had to make, I am at 96% of my $15,600 budget. These changes involved new tax in Kiribati, evacuation insurance, and travel costs. Thank you so much for partnering with me to reach the I-Kiribati people. I am so thankful for your faithfulness to support me even through the difficult times. I believe we have found two cellphone apps that will aid in communication with the states while I am gone. If you are interested, these two apps are VSee and WhatsApp. Both apps are free. VSee is a video conferencing app that runs on low bandwidth that should allow good communication on the island. WhatsApp is a texting app that runs strictly off of wifi. If you have any questions or thoughts please feel free to contact me at any time (724)504-1174. The next time you hear from me it will be from Kiribati!
Preparing to serve Him on the Equator
Candace Cook
