A Challenge for the New Year

Dr. John & Dee Cook

As 2017 has arrived, we are excited about the path the Lord is directing. Personally, God has seen fit to keep us healthy, for which we are extremely grateful. Our family of four children, with spouses and six grandchildren, is doing well and thriving. 

Daily news headlines give us all pause to wonder if anything is going well, but we know God is at work:

In 2016 IM’s India ministry highlights include the expansion of the Grace Bible College campus, the addition of more GBC students as well as multiple church planting by GBC graduates. Many tribal groups are being reached with the Gospel. More children are being reached in our India Children’s Home.

In Egypt, a newly-purchased home will soon facilitate one of our flourishing church plants and our Child Sponsorship Program with 30 precious children is doing very well. We’ve assisted impoverished women and families with micro business opportunities and their children are doing well in their studies as a result of regular mentoring. Their hearts continue to transform as the Gospel is shared through love in action.

In Jordan, women and children are able to use a women’s community center in conjunction with a medical clinic in which we are collaborating. In Iraq, we’ve helped thousands with aid and have added another church plant.

We’ve seen national pastors receive encouragement and training through our Pastors’ Conferences, and women receiving Scriptural and personal training in our Women’s Conferences in India, Egypt and Iraq.

Our faithful US and international staff and ministry partners impact thousands of lives each month for the Kingdom and are an incredible blessing to us. This year we’ve joyfully welcomed new US staff; our newest Ambassadors, Dennis and Vicki Snyder, Jan Hogan, our Office Manager, and Dee’s Executive Assistant, Jennifer Cunningham.

What has left an impact on our hearts surpassing everything else, however, is Iraq and Syria and the contrast between devastation and opportunity. With 8.3 million displaced Iraqi and Syrian souls, this is an unprecedented field of harvest. Being in Iraq in November 2016 left an imprint on us that is still difficult to describe. However, we are launching new ministry initiatives this year that will impact thousands of women, children and communities with help and hope in Christ.

It is because of God’s faithfulness and power, together with your prayers and generous financial gifts, that together we are able to impact lives for the global Kingdom. The words of the Lord ring in our ears, “feed My sheep.” Our “lunch box” may be small and the need overwhelming, yet the Lord never allowed the need to define His reaction, nor should it ours. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts; we are working in His Harvest fields with you.