HeartCry Missionary Society
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • HeartCry at a Glance
      • History of HeartCry
      • Mission Statement
      • The HeartCry Missionary Society Statement of Faith
      • Core Convictions
      • Oversight and Accountability
      • Staff
    • What We Do
      • Indigenous Missions
        • Comparative Strategies
        • The Advantages
        • Governing Principles
        • Missionary Selection and Accountability
        • Our Ministry Focus
      • Equipping Missionaries
        • Bible Distribution
        • Literature Distribution
        • Theological Education
      • Mobilizing Missionaries
        • Missionary Support
        • Church Planting
        • Chapel Construction
        • Ministry Tools
      • FAQ
  • The Field
  • News
    • Mission Updates
    • HeartCry Magazines
    • Projects
  • Media
    • HeartCry Films
    • Doctrine in Life
    • Curriculum
    • Sermons
    • Books
    • Photo Gallery
    • Recursos en Español
Give
  • Give
    • Give Now
    • Ways to Give
    • Manage Giving
    • Giving History
HeartCry Missionary Society
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • HeartCry at a Glance
      • History of HeartCry
      • Mission Statement
      • The HeartCry Missionary Society Statement of Faith
      • Core Convictions
      • Oversight and Accountability
      • Staff
    • What We Do
      • Indigenous Missions
        • Comparative Strategies
        • The Advantages
        • Governing Principles
        • Missionary Selection and Accountability
        • Our Ministry Focus
      • Equipping Missionaries
        • Bible Distribution
        • Literature Distribution
        • Theological Education
      • Mobilizing Missionaries
        • Missionary Support
        • Church Planting
        • Chapel Construction
        • Ministry Tools
      • FAQ
  • The Field
    • All Regions
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Eastern Europe
    • Eurasia
    • Latin America
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • Western Europe
  • News
    • Mission Updates
    • HeartCry Magazines
    • Projects
  • Media
    • HeartCry Films
    • Doctrine in Life
    • Curriculum
    • Sermons
    • Books
    • Photo Gallery
    • Recursos en Español
  • Support
    • Ways to Give
    • Give
    • Financial Principles
    • Sharing the Vision
    • Types of Support
    • Annual Financial Reports
    • Giving History
    • Manage Giving
  • More
    • HeartCry Prayer Guide
    • Staff Picks
    • Magazine Signup
    • Recommended Reading List
    • Church Finder
    • Contact Us
    • RSS Feeds
    • Copyrights and Permissions
“They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” - Rom. 15:21

Join Our Email or Text List

Prayer requests, mission updates, documentaries and more. Unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Updates

Connect with HeartCry

Give Give Now Ways to Give Manage Giving Giving History
hc-89
Vol
89
Jan - Mar 2017

Africa: Gospel light in the Dark Continent

pdf

My dear brothers and sisters, I hope this brief introduction finds you growing in your understanding of the person and work of Christ upon which the entirety of our hope and salvation rests. You may know that it has been an eventful several weeks for my family and me. On March 20th, I suffered a heart attack in my home. Before the paramedics could transport me to the hospital, my heart stopped beating on three separate occasions. I do not remember the first several days in the hospital; when I finally became aware of my surroundings, I was told that I had suffered a heart attack. As a result, I had also suffered temporary loss of short-term memory.

The days in the hospital were painful, but I could not have asked for better care from the doctors and nurses who attended me. I also praise God that I was afforded nearly countless opportunities to share Christ and hand out gospel literature to all within my reach. It is truly astounding how frail we are. I had been working out four times a week and was on a strict “heart-healthy” diet, yet I had a heart attack that could very easily have taken my life “permanently.” As my doctor reiterated: my lifestyle was “good,” my diet was “good,” but my genetics are “inescapable.” Almost all the men on both sides of my family have died of heart issues. As I continue to progress, I will rejoice in God’s special grace to keep me here a “bit” longer, and I will seek to submit to His common grace manifested in the wonderful doctors under whose care He has placed me.

After several more days in the hospital, I am glad to announce that I was able to return home, where I am now spending my days rehabilitating, reading, and writing. I have finally made my way through the sixteen volumes of The Works of John Owen, Sermons of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Thomas Vincent’s The True Christian’s Love to the Unseen Christ, and Octavius Winslow’s The Precious Things of God. I heartily recommend them to anyone who wants to grow not only in their knowledge of Christ but also (and more importantly) in their esteem and love for Him.

I have also used these days to simply “watch” my family and delight in them as a true gift from God. My wife Charo is like a tower of strength, even though she is “too” severe with my diet and will not let me stay in my study as long as I would like. My sons Ian (15) and Evan (13) watch over me like guardians. My daughters Rowan (9) and Bronwyn (1) are simply a delight to behold. My family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have prayed for us and my recovery. Your kindness is a great encouragement. Thank you. I will return to the doctor in a few days to find out when I can return to the HeartCry office. I am afraid to stay away too long for fear that they will discover that they are better off without me! I know that even though I will be able to return to ministry, it will be a long and slow road before I am traveling to the other side of the world.

Pray that God will give me the grace to use my “down time” for His glory. I will be dedicating most of my time to several writing projects, and as always I will be in need of grace. Again, thank you!

Your brother,
Paul

Recommended Magazines

Defend The Truth – Poland

Issue: Fall 2022 Vol. 106
Magazine 106

Romania: From Communism To Christ

Issue: Summer 2022 Vol. 105
HeartCry Magazine Issue 105

Lessons from Abraham: A Missionary’s Perspective

Issue: Spring 2022 Vol. 104
Cover

What Does the Church in Africa Need?

Issue: Autumn 2021 Vol. 103
HC103_pages

The Local Church: A Priceless Treasure

Issue: Summer 2021 Vol. 102
HC102_06-01-21 (1)

Reaching a Vast and Needy Region

Issue: Spring 2021 Vol. 101
HC101_03.07.21_Print

Magazine Signup

The quarterly HeartCry Magazine includes missionary updates, Coordinator reports, and theological articles. Know how to pray.

Subscribe

Connect with HeartCry

Home Who We Are What We Do The Field News Media Give
HeartCry Missionary Society

For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations. -Mal. 1:11

Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 7372
ROANOKE, VA 24019

Join Our Email or Text List

Prayer requests, mission updates, documentaries and more. Unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Updates

¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL?

Recursos Cristianos Para la Iglesia de Habla Hispana.

Recursos en Español Logo
© 2023 HeartCry Missionary Society All Rights Reserved | Powered by