Miracles of Faith Ministries-Current
June Update Flash!
Haiti:
Thank you for praying about the shipment of clothes to Haiti. God has moved concerning that matter. Another group is shipping a container that was not full to Haiti. They are allowing our shipment to be included with theirs at a fraction of the cost. It will not cost thousands, but only hundreds of dollars now. The delay has been turned into a blessing. Though delayed, the needy people in Haiti will still get the much needed items. Praise the Lord! “All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord---.” Again, thanks to all you who prayed.
Africa:
The first need concerning a church building for Bro. Harvey’s congregation in Ghana West Africa is land to build on. Bro. Harvey recently reported that the church very possibly has found available land to build on. If indeed this proves out to be so, that will be a beginning answer to prayer. Though Ghana is a poverty stricken country, being in the capitol city of Accra,, the land is still very expensive. They don’t have money to buy the land, but they are moving forward by sacrificing every thing they can, and believing God is able to multiply their seemingly meager efforts. God’s people are special where ever you find them in the world! Please continue to hold them up in prayer about this important need.
Mexico:
Bro. Gume and cooperating churches are excitedly moving ahead with plans for their big Youth Camp Crusade in El Limon, Tamps in July. We have been blessed to help them some with preparatory expenses, and hope to help them more. We put them in contact with someone they have chosen to be their main speaker. He is Bro. Pepe, a young pastor, and the president of the Mexican ministry organization Bro. Wall founded down there. Bro. Pepe is humble, very wise for his age, and full of the Holy Ghost. Pray for all the diligent workers involved in the Youth Camp and their needs as they progress with this great project for Jesus. Most of them are second generation results of mission work that we and other missionaries did years ago among their parents and leaders. The glory belongs to God!
Personal Needs:
Thank you for praying for us too, so we could be able to continue the work of the Lord. Our pressing needs were wondrously met for that time. Now, of course, others have arisen. So, please keep those wonderful prayers going for us! We love you.
Brother Jimmy Mangrum
April / May 2009
Ruth Writes:
Greetings Beloved Friends and Family, It’s truly been a dramatic item of “change” since our last writing in October, 2008. We now have a liberal president with all his like minded staff, cabinet, and majority of U. S. congressmen. Christian ministry, right to life for the unborn, and freedom of speech are all greatly challenged and endangered. Even now there are those who are trying to push an agenda to force Christian radio stations and conservative talk shows to allow the un-Christian opposing views of issues and other matters to be presented with equal time!
We spent Thanksgiving Day with all our kids and grand's in Denton, TX. On the way out, we stopped in Jackson, MS to participate in a MADD MS news conference at the Jackson Police Headquarters. Our State Executive Director, Patricia Raymond, asked Jimmy to be one of the speakers, and the meeting went well. From there, we continued on to TX and enjoyed seeing and being with all the kids a few days.
In early December we took our flat bed trailer loaded with clothing from Cleveland, MS to south Florida; to be sent on from there to Haiti. We stopped three places along the way and spent the night with friends. In Orlando, we left part of the load of clothing with a former Haitian brother. It is our understanding that that portion of the load is already in Haiti. Praise the Lord! We delivered the rest of the load to West Palm Beach to another former Haitian brother who was gathering a container load of items to send to Haiti. We were recently told by the Pastor in Haiti that was to receive and distribute the items there that the import fee alone on the container has risen to an unbelievable $4,000! That’s not counting the almost $4,000 for shipping. That part of the project has been put on hold. Please pray fervently about it. The poor people in Haiti still desperately need the items. They have in no way recovered from the hurricanes Gustav and Ike, besides the continual extreme poverty of the country.
Tim came home from Texas to MS in December. We met him and two of his children in Tunica where with all had a good visit with my mother, who is now in the nursing home there. We stopped by Bro. Umberger’s church in Senatobia where the Weavers met with us. Tim used his photography skills to make a picture of us for our 2009 calendar. If you still don’t have one, but would like to, please let us know. In Oxford, Tim helped our web host to upgrade our ministry web site.
We were happy in January when our good long time friend and supporter Bro. Schamel, felt to get baptized in water in Jesus’ name. We went to his church in Caledonia where the Mitchell’s, some other good long time friends of ours, pastor. Together Bro. Mitchell and my husband baptized Bro. Schamel. and a young soldier. We all were excited and happy, and we had fellowship with the Mitchell's after service.
Also in January, we were again in our Capitol Building in Jackson twice for MADD. The first time we were with our State Executive Director lobbying our lawmakers to support efforts to have all DUI offenders in MS install an Ignition Interlock System in their cars. This is to help prevent them from driving the car when they are intoxicated. The second time we were with our State Director and our National President for a press conference. There were a lot of other MADD supporters present, as well as several law enforcement officers, officials, and media companies.
In February, we made our first mission trip back to Mexico in more than two years. For months my husband had been feeling he needed to go to Mexico again, and especially to make contact with elderly Pastor Idene in Xilitla, S.L.P. With the health problems I had to deal with, he just didn’t want to leave me alone while he was gone. The alternative was for me to go with him; but he didn't’t know if that would be a good idea either. It was hard for me personally to decide to go. I am happy to report I received a cancer free report after a pet scan in January, PTL! But, I knew my strength was still up and down often. I still have serious physical struggles with fibromyalgia and osteoarhritis which prevent me from even getting out of bed at times. I had struggles thinking about diseases that affected me for years when we lived in Mexico; especially amoebas, which can be deadly. Then, there was the often harassing “border crossing’, many incompetent drivers and conditions of some roads we would be on, etc. I had a lot of praying to do!
We had been invited to a missionary conference in a church in Denham Springs, LA. We decided to go that far and be open to the Lord about what to do from there. You can read about the difficulties we had getting there in my husband’s report under the heading “Jimmy Writes”.
The mission conference was different, but good. Pastor Arnold and wife, and all the people of the church, were so hard working and kind to accommodate us very well. We visited our good friends at the church in Walker where we had parked the trailer back during my chelation therapy. Jimmy preached for them Sunday night, and they blessed us with a missionary offering. Monday, we felt to go on as far as the border.
At Bro. High’s “Flame of Truth” Mission Base near the Mexican border, we parked right beside Bro. and Sis. Wall’s motor home. That’s where they stay when on state side. We were all glad to see each other! While there, we were able to get the Walls together with two other missionaries we know in the area who have warehouses and a ministry of helps; Bro. Richards in McAllen, and Sis. McCarver near Mission, TX. That was an immediate blessing for all their ministries to be able to do more. Also, our ministry was blessed to be able to give an offering to the Walls and Sis. McCarver. From Sis. McCarverr’s warehouse, we were given several items to give out in Mexico, including boxes of “special candy rolls”. Hundreds of kids (and some adults) were delighted as we later gave them out to churches and one orphanage. They consisted of empty toilet paper rolls filled with mixed hard candies and wrapped with colorful gift paper. They were special too, because a dear sister in Florida who was one hundred years old prepared and sent them! Let us never say we are too old to do something for missions.
Finally, it was time to decide. As Jimmy and I prayed the Lord spoke to my spirit, “Rise up my daughter in faith and I’ll go with you wherever you go.” Praise the Lord, that was enough for me! We left the trailer there and headed for the border.
We finally got through the rigors, delays, and expenses, of “the border crossing”. As we traveled on down toward Xilitla, we stopped in El Limon, Tamps. and visited with Pastor Gume and family. They have been close friends for many years. Bro. Gume went with us on to Xilitla, where he was tremendous help in many ways.
We made the most dreaded part of the trip (for me) the day after we arrived at a little rugged mountain hotel in Xilitla. We went to Tlaletla, where Bro. Idene lives. I was very pleasantly surprised to find the road had been paved part of the way, and was almost ready to pave on up to Tlaletla and beyond! It was still narrow, with hair pin curves, but so much smoother and better.
The saints in Tlaletla didn't know we were coming, and were very surprised and excited to see us! We were surprised to find that Sis. Maria, Bro. Idene’s wife, was in the hospital in Valles with heart trouble; but she was coming home that day. In fact, she arrived in an ambulance while we were still there. She was weak, but was strengthened as we prayed for her. We all had a wonderful “family reunion” as we visited and planned the service for the next day, Sunday.
Word spread that we were to be at the service the next morning, and the people came with much excitement! Even our dear Sis. Maria felt like attending. Her daughter, Sis. Belli, (pronounced Bayee) was the main reason I personally had to go to Mexico. She prayed for over a year, along with her family and the church, for my health and healing. She constantly sent us E-mails, always expecting to see me at her home and in her church again soon. Our “brown skinned daughter”, as she calls herself, never gave up; and I made the trip successfully. To some of the people in Mexico, and especially Sis. Belli, it seemed I’d come back from the dead! They seemed to be held in awe and had an extra reverence or honor for me. The glory is God’s, however. He answered their prayers, and ours, and yours.
The service was glorious! My husband said it was a “triple header.” Bro. Gume preached, then I testified and gave scriptures that had helped me on my cancer journey, and Jimmy preached last. During the conclusion of the service, seven people of different ages came to the Lord, some crying and trembling! Others came rededicating their lives, and some for healing. The altar was full. To God be the glory!
Jimmy Writes:
Our trip to Mexico in February was a continual series of Trials and Victories, from before we left until well after we returned home.
Trial: Tires on our Suburban too bad to make trip, especially pulling trailer. I planned to hook up the trailer next day, Sunday, and leave by faith anyway.
Victory: “Has Bro. Mangrum gotten those tires yet?” That was what my wife heard a dear sister say when she answered the phone late that Saturday afternoon. “Not yet, “ was the answer. “Good, my husband and I want to buy them!” Money transfer was arranged immediately, and more was provided than just for the tires!
Trial: Delayed packing, then battery dead Sunday afternoon when we tried to leave. More delay.
Victory: I was able to boost the battery and get started. Left for McComb, MS for service.
Trial: One of the newest tires on the travel trailer blew out about one hour down the road. Dark, windy and cold, not sure of jack or that vehicle would start again. Delayed again.
Victory: Tire change was successful, and engine started!
Trial: Missed service in McComb (and the supper afterward). People were just leaving church.
Victory: Pastor not only understanding, but compassionate! Helped me find good deals on battery and tire next day. I bought them with left over money from Suburban tires.
Trial: Ruth got to where she could barely walk next day, chiropractor prescribed supplements, but recommended emergency room to check for possibility of blood clots.
Victory: No blood clots! Took supplements recommended and began to recover the next day.
Trial: Ruth praying at 4 AM felt I had turned off breaker to freezer when turning off hot water heater at home. Had two processed deer in freezer. Neighbor couldn’t find extra key to get in and check.
Victory: Ruth remembered locksmith friend. He got in , freezer was off, but he turned it back on.
Trial: Delayed leaving next day, waiting for Ruth to feel like travel and taking care of business matters. People just leaving first service of convention when we arrived at church in Denham Springs, LA.
Victory: Again, that pastor also was gracious; just glad we made it, and helped park trailer.
Trial: Ruth almost passed out in last service as music got louder, and faster, and longer.
Victory: We moved to vestibule, sat down and prayed. Decided not to leave when dear Mexican friend came in and preaching started soon. Preaching good and no music afterward. Good altar service!
Trial: Long ride to Mexico border made Ruth tired and weak.
Victory: Ruth slept surprisingly well after arriving late at mission base, felt O. K. next morning.
Trial: Delayed and tiring border crossing and long trip to main destination of Xilitla, both tired!
Victory: Our arrival was a tremendous boost to the people in many ways; and to us!
Trial: Departure from Mexico at border was even more frustrating than entry had been. Then, one hour and a half stuck in backed up traffic on international bridge, looking at American flag and What-a-Burger sign, very hungry. What-a-Burger closed five minutes before we got there!
Victory: Praised the Lord anyway to be on American soil again! Found another What-a-Burger in McAllen open all night. Went to sleep about 1:30 A. M. in our trailer in good ole U. S. A!
Trial: Two days of strenuous travel with Ruth not able to sleep well at night. Arrived home at midnight exhausted to find two rooms of carpet ruined by leaking , rusted out water heater. Wall heater had come on, melted and shorted out electric cord, throwing breaker to freezer (Ruined my two deer after all!). Also, phone / e-mail service not working well.
Victory: House didn’t burn down. Ruth slept well rest of night! Insurance helped with flooding. God furnished new water heater (I installed it). Finally got phone problem resolved (e-mail took longer).
Trials: “Stack of bills” facing us. Suburban rear end worse, spent money trying to repair, (didn’t work). Much work needed to be done around Mission Base. Lot of money and time putting out newsletter.
Victory: God helped us catch up on past bills. I’ve been able to do at least some work around the Mission Base. An almost new rear end has been installed in our Suburban, complete with new brakes and u-joints, at no cost to us! Also, I started a garden.
Trial: We have serious personal needs right now.
Victory: We’re trusting God and we know He can do miracles as we exercise faith in His word.
Prayer requests and Victory Reports from the Field
Haiti: Still be praying for the poverty stricken and hurricane abused people there. Pray about the rest of the trailer load of clothes we took to Florida to send, but the customs taxes were raised extremely high. Also, pray for the work of the Lord there. We know some precious Christians there, and hard workers for Jesus.
Mexico: There’s been an awesome crusade held by Bro. Wall and some visiting state side helpers in S.L.P. There were over 50 people baptized, the works unified, and many more blessings. Pray for finances and helpers to do proper follow up there, and in the Wall’s other works down there.
Africa: I spoke on the phone with Bro. Harvey in Ghana West Africa recently. He is fine and God is moving “by His grace” in the church. They still need a building to worship in. They have been renting unsuitable places for many years. One of them didn’t even have walls. They need a lot to build a suitable building that will accommodate six to eight hundred people. Even though they are in a poverty stricken country, pray with us that God will help them. He is able!
Russia: A young preacher and his brother were recently here on the Mission Base with us from Russia. They blessed and were enjoyed by the congregations as they ministered in area churches. They brought a report from their church and shared their vision for Jesus in Russia.
Mexico: We are assisting in planning and setting up a super Youth Camp crusade in El Limon, Tamps. Mexico in July. Bro. Gume’s church and others in the area will be the chief sponsors. They always have a great move of God in the Youth Camp services, and they are all very excited about this one. Pray God add many souls to the kingdom, and revive any that need it!