Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - 2008 Ministry Prayer Update

Dear Friend,

You must have felt the quake. I sure did. If the upheavals in America's economy could be measured on the Richter scale, we'd be looking at an 8.0 quake.

They say part of the trauma of a real earthquake is that things that never moved before are suddenly moving. Or gone. Hello, America's finances.

But this is an incredible moment for the Gospel! In uncertain times, people are desperate for an anchor. And in Jesus, "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19 ). Think about it. What can folks confidently call "firm and secure" in a world where tomorrow's headlines could change everything?

Yes, the financial downturn is creating huge challenges for a faith ministry like ours. We've always been a frugal ministry yet, we're cutting everything we possibly can - without cutting what is mission critical to rescuing people headed for an unthinkable eternity. The upheavals that are making it so hard financially are, at the same time, making lost people so ready for Jesus.

So, by faith, we're moving ahead to reach lost community leaders through our "Peaceful Living in a Stressful World" breakfast outreaches. And what a time to be training believers how to share the anchor they have found in Christ! By faith, we'll be growing an army of rescuers through "A Life That Matters" small group training and life-changing rescue seminars. And by faith, we will believe God for a growing impact on desperate Native young people through our On Eagles' Wings ministry.

I can't find words to tell you how very much your prayer for us means right now. The finances say, "Slow everything down." This season of Gospel readiness says, "Work while it is day" (John 9:4 ). We're fired up to "make the most of every opportunity" (Colossians 4:5 ) these turbulent times have opened for spiritual rescue. Jesus said "as soon as the grain is ripe...put the sickle to it, because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:28-29 ). We can't be hiding in the farmhouse when it's harvest time. The difference in what we can do may well be what you do on our behalf in the Throne Room of Almighty God.

So much will be decided in the closing weeks of this year. Many who want to give can't give. Some who normally give a lot can only give a little. And every gift is probably more sacrificial now than it's been before. So if you are led and enabled by God to send a year-end gift, it may well be more decisive than it's ever been. Rescuing lost lives is always a miracle. This year, the money to do it will be a miracle, too. If you can be a part of that year-end miracle, thank you.

The Bible says that "when the foundations are being destroyed" ... "the Lord is on His heavenly throne" (Psalm 11:3-4 ). That's where my anchor is. And by God's grace - and with you as our partner - we won't miss this life-saving moment.

Feeling the urgency,

Ron Hutchcraft

P.S. More than ever, this is a time for accountability. We take very seriously the trust you have given with RHM as you partner with us through your prayers and gifts. The enclosed booklet reports on the 2008 goals and accomplishments, and gives you a graphic reporting of our stewardship. In these days when increasing costs and financial uncertainty make giving more challenging, we deeply appreciate your part in this ministry. We want to be accountable to spend your "investment in eternal rescue" exactly as we promised.