About the Cover

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About this Issue

Troubles will come. Do they have a purpose? Have trials ever helped you to get things in perspective? Like you, our workers around the world experience the stretching of their faith as they face times of trouble.

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Press On!

In the past year many western countries have faced economic meltdown. Governments are seriously concerned as banks falter and hundreds of billions of dollars are pumped into their economies. People are anxious as they see their savings shrink and a very uncertain future unfold. Some think this may be the worst crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Is it time to scale down and draw back?

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Making it Through Life's Storms

Singing in the Rain

Rainy seasons grace our lives and are a part of the path God has for us. Moreover, they are actually good for us…necessary roads that lead us closer to Him…that press us deeper into His heart. It is right in the center of difficult experiences that God preserves and refines us, not where He fails us. Just as we sing in the sunny places of life, we must learn to sing triumphantly right in the middle of the dark, rainy places.

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Watching and Being Watched

Not Shaken

Jesus’ words to His disciples, “Work while it is day; night is coming…” seem quite relevant here, even though He wasn’t referring to a worldwide economic collapse. We still have a window of opportunity as we wait for the full impact of seeds already sown. How long will it be? Another year? Two? No one knows, but the state of things worldwide is sparking new urgency into all that we do.

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Look Who's Watching!

We can be the aroma of Christ to those around us. They may be saved without us ever knowing it. In another way, it is quite sobering. What about the times when I am impatient or irritable, trying to get my list of things done and don’t have the time of day for someone? Probably someone is watching that, too.

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Facing Transition

When Home is Far Away

The preparation for missions was easy, but actually doing it has been an entirely different experience. The loneliness, the feelings of complete failure, the desire to go home and the stress on our marriage have been overwhelming at times. I am trying to be who I am in a culture that makes me feel totally inadequate. Can I really spend my life on a different continent from those I love?

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Making Ends Meet

Of Cabbages and Faith

WEC International will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2013. Throughout WEC’s century of service, God has shown Himself faithful to our workers over and over again. It is important to share these stories so they can inspire deeper faith in each of us. During a recent history night at WEC USA headquarters, Aletta Markus shared one of her stories.

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