Greetings in Jesus' Name from Naples, Italy, It's been less than a month since my last letter, but there are several things that have transpired, and I need to send you all this letter of update.
We have had a great Vacation Bible School here at the BBC Naples in the latter part of June. Eleven folks came here from the Summerville Baptist Church in Oregon and they really did a wonderful job. It was truly a pleasure to host that group. I have to admit that I am prejudiced toward them as five from that group, the Martin family, were in my ministry on Okinawa back in the latter 1990's. The Martin children, Alex, Lisa, and Brian were saved there in my church, and it was great to see those three (big teenagers now) actively serving Christ. I wouldn't be at all surprised if at least one of them ended up in full time Christian service as a pastor or missionary. My, my what a great bunch from that church.
The Vacation Bible School went very well with children attending that included American children from the US Navy base, as well as several African children from Ghana, and Nigeria, maybe some others too. There was one Ghanaian family that were supposed to depart for Ghana and miss the VBS, but wouldn't you know it, they missed their flight. As a result of being here for another week the children came to the VBS and the oldest daughter, Emi, trusted in Christ for salvation. A couple of our ladies and Linda had been working with that young lady a lot on Sundays, as well as Linda during the week. (some sow and others reap while God makes the arrangements).
Linda is still in Florida with my dying mother (Leukemia/Congestive Heart Failure - she's 84 and knows the Lord). She has been getting progressively worse and worse; Linda tells me by phone that in the five weeks since I've been back in Naples that I'd hardly recognize mom. I just talked to my wife and my brother back in Florida, and it appears that the time is drawing very, very near for my mother's departure. Linda has reserved me tickets to fly out on the 24th of July, but I may not make it back in time according to my brother Gordon. That is certainly expected, and mom and I are okay with the fact that we probably wont see each other until we are in Heaven. It's especially hard on Linda and my brother. I'd appreciate your prayers for them. There is a veteran missionary, Lebron Williams, who will be coming here to relieve me for the time that I am in the States, so please pray for him as well.
The Veterans Administration has more medical appointments for me in August and September. I sure hope they get all this stuff squared away in this series of appointments. It's mostly Agent Orange related from my time in Vietnam. Please be in prayer for that too.
Since I'll be in the States again from the 25th of July thru the 12th of October, and we or I should be available for and I desire to be in some meetings (especially Mission Conferences), although I'm certainly going to have other obligations too. If there are any churches that would like to have us, please contact me at 863 521-6688 which is my Stateside cell number, or via my email address, truittwc@aol.com.
As in my last letter, I truly want to thank all of our supporting churches, and individuals for the extra special help and prayers that you have sent our way; another church helped us out just last month with a large, unsolicited blessing. There are several individuals over the past few months who have helped as well. Thank you, and please keep us in your prayers.
In Christ's Service,
Chuck and Linda Truitt