In April and May 2001 Steve and Ann went home to the States for the wedding of their daughter, Joanna. They returned to the ministry of the SIM student evangelistic center, or what they call the “foyer,” a French term sometimes used to mean “home,” since it is so much like a home away from home for the students. There is an all-time low of missionary staff at the center, yet Steve and Ann praise God for the five African believers who faithfully volunteer weekly. They are wonderful role models for their peers.

Steve is now the financial manager and overseer of the student center. Ann assures the restocking and cleanliness of the center, and leads in the ongoing English classes. Their hearts continue to seek after opportunities to befriend and evangelize the students, and to be available to the Lord as He grants any personal openings. They have so enjoyed this ministry, watching how God breaks down the barriers to Muslims through the virtue of friendship.

Steve and Ann rejoice at being called to supply a long witness to many in Niger through gradually developed friendships. It has been said that it can take at least 300 times of hearing the Gospel before it begins to make true sense to the Muslim. To share the Gospel over so many needed times requires a steadfast spirit of love, patience, wonderful creativity, and time. All of these are supplied by the Lord’s own will and Spirit.

Praises

Praise God that Steve and Ann are seeing increasing fruit in their ministry to both students and prostitutes. Praise God for His presence with the Lutz family during Joanna’s wedding, and the opportunity for Steve and Ann to travel home at that time.

Pray for Their Ministry

Please pray that Steve and Ann will continue to seek God for the strength of heart to persevere at the work for so long. Pray for their witness to the university students. Pray for those who have heard the Gospel for the 299th time, and ask God to make these and other hearts tender toward Christ and dull toward any message other than the Gospel. Pray that those who have believed would grow in their faith.

Pray for Those They Serve

Please pray for the ex-prostitutes who have been saved to become more like Christ, and be able to change their lifestyle and still support themselves.

Pray for Them

Please pray for wisdom and strength for Steve and Ann. Pray for safety from radical elements in Islam, and from spiritual warfare among prostitutes. Please pray that the Lord would be preeminent in their four grown children’s lives, and that the three married children would have happy marriages in Christ. Pray that their son Joseph will finish his education and wait upon the Lord for the mate He has for him. Pray that their grandchildren will all come to know the Lord in time. Pray that Steve and Ann will trust in the Lord for their children’s lives in the States.