Ben Armacost's blog

This morning I returned from my trip to the USA to visit my father, whose health was failing rapidly. Unfortunately I did not get there in time to see him, as he passed away the evening before I arrived. But it truly was a blessing to reconnect with my family, particularly my siblings and my mother who appreciated my presence during those difficult days. Dad’s funeral, while sad, was a celebration as he knew the Lord and is with Him now! My deepest thanks to all of you who have encouraged us and prayed for us throughout these past weeks.

I wanted to let you all know that I will be traveling to the USA today to see my father.  He is suffering the later stages of cancer and has taken a turn for the worse over the weekend.  We expect that he could pass away very soon, and I am taking this opportunity to see him for the last time and give support to my family back home.  This has been a difficult decision and has happened very quickly, but I feel that it is the right thing to do.  Please pray for me as I travel.

It’s been a long time since I have written an “AIM Trainers Update” and I apologise for the long silence.  My ambition this year was to write on a regular basis but to date this has not happened.  Having set up this blog site nearly a year ago, I am finally getting around to using it.

I'm typing quite slowly as I cut my hand while spearfishing yesterday.  I made 4 cm incision when my brand new knife slipped and struck the back of my left hand.  Fortunately not tendons, nerves, or vessels were severed, but it is a full thickness incision which required stitches.  Please pray it won't get infected, and that it will heal quickly. 

Last year around this time, I sent a notice suggesting that we raise some money for Fred Buhendwa to assist him with a trip back to Africa.  Several people gave contributions, and we put these funds aside for him.  In October Fred received Australian citizenship, and the following week he made plans to return to Africa to take our training to the people of his country and to help his sister escape from a dangerous situation.  With money in hand from those of you who contributed, Fred took that long journey during the month of November.

Next Saturday 26th November we will gather for an Iron-on-Iron Strategy Forum at Hobart Baptist Church, Jack Soundy Memorial Hall.  This is open to all leaders and workers as well as people who are interested in what we are doing to reach people for Christ.  We will begin with breakfast at 8am and conclude by noon. Please bring something to share for breakfast.

From 6-10 October, four of us flew to Melbourne for several days for prayerwalking and training in the Northcote/Preston area: Jillian Goninon, Fred Buhendwa, Judy, and myself. Thursday morning went to Northcote Plaza prayerwalking and talking with people. We met a man from Iran working at a construction site nearby and had a good 20-minute chat with him; he seemed more interested in Christian faith than in the Islam that he left behind.

Today was going to be a special day for us, as we found a man in Huonville who was willing to open his home to us for a Bible discussion.  With 5 children and several relatives in the area who are far from God, this was a wonderful opportunity to reach many people.  Unfortunately he suddenly changed his mind a few hours before we were to begin today.  Please pray for Ken, that he will open his heart and his home to us once again.  This has been particularly discouraging for me, so pray for me as well that I don't lose any confidence in what God wants to do. 

We've had a great week and I thought I'd send you an update of what has happened in recent days, and how you can be praying for us:

How closely do we follow the commands of Jesus?