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Ministry Update
October 1st, 2007
Dear Ones in the U.S. and Canada,
We know you'd like an update from The Luke Commission and the VanderWals. Here are
some tidbits from Harry and Echo and the boys' journey to the East and Ontario this past six
weeks, as they visited supporters in preparation for a return trip to Swaziland January to May, 2008.
You'll be excited to read how Jesus is working!
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Harry with Pastor and wife in North Carolina
One retired pastor in North Carolina invited 2 dozen pastors to hear Harry and Echo speak.
He wrote these pastors: "From time to time, according to the great plan and purpose of God, there
arises an opportunity to support a man, his wife and family who are doing extraordinary things
in the world..."
- A large church in Ohio gave the VanderWals one whole Sunday morning service to talk
about taking free medical clinics and the Gospel to Swaziland. A few Sundays later, a pastor
surprised the congregation when he challenged them to leave the shoes they were wearing, so
they could be sent to those who had no shoes in Swaziland. More than 400 pairs were laid at
the altar. Kids' shoes are still being collected. To God be the glory!
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Another church in Ohio prays for the VanderWals and The Luke Commission every Sunday
morning at 11:20, every Monday at 5:30, and every Wednesday at 6:30. Pray on, dear ones!
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Boys riding goats at supporters
farm in Ontario, Canada
Individual donors from North Carolina and Ontario regularly encourage us with their giving,
as do all those who give so Harry and Echo can return to Africa in January, 2008.
- The Luke Commission is truly multi-denominational. New Song Bible Church in Idaho and
South Asian Bible Church in Canada are our sponsoring churches. However, Harry and Echo
have spoken and been embraced warmly at these churches: Lutheran, Baptist, Community,
Assembly of God, Church of Christ, Christian Reformed, Methodist, Southern Baptist, Bible
churches and non-denominational churches. We thank each congregation for their acceptance.
- The Nazarene Church also offers tremendous personal help covering our backs and keeping
us out of trouble in Swaziland.
-
The Kettering Medical Center Network in Ohio opened their mission warehouse to the
VanderWals, offering Harry and Echo anything they can use in the bush or give to the mission
hospital. Last week, wheelchairs, bed-tables, medical supplies, IV tubing, syringes, needles, and
much more were loaded onto a 40-foot container which is now almost full. Echo attended the
Seventh-Day Adventist Kettering Medical Center to earn her physician's assistant degree in 2000.
- Attending physicians at Wright State University School of Medicine, where Harry was graduated
as a doctor of medicine, are intrigued by The Luke Commission's desire to treat those out in the
southern Africa bush who have no health care.
- One attending physician, who supervised Harry's internal medicine and pediatrics residency
program, wrote Harry and Echo: "Very proud of you both and thanking God for the amazing work
you are blessed to be a part of. I don't think I know anyone, personally, who is living Christ's
mandate for our lives more than you and your co-workers. I am humbled."
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Harry with principal at his
alma mater in North Carolina
A public school superintendent tearfully said he was "amazed how quiet and absorbed the
kids were" when Harry spoke to his alma mater of 1,300 North Carolina high school students. That
superintendent took The Luke Commission's story to his adult Sunday School class, and those folks
immediately wrote a large check.
- A lady was at Wal-Mart buying material to make wraps for the Swazi ladies. An elderly lady sat
watching her and finally asked what she was doing. The elderly lady rushed to get her daughter, who
now wants her Catholic church to get involved in a project for The Luke Commission. Are these not
divine appointments to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!
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On the road in New York City
A husband, pushing his wife in a wheel-chair, quietly entered a service to hear Harry and Echo
speak. They quietly support The Luke Commission monthly.
- A lady in Ohio has been praying for years that her church would get deeply involved in overseas
missions. "Since the VanderWals came into our lives that prayer has been answered," she said. "If our
congregation can just add one jot or one tittle to bring joy to the Swazi people, we'll be part of those
souls who have been saved and those who are going to be saved."
- Canadian women who meet every week to sew dresses for Swazi girls hosted a dinner for their
church family, saw the 2007 video, and were inspired "to keep on keeping on."
May we all keep on working where Christ has placed us. May we rejoice together. We are grateful
for each one of you.
Love in Jesus,
Janet Tuinstra for The Luke Commission
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