November, 2001

     Recently, the evangelism team from our local church held an outreach at a home for the elderly.  We left right after our Sunday morning service and took food so that we could eat lunch with them.  In addition to sharing a hot meal together, we played games, had a time of worship and I gave a devotional message.  We also had a very special time of prayer, with two or three members of our team ministering over each person individually.

     I have ministered to the elderly several times over the years but I think that this was the first time that I really identified in a personal way with them.  As I looked into their faces I saw my own parents and thought about the specific needs and challenges that they are facing these days.

     Many of you know that my father (83 years old) suffered a stroke in September and was operated on for blockage (90%) in the right carotid artery (supplies blood to the brain).  I flew up to help my mother care for Dad and didn’t really know what to expect.  Fortunately, he had no paralysis nor speech impediment just mental confusion and fatigue. With physical and occupational therapy he has made significant progress, recuperating a lot of his muscle strength and the ability to care for himself somewhat.  My mother (81 years old) is in excellent health and able to care for my father.  Also, my brother, Kent, and his wife, Susan, live less than a mile from my parent’s apartment.  If it were not for  my mom’s good health and Kent and Susan living in Grass Valley, Sandy and I would not be able to continue our ministry here in Central America.

     We need your prayers for:

Mom and Dad Kadera
     On November 21st, Dad will be operated on to eliminate a 90% blockage in the other carotid artery.  Pray for the surgeon's skill and judgement in performing this surgery and a quick recovery for Dad.  Sandy will fly up for the surgery.

Sandy’s Praise Tape
     The recording project is 60% completed!  I am very proud of Sandy and the other three women in her group (Dulce Inspiración).  For those of you that have ever been involved in recording sessions, you know how demanding they can be.  Continue to pray for their patience and perseverance.

Loan Program
     Since April we have raised up two separate groups with a total of 34 people being involved, each of whom received approximately $125.00 to start a small business.  Almost 50% were successful to some degree in the capitalization of their loans with  the rest still making payments.  It has been a very good learning experience working with GRUSODE (the foundation in charge of the loans) and I am convinced of the value of  this type of program for helping the poor break out of the cycle of poverty that they are caught in.   However, I am not sure if this is the moment to continue with another series of loans due to the economic crisis that we are facing here.  Also, GRUSODE needs to organize itself better administratively, so pray that we will know when the Lord would have us get involved again with their program.

Blessings,