Greetings from a sunny Florida. 

Did you know that you are part of over 1,700 churches, businesses, individuals and missionaries who comprise the FBM family? As a Christian family we pray together, encourage each other and we partner in ministry to accomplish the Great Commission.  There is no doubt that this current Covid-19 pandemic has affected each and every one of us.  Some have lost their jobs.  While others have more work than ever before.  Some are struggling with sickness brought on by Covid-19.  While others are experiencing tremendous health. 

Truly, these are unique and challenging days. At the same time, these are exciting days!  There have been tremendous blessings in this crisis.  While it is true that some of our ministry partners have suspended their support due to the current economic challenges, others were able to send in extra gifts.  It has been amazing to watch God provide.  While it is true that many of our ministries across the world have had to stop, it is also true that new doors for ministry have been opened.  Some our missionaries have been able to get much needed rest due to the mandatory quarantine imposed upon them.

For me, I have been “stuck” in Florida.  Originally this past month I was scheduled to be in Texas, West Virginia, and Canada.  I was supposed to travel to Nigeria later in May.  And yet, there has been the unique blessing of working at home.  Our family has enjoyed the extended time that we have been together.  Three of my four children have learned to ride a bicycle!  We have finished many projects around our home. 

So, today, I challenge you to look for the blessings in this crisis.  It is easy to find the discouragements.  However, choose to look past them to find the unique things God has brought into your life.  Look for joy! 

Here are just a few prayer requests for this month:

• Pray for wisdom in the midst of the uncertainty.  Koku & Akpene Akakpo are trying to raise support to go to Togo.  Joe & Amy Marshall are home on furlough.  With churches shut-down, it is very difficult to schedule meetings.  Pray for wisdom.  There is much uncertainty regarding when we should resume travel.  Some missionaries want to come home this summer.  Others are here in the US and looking to return overseas. Right now, as you know, it is difficult to plan or schedule anything.
• Pray for the Totman family.  They are in the process of packing up and moving from Budapest, Hungary to Florida.  David Totman has been called to be the Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven.  Pray for the Totmans as they make this transition in the next few months. 
• Pray for the future of FBM.  Pray that God would show us very clearly what He wants us to be and what He wants us to do in the future.  Above all, pray that our board and home office would provide world-class missionary care to our missionaries. 

We praise God for each and every one of you.  Thank you so much for your faithful partnership with FBM.  Please let me know if there is ever any way that we can serve you.

May God richly bless you.

Stephen Simpson
President