thegritts

Last weekend we went to Norway to visit with the Haukeland family who were sent from Temple June 2006 as tent maker missionaries.  What a joy to be in their family service on Sunday with 30 present.  They are beginning to reach a few adults now and are steadily making themselves known in the area.  A few weeks ago Bro Haukeland was invited to preach and sing at the State Church.  People commented that they had never heard the Gospel put so...and...never heard anyone sing with such heart and spirit.  Praise the Lord.  From that he began to receive calls and inquiries about his work in Askoy.  Please remember them in prayer.  Both he and his wife are working full time and have three teenagers!  That is no small task besides trying to plant a church.
The Lord has also provided them a home of their own.  They take possession in a few weeks, but the house needs much repair and renovation.  They are hoping to have the work done by Christmas.

Bro Buchanan went through the shuffle here from doctor to doctor confirming the cancer diagnosis.  Finally he winds up with the consultant and another biopsy is done.  This time, no signs of cancer!  None whatsoever!  It was a benign cyst and was treated with medication.  No surgery!  Dennis went back to work this week sharing his testimony and giving God the glory!

All the month of March we had a rebellious teen living with us!  When she faltered yet again the ultimatum was given and she returned home!  There is much work to do, but hopefully this family can be restored.  Please keep them in your prayers.  The hurts go deep and the changes will not be easy if this young person is to survive.

Meanwhile, the Lord continues to bless with souls saved and people being added to the church!

Dear Praying Friends,
 
We desperately need your prayers.  Due to drastic tax changes we are being forced to make the decision as to stay and face a possible $120,000 tax bill, or be out of the country before the 5th of April this year.  We are taking advice from our tax consultant here and trying to determine the best course of action. 
The government is trying to force people out who are rich and have off shore accounts, yet do not pay taxes on that money.  Unfortunately, the way the legislation is written, we missionaries fall into that category!  If only we did have off shore accounts full of money!  The new taxation would amount to paying taxes on all of our American income, including our work funds, retirement, real estate, etc, not just our personal salary as we now do.
The way to avoid this taxation is to be out of the country three years out of every ten.  This will greatly affect the works and is against the policies of the BBFI.  So, again we face that dilemma.  So we need your prayers for great wisdom.  For calm.  For God's hand in our lives.
We will keep you posted.
 
Tom Gritts

 

Today, Bro Buchanan had another visit with the doctor.  On Sunday we were very concerned because they could not get the sore on his back to stop bleeding.  However, today, the doctor said it is definitely NOT CANCER.  He requires no surgery.  It can be taken care of by medication.  It is a benign cyst.

Dennis said, he is giving God the glory because from the first doctor they have all  used the cancer word and the biopsies had lead to that conclusion.  Only God can change the prognosis!

Well, Bro Buchanan received good news this week.  The consultant is very confident that the surgery will not be as extensive as first estimated.  He even doubts whether it really is cancerous and has really encouraged the Buchanans to rest at ease.  There is no date set for the surgery yet, but we are all praising the Lord for a much better prognosis!  Meanwhile, Dennis is with his church family every service playing his guitar and being an encouragement and witness to others!

On Monday, March 3rd we added to our collection of grandchildren!  Titus Steven Askins was born weighing 6 lb 12 oz.  Steve and Carrie (Gritts) Askins are the proud parents.  This makes their third child.

We would request prayers for one of the teenagers in our church named Mandy.  She is having difficulty with teenage rebellion and is currently living with us as we try to help.  Pray also for her mother and siblings.  Family strife is a hard thing for everyone.  Pray that God's love will be able to penetrate Mandy's heart and we will be tools fit for His use.

One of our faithful men, Dennis Buchanan has just been diagnosed with Cancer.  Please pray as he goes into surgery next week.  It is a cancer attached to the muscle in his back.

On Sunday, Feb 10th, we commissioned Bro Ian Hutchings to start a new work in Huntington, Cannock.  He has about 15 people interested in starting the work with him.  Missionary Barry Dunmire is also walking alongside as this new church begins!  Bro Hutchings has been serving at Temple as the Associate Pastor for the past four years.


Also, a matter of urgent prayer.  The government here is amending the tax status of foreigners who reside in the UK and we are all bracing ourselves for a huge tax bill.  It may mean that many will have to leave the field.  They are proposing taxing us on not only what funds we bring into the country here, but also on all of our missionary funds, both salary and work fund.  And, on all other forms of income, i.e. rental property, retirement funds, etc. held in the US.  With the rate of exchange cutting in deep to our budgets, most will not be able to handle the added tax burden.  So, please pray for your missionaries and for some sort of common sense to reign in the government here!

Their real target are rich foreigners who live here without paying any tax.  Most missionaries file taxes on funds brought into the UK.  These people, however, are hiding here as a tax haven and most likely illegally.

 

The church was full and the spirits high as we attended our first services back in England.  What a blessing to see the growth in the people spiritually!  And, to see new people who had joined while we were away and get the opportunity to talk to more new ones who had been saved and are seeking baptism!  The men have stepped into leadership and done a grand job!

We have returned by faith and found that it IS really going to take some faith financially to work through all the changes here.  Petrol prices are $1.60 higher per gallon than when we left.  Gas to heat the house has doubled in the past year.  Both cars need work from sitting on the drive for nine months.  We need to get tags on one car and that is $400 for a year tag!  One needs tires; another $800, and so it goes!

This week will be filled with catching up with people, visiting my elderly, setting my schedule for the college work, school assemblies, etc., and recovering from jet lag!  But it is all good!  God is good!  And He is able to do the things I can not!  As I was reading today, God is not capricious (random and unstable), but soverign.  My times are in His hands and He has a plan in it all!

Tom

This is the first post on thegritts blog. Tomorrow they fly back to England. We (their kids and grandkids) hope it is a safe trip and it all goes smoothly.