May, 2008

Dear Friends,

          Returning to the US always brings mixed emotions. We enjoy seeing family and friends as well as eating some food we’ve missed for a couple of years, but we also miss the friends we leave behind in Austria. We communicate with our small congregation regularly and look forward to being reunited with them when we return. They are doing a fantastic job keeping the church going while we are away. Our friend, Assad, has done an excellent job in leading the church while we visit and report to supporting churches in the USA.
          Most of you are aware of the difficulty missionaries all around the world are facing due to the devaluation of the US dollar against most of the world’s currencies. This situation is having a devastating affect on the ability to maintain a global outreach. We would appreciate your continued prayers for us as well as all of the missionaries experiencing this extremely difficult situation.
          These difficult times also allow God to show His power in a mighty way. We are still praying that God will provide the finances for us to purchase the facility we currently lease. Since last October, the amount needed to complete the purchase option has risen from $350,000 to nearly $450,000 due completely to the devaluation of the US dollar. I must return to Austria in late August to either close on the property or move out.
          Austria is in desperate need of the Gospel and it is our goal to maintain a facility in which to share the message of hope offered through Christ. We must provide a guarantee for financing by the end of August or vacate the property. Austrians are searching for answers which provide hope and meaning in their lives. The International Baptist Church / Graz offers a message of hope found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If we are not there, they will search for those answers elsewhere. Our location will remain a center for the Gospel or perhaps house some other religious group which offers answers other than the Truth found in Scripture. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we seek His will in this situation.

Partners in His Service,

Curt & Melinda Brown