Andy’s update March, 15, 2009

Dear Friends,

Today is the “Ides of March”. Thirty-nine years ago this day Andy was shot while serving in the Navy in Viet Nam. He very nearly died, and at that time was not a believer. We always remember this day as a memorial of God’s grace and mercy to a lost sinner. That dear sinner, now saved by grace and called God’s child, will be facing surgery on Tuesday to remove the plaque in his carotid artery. The surgeon has warned him of the risks of surgery, but not to do the surgery is an even greater risk. To be honest he is fearful. Not for himself, as he knows his eternal destiny is with the Lord, but for his sons. He would love to speak to Michael on the phone before surgery. I have written the Navy recruiter to see if there is any way we can call Michael at boot camp on Monday. Andy just wants to hear his voice again. God, in His kindness to me, orchestrated the events so that my sister would be here. She arrives tomorrow at noon; just in time!!!

This week has had some real “ups and downs”. It was so great for Andy to have Ben and Jennifer here for a week. Saying goodbye was hard on him. I, too, have had some real temptations of fear and sadness this week. One day on the way to the hospital I was crying out to the Lord for His help when I sensed Him speaking into my heart saying, “My child, where did all these fears come from?” I answered, “From things I have seen and heard; from whisperings in my own heart about the future.” Then the word from Isaiah 41:10 came again, “Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God”. The Lord reminded me again that I lose my peace when I take my eyes off of Him and put them on my circumstances. He knows my future; I do not. Can I trust Him for it? Every morning is a new start to choose to trust Him for what comes that day. Tomorrow I want to start “right”, don’t you!

Our dear brother and fellow missionary, Steve Thompson, has created a blog for us to keep you all informed on Andy’s progress. If you are interested you can access our emails from the blog. Here is the link: http://andybrucato.blogspot.com/

Thanks for praying for us, we feel so honored that you care,

Linda for us both