BRUCATO PRAYER UPDATE JULY 2009

Dear Friends,

I thought it was about time you got a Brucato (not just Andy) update!! Yesterday I had one of those “déjà-vu” experiences. We stopped by Mark and Ruth’s just in time to help them disassemble their bedroom set. In preparation for their departure for Italy in the fall (Lord willing) they are selling most of their possessions and moving into a small furnished apartment at TEAM. That included their beautiful cherry- wood sleigh bedroom furniture which was a wedding gift from Ruth’s grandparents. Ruth had listed the furniture on the internet and a couple showed up to look at it. To Ruth’s dismay they wanted to buy it on the spot and take it away immediately! Emotionally she hadn’t prepared for that just yet. I could see the same look in her eyes that had been in mine more than 22 years ago when we had a garage sale and sold everything before leaving for Italy. The look of “Oh my, what have I done? We’re really leaving, aren’t we? The time has come. I’m not sure I’m ready.”

As the scripture says, “comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God”. Many years ago the Lord comforted me with the words of Jesus; “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age….and in the age to come, eternal life.” What really comforts me about this passage is the fact (included in all three gospels) that the list begins with “house”. Jesus acknowledges the loss of material possessions for the sake of the gospel; even bedroom sets! He knows the cost of following Him, and He promises a reward. I wonder what Ruthi with do with 100 new bedroom sets?

About Michael. He successfully completed his boot camp and pre-BUD training in the Great Lakes and is now in Coronado, CA doing BUD’s (Basic Underwater Demolition) training. August 2-7 will be the famous “hell week”. He is being stretched in every way. He has found that reciting scripture gets him through some tough spots; especially in “drowning” exercises. Yesterday 4 guys dropped out of the program. By the way, Mike is the youngest in his company of 200!! Please pray for him- mostly for his spiritual strength, but also for his physical protection. Most guys fail out of the program because of injuries!

Andy is making really good progress. We now go to the Wheaton College gym and pool 4 days a week, plus he is still doing one day at the rehab center. He is getting more and more movement in his arm and even hand! We are so grateful for these past two months here and the great treatment he has received. And we are so grateful for all of you who continue to pray and support us. We are now planning to return to Italy in the fall, but I will give you more info on that in another update (this one is already too long!).

Lastly, my mom is happily settled into the independent-living section of an assisted-living community. She is doing great and very happy. The Lord has continued to amaze us at His marvelous provision for her. Your prayers have been answered! One thing yet to pray for- the rental or sale of her home in order for her to have the finances needed to continue in her new apartment.

Gratefully yours,
Andy and Linda

PS. Mark and Ruth are now at about 70% of their monthly support needed. They are expecting baby #2 (a boy) in mid-September. They hope to leave for Italy before Thanksgiving. If you are considering supporting them financially, now would be a great time to let them know. You can contact Mark at:

markbrucato@gmail.com