Prayer Letter – March 2002

Troy Finds a Good Thing!
In a bold move, Troy William Johnstone shocked the world by asking Naomi Leigh Cross of Olds, Alberta to marry him. Troy and Naomi met two years ago at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, New York where they were both attending the one-year Bible program. Troy reports that it was an instant hit, at least for him. Naomi reportedly took much more convincing.

Troy
Troy grew up in the small town of Sackville, New Brunswick. His parents, Bill and Starr Johnstone, raised him in a loving, Christian home. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from Mount Allison University, Troy worked in several different jobs. He became involved with his church in various capacities, acting as chairman of the Missions Committee for a length of time. For the past year and a half, Troy has been on deputation with Word of Life Fellowship, with the desire to serve the Lord in full-time ministry. He will assist WOL in starting a one-year Bible school in Ontario. This school will be vital in giving young adults a solid Biblical foundation.

Naomi
Naomi is the daughter of John and Janice Cross of Olds, Alberta. She had the privilege of growing up in a missionary family serving in Florida and Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Missions. John Cross was involved in developing the Summit short term missions program as well as writing/directing several award winning movies (“Ee-taow!”). Eventually, the Lord led him to write a book called The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus and start a new ministry, GoodSeed. For the last few years, Naomi has been serving in this ministry doing computer layout and design for various GoodSeed projects. She has been involved in the creation of a companion Workbook and a youth edition for “The Stranger.”

East Meets West
Naomi and Troy were first introduced to each other through some mutual friends at Bible School.

A summer of working as camp counselors in Owen Sound at the Word of Life camp provided the unofficial couple more time to become better acquainted. Unfortunately for them, the summer came to a close, and it was time for Troy to go home to New Brunswick and Naomi and her brother to move to Alberta, the other side of the country!

After months of communicating via email and telephone, Troy moved to Alberta in May of 2001 to spend time with Naomi and her family while preparing to serve full time with Word of Life. Finally, on the night of December 17th, Troy dropped down on one knee and asked Naomi to become his wife. Naomi reports that it was very sweet and very romantic! Troy has been frequently heard quoting Scripture out of Proverbs. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing; And obtains favor from the LORD.”

The couple has set their wedding date for April 27, 2002. That doesn’t give Naomi very long to plan! They are both very excited about the future God has in store for them.

Eastward Ho!
After a short honeymoon, they plan to head across country to New Brunswick, stopping in Ontario for a few days. They will spend five weeks with friends, family and churches in New Brunswick. Please pray for them, that God would raise up those who would become prayer and financial partners in their ministry.

Troy’s main focus at the Bible Institute will be in the area of Administration, Admissions, Alumni, Marketing and general discipleship among the students. Naomi plans to support and assist Troy in their ministry with Word of Life, taking on any responsibilities that she can to assist Word of Life.

Troy and Naomi realize that there will be many adjustments in this next year with moving to a new town, working with new people and of course, adjusting to life together. They ask for your thoughts and prayers for the future.

Praise:
– For providing Troy with a new job for his remaining time in Alberta. Naomi
has a new job as well, working every second week in the church office. This
schedule allows Naomi to spend every other week focused on her work with
GoodSeed.
– They were able to obtain a much needed laptop for use both in the office
and on the road.

Pray:
– That Troy and Naomi’s wedding would go smoothly.
– For safety in travelling.
– For special and profitable times with family and friends along the way.
– That they would be able to raise their support to the needed level. (Note:
They need to raise $1500 / month.)
– That people would commit to praying for them in their ministry and new
marriage.