It’s been a while since I’ve written to you. Several friends have asked for an update –wondering what I’ve been up to these days. What God has been teaching me.

No surprise, my days are much quieter in this season. It’s been three years since I said goodbye to Luis. I miss him daily. Doing my best to stay busy and useful.

I’m in a new house now. A small condo, actually. The only place I’ve lived in the past 60+ years that I didn’t share with Luis. New daily norms. Making friends of my own. Reflecting on the past. It has taken some getting used to.

The family still gathers whenever we can. Everyone’s busy. Grandkids are now scattered across multiple states. But the time we have together is cherished by all. Many laughs. Healthy nostalgia of days gone by. Plenty of excitement for the future ahead.

It’s a good exercise to reflect on the past – where God has brought us as a family and team. The early days were tough. We don’t talk about them much, but it’s good to remind ourselves of the struggles God has brought us through . . . the prayers He has answered.

I still remember the day Luis and I stepped onto the plane, headed for the mission field of Latin America. Mexico specifically. It was 1961. Two twin boys in tow. I’ve often wondered what my parents thought that day as they said goodbye to us. It was the only time in my entire life that I saw my father cry.

“Leave father and mother for my sake” (Matthew 11). It never felt so real.

Those early days in Mexico were a challenge. We were tasked to build a small evangelistic team, but we had very little support. One small group of Presbyterian churches – six total – invited us. Even they seemed critical at times, as though we had to win them over. Such small and lonely beginnings.

I read somewhere recently that the average lifespan of an evangelist is 10 years. Can you believe that? It’s no surprise, thinking back to some of the challenges we faced. You name it, we experienced it.

The criticism from within the Church was maybe the hardest of all. So many told us in those early days, “You won’t last long. None of the missionaries do.”

I’ve learned over the years that evangelism is not the most popular aspect of Christian activity. Everyone seems to have an idea of how it should or shouldn’t be done, although very few actually do it. Yet here we are . . . 60+ years and counting. Still going strong. It’s only by the grace of God and the partnership of wonderful friends like you that all this has been possible.

If you ask me, I think evangelism is the foundational, basic activity that all followers of Jesus should be involved in. All else is secondary.

People often ask me: “What drove you to a life of ministry?” So many things, but one event in particular has stood with me . . . .

January 1956. I still remember the day. I went out to the mailbox and picked up the latest issue of Life Magazine. On the cover – “Missionaries Jungle Martyrdom” – the story of the killing of the 5 Christian missionaries by the Aucas in Ecuador. It was one of the catalysts that moved me – and others like me – to think about missions as our life’s calling.

But what did I have to offer? I remember feeling that acutely. It’s probably why Luis and I were such a great team. Evangelism wasn’t my gifting. It was his. But together, God used us to share His Good News.

That’s my prayer for every believer. Whether they are gifted at evangelism or supportive of those who are, I pray they will find their “team.”

It’s easy to get sidetracked. Many good things stand in the way of the best. It truly is a life of sacrifice. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. So many stories of changed lives, changed communities, and even changed nations.

Those early days in Latin America were tough. The Church was small. Believers were few and far between. Only a miracle would change some of those nations. Yet that is exactly what we saw. It’s what we still see! And the Gospel is thriving in so many of those nations today.

It’s been hard without Luis these past three years. I miss him every day. But the Lord is faithful. He’s taken good care of me. I feel His presence daily. And the boys carry the torch with confidence and grace.

It’s quite odd to see your own sons so respected and honored in their specific roles. At the same time, I’m not surprised. The Lord has gifted each one of them. Andrew’s wife, Wendy, has also taken on a greater role within the team. I love to see her using her gifts.

Life marches on. Grandkids continue to grow. And this fall – another wedding. Kevin and Michelle’s daughter, Lauren. She found a great guy – intelligent, handsome, kind. A solid believer. We’re so excited to welcome him into the family.

God gave me a verse in the early years – when I was in training, at university, meeting Luis, and getting started in Christian ministry . . . .

“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” 2 Thessalonians 5:24

A simple verse, yet so profound. He is the one who calls. He is the one who works. He is faithful. Where else would I want to put my trust?

The songwriter Claire Cloninger once wrote: “On a scale of one to ten, God loves me a ten on my best days and a ten on my worst days. There’s no way I can lose God’s love by what I do or don’t do. There is no way I can improve it by what I do or don’t do. There’s nothing I can do to make Him love me less or love me more. Amazing? You bet it is! It is the best-kept secret of the Christian life, the little-understood mystery we call ‘amazing grace.’”

This is the message we share with the world!

The continued open doors for the team are tremendous. I trust you stay up to date with reports. Andrew and Wendy just returned from China. Part of the team just returned from Zambia. Others are wrapping up evangelistic activity in England. Still others are preparing for outreaches in Argentina, Egypt, Nevada, and Colorado later this year. Then back again to China before the year is over.

I pray you are encouraged as you see God working through the team. It is only possible because of the support of friends like you.

You’ve heard me talk about the Luis Palau Legacy Fund that the team established after Luis passed away. I’m happy to report that it’s going strong. This year the funds are being directed toward the festival in Mendoza, Argentina. The festival is planned for November – right before Thanksgiving. If you feel led to contribute it would mean a lot to me and the team.

The last campaign in Mendoza was in 2005. It was a fruitful time. Many new believers. Wonderful church growth. Today they’re looking to reach the next generation. Andrew will lead the way.

I can’t think of anything better to honor Luis’ life and legacy. You can click here if you feel inclined to give.

Thank you for your commitment to the Lord and to this important evangelistic work. There is nothing more important. A worthy sacrifice – sharing the Good News Gospel with a world in desperate need.

Please do stay in touch. I love the letters and notes. They help to fill these often quiet days. And of course, we’ll be sure to report back after the great effort in Mendoza, Argentina, this fall.

May the Lord bless you!

Pat Palau

2 Thess. 5:24