Newsletter – February 2024
February – April 2024 Newsletter
“… I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries for tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38
From the keyboard of Dr. Ross Jutsum
Dear family, friends, and ministry partners:
Here are daughters Lisa and husband Jon pictured on the outside, and Heidi and husband Ryan on the inside. Then Lisa & Jon’s five of our clever grand-children – Aaron & Noah, the shortest soon-to-be twin 4 -year-olds; Evelyne and Isaiah, almost 8 -year-old twins, and almost 6- year-old Solomon, known as “Solo!” Pictured in the middle are Heidi and Ryan’s two: Grace, 11, Gabriel, 8! Wow –imagine the fun they had together for a week in December the beach at Senegal. Grammy Tammy and Grandpa Rossy are SO looking forward to being with all of them when Lisa’s family come to Connecticut when they are back in the U.S. on sabbatical in August from their amazing and incredible missionary work with MAF in Conakry, Guinea! We are so proud of all our kids and grandkids and the love and dedication they share in their respective ministries at Yale Divinity School, with BRAC and Mission Aviation Fellowship. Please continue to pray for them!
In December Tammy and I had the opportunity to serve in ministry in Southern California where we led a carol singalong and gave a “driveway” concert in our old “stomping ground.” It is amazing to see our audience of more than 40 friends and neighbors come to this program of mostly carols. During the Pandemic, Ross gave over 30 of these outdoor concerts on our cul-de-sac in Sierra Madre and the folks really appreciated the chance to get out of the house and enjoy some music and fellowship! While in town, Ross provided a Christmas program for the Rotary Club of Sierra Madre.
We are looking forward to ministry opportunities in the coming months here in Florida, in California and the Bahamas! In our 46th year of marriage, Tammy and I prefer to be in warmer climates in the winter time!
For the past fifteen years or so, I have been aware of having Dupuytren’s Contracture on the palm of my right hand below my 4th (ring) finger and my 5th (little) finger. This is a gradual thickening and tightening of tissue under the skin of the hand. It is apparently hereditary. I remember my grandfather had it to such an extent that he could no longer straighten out his 4th and 5th fingers. My brother and two of my three sisters have had this situation, and had some surgery. The surgery is rather risky, especially for someone like me who relies on my keyboard skills to accompany when I am leading worship or giving a concert. I used be able to stretch an octave plus two in both hands. I still have that reach in my left hand but my right hand is now struggling to make the octave.
I have been receiving some hand physical therapy over the past couple of years and it has helped to a certain extent. There is an injection called Xiaflex which can “fix” the problem but the fix apparently does not last for too long. I am sharing this situation with you, my treasured friends and family and ministry partners, as I would really appreciate your prayers for wisdom and guidance to decide what the best course of action would be. My hands are God’s hands and I fervently desire to use them for His praise and honor and glory!
Thank you all so very much for your continued prayers for our precious family, our ministries, and for your much-appreciated financial support. You and yours continue to be in our prayers.
With heartfelt gratitude, much love and prayers for God’s richest blessings
Ross and Tammy