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       Sending church: West Division St. Baptist Church / 3104 West Division St./ Springfield, MO 65802

November 17, 2004

Dear fellow laborers in Christ,

        Over the past few years John has given a challenge to memorize Psalm 119. The reward for memorizing it is a study Bible, Christian CD, and a songbook. One of our youth took up the challenge and actually accomplished the task! Douglas had it memorized within two months, and quoted it verse by verse to the congregation. It was awesome, to say the least. His testimony of how it has helped him in his personal life is fantastic too.
 

        The end of the year sure is sneaking up fast. We just finished up decorating our meeting hall for Christmas. Our Christmas program this year is marked for the 19th of December. We have a goal of finishing the new auditorium to the point of being able to use it for the program. Praise the Lord that enough funds have entered in to be able to put in the doors, the floor, the glass for the windows, and to finish the electrical installation. With these four things done, we'll be able to use the area. It looks like it will be a while before we can officially inaugurate the building, as we still don't have the funds to put in the ceiling, the walks, parking lot, and security wall around the property. In God's timing it will be done. We thank all of you who have contributed to this project.
 

        Its been a while since we've reported on the camp facility project. The project is still on hold, as funds are tight. It is our desire, however, that within the first couple of months of the new year we'll be able to finish up phase 1 of the plans: two dorms, bathrooms, and covered recreation area. Lacking is the roofing, septic system, inside dorm walls, floor and wall tiles in the bathroom, and paint. With these completed, we will be able to begin to host church retreats. Please pray for this project to be completed at least before we go stateside for furlough in July 2005.
 

        Our family is blessed right now with John's parents visiting. They are with us until the end of November. With their visit, we've been forced into taking time off for a much needed vacation. It has been really good for the church, too. We took off with the folks for two weeks of touring, leaving the congregation on its own for the first time. Rafael, who is studying for the ministry, took care of the preaching, and he and his wife Flavia did the Sunday School teaching. In October Neila split up her Sunday School class, and Flavia took the older children (8 to 11 years). Two other ladies, Ivone and Ester, took care of the little ones during the preaching hour. The ladies did a great job putting collective effort into the Ladies Meeting.. In fact, they had six first time visitors attend. We are very pleased how the Lord blessed in our short absence.

        Once again we thank you for your prayers and concern for our family and ministry.  May God's grace be with you.
 

  In Christ,

  John & Neila
Joneia, Leila, and Katherine