NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2005
It hardly seems possible that we are beginning
another new year. The past year went swiftly by and was filled with blessings
and challenges. Our missionaries around the world reported many hundreds of
souls saved and baptized and new churches organized. National workers were
trained in many countries to assume the responsibility of reaching their own
peoples with the Gospel. That is the end result of missions: churches
established and workers serving to reach yet more souls for Christ!
We are happy to report that the Lord blessed us
in 2004 with another record year in offerings received for our missionaries. We
went over the $6 million dollar mark for the first time in total offerings
received. God has been so good to provide the needs of our missionary families
and His people have been faithful to give for the cause of world missions.
The year of 2005 presents many new challenges. Most of the Middle Eastern world
is under the domination of Islam and it is practically impossible for
missionaries to enter those countries. Some are entering as professionals and
then using the opportunities God gives to witness. Some countries in Eastern
Europe are beginning to make it more difficult for missionaries to serve. It
appears that some countries are considering reverting to communistic forms of
government. In most places in the world missionaries are experiencing a great
loss in buying power due to the drop in the value of the U. S. dollar in world
markets. In some countries our missionaries have lost 40% of their buying power
and for some the situation is critical if they will be able to stay on the field
or whether they will be forced to return to raise more support. Yet, with all
these difficulties, 2005 still offers a great opportunity to reach souls around
the world. Often times when difficult situations arise, God uses them to draw
men to Himself. Pray that 2005 will be a time of revival for missions.
Ernie and Monoka Brown are returning to Ecuador in January for their next
term of service. Pray for them as they return to the work.
Pray for our missionaries who are ill:
Bessie Millican,
Jack Weaver,
Juanita Bowen,
Sandy Janky, Gary Janky,
Monnie Bacon,
Mary Gagnon, Phil Gagnon,
Joe Hawkins,
Cecil Henderson,
Gloria Higgins,
Lanny Wood,
Debi Harris. These all need
our intercessory prayers that the Lord will grant to them healing and grace.
Thanks to every church and each individual
Christian who has a part in helping our missionary families through your
faithful prayers and financial support. You are fulfilling the Great Commission
of our Lord and He has promised His presence and His blessing. Thanks, also, to
each church and individual who support the General Fund on a monthly basis. We
are so grateful to you for your faithfulness.
Bro. Tommy Raley
