NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2005

The news media for most of this past month has been filled with information about the massive earthquake and tidal waves that struck South Asia. The death toll has now surpassed 200,000 and is still climbing as bodies are discovered and others die from injuries suffered. There is great danger of many more deaths due to illness related to the tragedy. What the news media does not report is the great spiritual loss. The vast majority of the people who were swept into eternity were unreached with the Gospel. I read the testimonies of many survivors and not one expressed any hope for this life or for eternity. Many Christian organizations have been at the forefront of providing aid for the survivors, but great restrictions have been placed on them and it is very difficult for them to witness for Christ. Bro. Dick Burdine is on a relief mission in Sri Lanka with a medical team and has had the opportunity to preach in a couple of areas and they have done some personal witnessing. Please pray that there will be many souls led to Christ there in Sri Lanka and in the other areas where a witness for Christ can be given.

Our missionaries in Indonesia, Miss Karen Werth, David & Carole Ross, and John & Marjorie Malanowski were not affected by the earthquake. Tommy & Kannika Tucker in Thailand were in their village in the northern highlands and were also unaffected. We thank the Lord for His protection on our missionary families during this terrible tragedy. Pray that souls will be responsive to the Gospel in these areas following such a great loss of life. There must be questions in the hearts and minds of many and perhaps the Lord will use those questions to open their hearts to the truth.

Bill & Dena Rose and children have completed their deputation ministry and are now enrolled in language school at the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg, Texas in preparation for going to Spain. Pray for them as they study the Spanish language.

Phil Harris will return to Brazil in February following furlough. Debi will remain in the U. S. for a while because her mother is critically ill. Pray for them, as this will be a difficult time for both Debi and Phil.

Joe Hawkins has been in the hospital here in Arlington with blood clots in his lungs and legs. They thought at first that he had blockage in his arteries, but tests revealed the problem to be the blood clots. He is improving and should be released from the hospital soon. Elaine fell in the hospital while trying to help Bro. Joe and injured her shoulder. She may have to undergo surgery to repair the damage to ligaments that were torn when she fell.

Cecil Henderson was admitted to the hospital on Friday, January 21, 2005 with double pneumonia and internal bleeding. At this writing they are still doing tests to try to find the cause of the bleeding. Pray for Cecil’s recovery.

Helen Smith injured her leg in a fall in Brazil and will have to undergo surgery to remove a blood clot in the leg. Pray for a safe and speedy recovery for Helen.

The following missionaries have ongoing physical illness and need your prayers for grace and healing: Miss Bessie Millican, Jack Weaver, Juanita Bowen, Sandy Janky, Gary Janky, Sammy Jo Myers, Monnie Bacon, Mary Gagnon, Phil Gagnon, Gloria Higgins. Debi Harris.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in prayer and financial support for our missionary families and also the General Fund. Because of your faithfulness we were able to see another record year in offerings received for our missionaries in 2004 with a total received of $6,056,388.67. This was our first time to reach the $6 million mark and we praise the Lord for His goodness and your faithfulness.

NEW ADDRESS:

Tommy Raley

Since February 1, 2005 you are visitor number: