NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2009

We have all been told that “change” is coming as the new President of the United States begins his tenure in the White House.  What that change will entail is unknown at this time, but there is no doubt that with all the uncertainties that exist on the social, political and economic fronts, there will be change.   We, as believers, can be thankful that our God never changes.  He is the same, yesterday, today and forever! 

We praise the Lord for a new record in 2008 of offerings sent by God’s faithful people in churches around the country and around the world.  We received a total of $6,840,807.13, which marks 25 straight years that we have seen an increase in offerings.  God is so good to provide for the cause of world missions, and God’s people are so faithful to give so that the Gospel can be preached in the regions beyond.   We are asking the Lord, even in these uncertain days, to allow us to receive over $7 million in 2009 for missions.  We know that God is able to provide, and we believe that His children will be faithful to give and we can reach this milestone this year.  The one area where we have not seen an increase is in the General Fund.  While we always want the emphasis to be on the missionaries and their needs, we do have an ongoing need for more regular support for the General Fund.  Thanks to each church that supports the General Fund on a regular basis.  If your church does not, will you prayerfully consider a monthly offering to the General Fund?  It will greatly help us in our ministry on behalf of the missionaries around the world.

Alton and Helen Smith have returned to the field of Brazil for their next term of service.  They were delayed in their return due to Helen’s surgery, but she is now doing well and they were able to depart on January 20, 2009.  Pray for them as they get settled and back into the routine of the work in Brazil.

Terry, Tami and Tobijah Morse have arrived on the field in French Polynesia.  They were able to purchase their needed boat for the ministry.  Pray for them as they get settled and begin the work that God has called them to do there in the islands.

Pray for our missionaries who are battling illness.  Mike Lane is making progress in his treatment of prostate cancer, but has also developed some heart problems.  He has 75% blockage in one of the main arteries and will probably have a stent placed to open the artery.  Little Eliana Densmore is doing well at this time.  It has been almost two months since she was last hospitalized, which is wonderful news.  Debi Harris has recovered from pneumonia, but still has a throat infection that is being treated.  Dale Brown is doing well in his battle with MS.  Doyle Whaley is still struggling with Alzheimer’s and has possibly had another mild stroke.  Darla Brim, Mary Gagnon, Monnie Bacon, Gloria Higgins, Amber Cato, Dana McCutchen, Charlene Neill, Sandy Janky, Joe Hawkins, Juanita Bowen,  all continue their daily battles with physical problems.  Please remember all of these folks in your prayers.

Once again, thank you for being so faithful to pray and support financially our missionary families.  According to the Word of God, it is a “sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)

 Tommy Raley