Fall - 2010

Dear Friends and family,

These days we are so blessed with the gorgeous display of our Father’s creation in this part of Africa with the many kinds flowering trees. We are surrounded by the beautiful red flame trees (sometimes called the tree of Christmas because of its vivid red blossoms with bright green leaves); the beautiful pink and yellow cassias, and the gorgeous violet jacarandas. At a time of year when the ground is so dry and most every other thing appears dead, these beautiful trees begin to bloom. Thank you Father!

We praise God for journey mercies during all our travels this past year. We have enjoyed visiting our fellow missionaries in their homes and areas of ministry as it gives us a better understanding of who they are and their work. We have some amazing people in the Zambezi cluster and we ask that you pray for these missionaries who often give over and above of their time and energy to be “salt and light” to their people.

We have been home now for a few weeks and have been able to focus on some plans that we have for next year, catch up on administrative stuff and I, Janet, have been able to do some sewing, entertaining of friends, and just enjoy doing some of the “normal” house wife duties.

Of course, my thoughts have drifted toward Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  I am amazed at how many parts of Africa now are decorating their stores so early for Christmas!  One of my favorite Christmas decorations in my home are the lights! The lights represent such a special component of the Christian life. Several years ago, I was given a special gift from God. I was feeling a little sorry for myself because we were having solar problems and the prospect of using my Christmas lights was basically nil. After we had gone to bed and all was pitch dark, I saw a fire fly make its way through the tiny hole in our screened window into our bedroom. A few minutes later, another, then another and more came into the room, and flew around for about 30 minutes, never landing. Then one by one, they flew back to the screen and out the window. Thank you God for sending me your special Christmas lights! A nice reminder of how beautiful light is in a dark world. It is my prayer that I let my light shine at all times- even when I don’t feel like it. We never know who is watching and who needs the “Light” of Jesus!

I have been thinking about the many dark corners within the Zambezi Cluster where the Light of Jesus has not shone. Most of these places are found in northern Mozambique where there is very little to no evangelical witness. Would you please pray with us regarding the need for “laborers” to go to northern Mozambique to work among the Mwani, the Yao and the Makonde peoples.

A couple months ago we had the privilege to meet with the President of the SBC, Bryant Wright.  He shared with us the challenge that he would like to put forth to all our USA churches as they start their emphasis on missions and giving through the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering"  which is for each of you to pray about giving more than you ever have before. There are people out there ready and willing to go and serve in foreign missions but the lack of finances has been a big barrier and has greatly limited the number of missionaries that can be appointed for our cluster. This is the first time we have ever seen  such a cut back in sending missionaries in all our years with the IMB.  Many of these young people are looking at sending agencies other than the IMB. A dear friend wrote recently regarding an international missions emphasis week she had attended, and said:

“At the end of (the) missions convocation, the campus pastor asked all the students who knew they were called to missions to come forward and pray with the missionaries who were there. It took about five minutes to get everyone to the front....approx. 800-1000 kids came forward……. It was amazing and awesome. The Lord is truly raising up an army from the next generation.”

It is our heart’s desire that we be able to do all we can to get the Gospel to those who have not had the chance to hear. There are so many who are ready and willing to be an extension of you to get the Light of Christ to the dark regions of this world!

David and I want you to know that we count it a blessing and privilege to have been able to serve our Father this past year in this part of Africa. We thank you so much for the prayers that have gone up to the Father on our behalf. We thank you for financial support that you have given during our years with the IMB. We just pray that we be counted worthy and faithful to the call placed before us.  Thank you for praying for our two children, Nathaniel who will be returning from Nepal shortly, and Anna, who is in her last year at Liberty University.

We pray that you all know our Father’s presence, peace, love and the joy of serving him, and being LIGHT where you are…for His glory.

With Love and appreciation,

Janet and David