Missionary Update            January 2004 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Greetings from our snowy corner of the world. We've sure enjoyed the changing seasons this year, since we only get summer year-round in Brazil. What an awesome Creator we have!

It won't be long and we'll be returning to Brazil. Our tickets are in hand for February 2nd. We will leave Spokane around January 20th and spend our remaining days in California for one more visit with family. For the first time ever we'll leave from the West Coast with a long nonstop flight to Sao Paulo.

The months here couldn't have been better as we've enjoyed the fellowship of old and new friends. We've soaked in the wonderful teaching of the Word from many excellent pastors, and our hearts have been revived, renewed and refreshed.

We spent August, September and part of October on the road seeing friends, family and supporters. God daily renewed our strength and blessed us with such great visits and encouragements along the way.  We have a whole store of memories to take back to Brazil with us.

Jim has been busy teaching several men how to use "The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus." He also used the correspondence version with an old high school buddy recently, who came to a clear understanding of the gospel! Debby took the TERM (The Emmaus Road Message) seminar in October, a training program in how to use the book. This, plus a retreat with the Good Seed folks, has helped her better understand our new ministry and to feel a part of it. She'll be doing her first "Stranger" study with Holly.

Jim is busy these days with final details and decisions for the Portuguese edition of the Stranger. It will be a huge blessing when we finally have the book in hand. We're hoping it can be printed in the next few months.

We had the wonderful privilege of having our whole family with us this December. It was especially meaningful as we face many years of separation.

Dave and Missy, with Talia (4), Jaeden (2) and Olivia (2 months) will be leaving for Papua New Guinea in mid-January. God has laid it on their hearts to work with an unreached primitive tribe. They are serving with New Tribes Mission.

Pete, Charity and little Noah boy are heading to Mozambique in Africa.  Since it's a Portuguese-speaking country, they will first spend a year or more in Portugal learning the language.  Charity is expecting their 2nd child in May.  They are also with New Tribes.  Please pray for a team of friends who have the same heart and vision to stand with them.

Dusty has been accepted with UFM International.  God has given him 2 1/2 good years in Connecticut where he learned teh stamped concrete trade.  He also had much involvement in a Christian camp and ministered in the church among high school and college kids.  This past summer he led a team from there to Brazil.  As soon as he has the required support, he will be leaving for Brazil.  His main ministry will be to coordinate international mission teams who want to help out, or those who are contemplating full-time missions but would like to experience it first.  He also desires to be involved in discipling and mentoring young people.

Danny and Holly are back into their studies.  Their curriculum this year is aimed entirely on the computer.  Danny is a senior and Holly is in 7th grade.  They've both absolutely loved being a part of the youth group, and have made such good friends.  Goodbyes are going to come hard this time.

We're excited about the possibilities before us in Brazil.  Jim likes to say that we have job security for years to come with the limitless opportunities.  We're grateful for the joyous privilege that is ours to share this eternal Good News with those in search of living water.

Thank you for your prayers, love and the many ways you encourage us in the Lord.

In His love,

Jim, Debby and family