Missionary Update            December 2003 Letter

Dear Grace Bible Friends,

We were blessed to see so many of you as we traveled across the USA in August, September and part of October. What a trip! Every stop was an encouragement to us as we heard what God is doing in hearts and lives. And it was a joy to share with many all the wonderful things God is doing in Brazil.

 

Within a week of our return we attended a Bible Camp with the Goodseed folks. These are the people involved with the book The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. The author was there plus the staff who teach how to use the book, and those involved in the distribution. It was good for Debby to get more of an inside view and have a lot of her questions answered. She enjoyed getting to meet the folks she's heard so much about.

 

A week later Debby attended the TERM seminar, which teaches you how to use The Stranger. There was a large group of folks from all over the U.S. Many invaluable insights were shared as they went through the whole book together in those 3 days. They also got a firsthand look at how to use visual aids alongside the teaching. She's excited about doing her first study with Holly.

 

Our tickets are in hand for our return to Brazil on February 2nd. Jim and I are excited about returning as we've missed our Brazilian family in the Lord. Danny and Holly have made such good friends here and have so loved being involved in the youth group. It's going to be hard for them to leave. But one neat thing is that our home church in Spokane will again be sending us a team of High Schoolers for a 2 week mission outreach. We're excited about the possibilities before us. Work is starting on the details and plans. Dusty will also be helping us coordinate it. This is right down his alley and we're grateful for his help.

 

Danny and Holly had a late start to school this year because of our travels, but they're back into the swing of things. We've switched curriculums this year, and much of their schoolwork is on the computer. Danny as a senior, is enrolled in an Online Academy, where teachers grade his work and keep the permanent records for his upcoming graduation. When he finishes he'll get an official diploma. This has taken a significant load off of Debby. Holly is in 7th grade. She's doing a good job in her transition from elementary to Jr. High.

 

We're looking forward to visits from our older kids in the next weeks! Pete, Charity and Noah come next week. Dave, Missy and kids will travel with Dusty, arriving mid December. We'll get to see our newest grandchild then! Dave and Missy welcomed little Olivia Cait to the family on November 11th. We can't wait to love up all our precious grandchildren. We have to store up as many memories as possible before saying goodbyes for a long time. Dave and Missy leave for Papua New Guinea in mid January. Dusty is looking to the Lord to be down in Brazil as soon as possible for his new ministry of coordinating short term international teams who want a first hand experience in missions. Pete and Charity hope to be in southern Brazil by July to start their Portuguese language course. Once that's completed they'll make preparations for their move to Mozambique. Our old heart strings are being pulled in many directions these days. We're excited for God's will and work in each of our kid's lives, but on the human level we know the separations are going to be difficult.

 

A most blessed and joyful Christmas to you this year. We love you and thank the Lord for your friendship that's lasted over the years and miles. May all the glory go to Him who is alone worthy of all we have and are.

Our love to you,,

Jim, Debby, Danny & Holly

 

Thank you for the special offering.  It will go a long way in seeing the Stranger printed in Portuguese.  God bless you wonderful folks!