November 7, 2008

Dear Special Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! By the time that you receive this, we will be into the Christmas season. We are so very thankful for this time of year when we can thank our sovereign Lord for His goodness to us during 2008. What a blessing it is to be a part of His kingdom, in that God sent His only Son to be our Savior, and we can freely celebrate His birth this time of year. May we all reflect on our Lord and the priceless gift of His only Son who lived a perfect life, and died for us, so that we can spend eternity with Him. What a privilege that God allowed us to hear the good news, when millions have never heard the wonderful story.

October went by quickly for us. Pam and I have become involved in our home church’s food pantry that gives out food to those less fortunate. There are forms that the people coming need to fill out, and the people are asked on the forms if they would be interested in learning more about the church. There has been no one to follow up with those who want a visit, because those in charge of this ministry work full-time, and have no opportunity to follow up. I asked those in charge for the names of the people interested in having a visit. About two weeks ago, I began to go out with a few of our church members to visit these people in their homes. God has blessed, and there have been two professions of faith! This is a needed ministry, so I am thankful for the opportunity to go, and to be used.

Pam has had some minor health problems, and is seeing a doctor. She is hoping to get the Botox injections for her eyes sometime this month, and has been having pain on her right side, and in her abdomen. Tests with our family doctor have been negative, so she is waiting to see a specialist. We appreciate your prayers for us, especially Pam’s health problems.

We are encouraged with the reports that we are receiving form Kenya. Roger and Julie are faithful to E-mail us with news about the ministry there. Roger preached his first sermon in Swahili without notes last month! This is a huge accomplishment, and we are so proud of him. Also, Roger is teaching the Bible Institute, and the visitation has begun with our members visiting homes of those affected with AIDS. So, God is good, and we are so thankful for the ministry continuing on in our absence. We miss Kenya and our people so much, but know that God has us here for a time, so we will be content where we are.

Thank each of you who have been supporting us during this time that we are stateside for a sabbatical. This has been a time of personal healing away from some of the stresses of the mission field, and it has helped us to relax and spend more time with our Lord. We know that it can be a financial struggle to support missions, especially in light of all that has happened economically in our government last month. The future seems uncertain at times when we see our leadership change, and know that new policies will be coming that may be hurtful to the cause of Christ. However, we also know that we have a sovereign Lord, and He is in control. He will never leave or forsake us, and will be with us though all of our trials. (I Peter 4:12-19) As the times get darker, we need to shine brighter; as surely, the coming of our Lord is near. May our Lord richly bless you as you continue to remember us, and the missionaries of BFM. Let us all be witnesses in a dark world, and let us remember the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us throughout this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Your grateful missionaries,

Mike and Pam
Philippians 1:3