Dec 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

We would like to say "Thank You" to all of our SBC Churches that help provide the means to fulfill our call as missionaries. All of this is made possible through tithes and offerings. This year the goal of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is $175 million dollars which provides 57% of our annual budget.

I would like to encourage everyone not to just give but to be obedient. The Lord has completely changed the dynamics of our family through the call to missions and personal obedience. Granted, God is changing people's lives through many different circumstances and venues not just through missions but in the end no matter the median used, the end result is God.

In talking about the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, we would like to personalize it by sharing with you how your tithes and offerings have affected us over the last couple of years.

The IMB has been phenomenal in providing our needs as SBC Churches have provided the resources and we would like to highlight a couple of areas:

We are thankful for our Sonlight Curriculum which is provided (100%) to homeschool our children.. The IMB also provides monies for extra-curricular activities outside of the home for personal development but also that they too might engage and interact with the culture.

We are thankful for transportation. We have a vehicle provided at 100%. As many of you are feeling the burden of rising fuel cost, we are grateful for the monies allocated for transportation. Presently, fuel is $5.65 per gallon here in the Dominican Republic.

We are thankful for Medical Insurance. Early on, in the economic down-turn of the American Economy, the IMB was faced with making cuts in our health coverage. Presently we receive our Medical Insurance at 100% coverage. This is truly amazing! As many of you know, Adelyn was a miracle baby that did not come cheap. It is with great tears and humility that we say, Tthank you." We have NO medical debt and we are free to serve Him and fulfill our call.

We are thankful for our housing here in the Dominican Republic as well. Recently, we were back in the States and Jacob asked, “Daddy, when will we go back home?” He was referring to our apartment here in Santo, Domingo.

We are also thankful for our non-SBC churches that love us just the same. You all provide for us through your prayers and some through financial gifts for ministry support. In fact, this year a small church outside of Steelville, MO provided the resources to subsidies 10 John MacArthur, Spanish Study Bibles for local pastors.  

In closing, Merry Christmas and Lord Bless and we pray that you all will be blessed as you reflect on our savior.