February News

Dear family and friends,

As February has drawn to an abrupt end and March is quickly filling up, I thought I’d best send the latest before March is also finished!

This month my Studies have continued at a rather intermittent pace but I am getting much out of it. Hermeneutics, I find is challenging strongly how my mind naturally thinks and interprets scripture, so I am encouraged as I have allot to learn still and intern- allot of potential for further growth, which excites me since the better I am at accurately handling the word of truth, the better I will be able to teach others to do the same. (2 Tim.2:15)

Life has been a little more interesting managing the base with the M’s away, especially when funds run dry on all sides, but all is well and we have everything we need and that is what our God promises for us! We have two small dogs here and the one is a new addition, a Jack Russell and every time we go out and return whether for part of a day or more, the height of excitement and exuberance they show in seeing us return is very comical and quite sweet. Toby- the J.R brings new life to the term, ‘doing flick flacks’! The men here just laugh when they see the ‘ridiculous’ way the dogs go into a frenzy of elation when we come home...Kind of gets me thinking...if a ‘beast ‘can get that excited about a slightly higher creature (man), what should be our appropriate response when we anticipate the nearing presence of our King of Love, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, who even sacrificed His own Son for us!

I mentioned a word of God study group starting in the neighbouring village (last month in the news letter) and I was encouraged to hear that these young men (Since two weeks ago) have on their own initiative gathered 4 more to join them and have decided the start from the beginning- Genesis. Let’s pray that these are the signs of an independent, self-sustaining work of God. Pray for protection on these young men and their families and this work as persecution is bound to come. (2 Tim. 3:12)

Also with the agreement of K, we have started word of God studies at the base for the men here. We do that every tea time from 10am till 10:30(45...)We sometimes only have translation from other religion in it and tension there often constrains the individual translating to twist scriptural meaning, so I am desiring more regular assistance from fellow believers who can help me with my very shaky local vernacular. We are going through the book of Luke- written in the local language, but as like today in answer to participants questions I ended up giving, eventually, a complete unfolding of the entire message of redemption from Genesis to being Joint-Heirs with Christ! I had a local pastor and another believer present today who understood both English and the local vernacular and they expressed their approval of the appropriateness of the message delivered. Well received by some and, I believe challenged others of differing beliefs.

One of my prayers has been to see young seekers, older pastors and believers come together more and work together for the good cause, and I think I am seeing this happen already- even in today’s meeting!

Lots to pray for, lots to give thanks for, much to give praise to God for! Please pray for me for wisdom, patience and strength to go on in the strength and courage of the Lord.   

Dave.