Another STAS Update

Fellow laborers,

Hello and Happy New Year! Here is another update from the Stateside.  I had a wonderful time with my family for Christmas as we celebrated the incarnation of our Lord and the reason He came.

STAS Update

As many of you may know, my sending agency, the International Mission Board (IMB) has had revenue shortfalls for several years.  In addressing this, they have planned to implement a two-phase reset to cut field personnel by 600-800.  

The first phase of this two stage process has been offering a voluntary retirement incentive (VRI).  All field personnel age 50 and over with at least 5 years with the Board will be offered a retirement package. 

I ask that you pray for those who have accepted the VRI as they transition out of their service with the IMB and seek to serve the Lord in other ways.  The Americas Affinity has been hit particularly hard with this.  It will be a difficult time. But we serve a sovereign God, and we know that the gospel will continue to go out to the ends of the earth with all boldness unhindered. 

The second phase will be announced in January. 

Stateside

Greetings! Here's a quick update.  I would like to thank everyone who has been praying for me and the ministry in Colombia.  Prayer is an important part of the Great Commission work to send the gospel of our Lord to the nations.

I want you all to know that I am beginning a five-month furlough. From October 6 to March 6, I will be in the States.  Please pray that it will be a fruitful time as I visit family, have a time off from the work to be refreshed, and share about the work God is doing in Colombia as I speak at churches.  Also, please pray that the work in Colombia among the displaced indigenous will continue in my absence.

_____

Therefore let it be known to you
that this salvation of God has been sent to the nations,
and they will listen.
Acts 28:28

The Church's One Foundation

Let's keeps our eyes on Jesus who is the foundation for the church. Despite the trials we face, the gospel will go out and save a people from every tribe, nation, and tongue. Christ will save his bride. He will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Mat 16:18).  I haven't posted a hymn on here in a while. I hope this one will encourage and strengthen you.