Perkins, OK

The congregation in Perkins has been supporting us financially for many years, and officially became our “sending church” in 2014. It’s a responsibility they've taken very seriously, and as a result they've been a great source of encouragement. This was our first opportunity to be with the congregation since they took over sponsorship, and it was a pleasure to get to share our gratitude in person for their support over the past two years, especially all that they did following destruction from Cyclone Pam last March.

It was our pleasure to be in the home of James and Kay (he is one of the elders), spend time with good friends, and be a part of a small group meeting on Sunday afternoon. Good things are on the horizon, and we are grateful for their support and leadership as we move forward.

Chisholm Trail (Duncan, OK)

Shawnda and I both grew up in Duncan, Alexis was born there, and my parents still call it home. The Chisholm Trail congregation has been with us since the beginning (2005), and always facilitate an encouraging visit. I once again had the opportunity to present on the Vanuatu work during the Bible class hour, and to preach during the morning assembly. They livestream their Sunday services and archive the sermons, so you can take a peek if you'd like at www.ctcoc.org.

This was our first opportunity to be in their new facilities, and Shawnda and I both noticed a considerable difference in the way the new space facilitated warmth and fellowship. It was also a pleasure to get to spend a few minutes with a some folks who have been a tremendous source of wisdom and encouragement (“support” in the truest sense) during some difficult times over the past few years.

Edmond, OK

During our stint as Visiting Missionaries at Oklahoma Christian University during the Fall 2013 semester, we became associated with the Edmond Church of Christ. Little did we know back then what a blessing our Bible class there would become. Class members have prayed for and encouraged us from afar, made visits to Vanuatu, donated shirts to our youth camp, and provided monthly financial support.

We were in the OKC area several times in December, and cherished being a part of the Wednesday night class. We were also blessed by the opportunity to twice have dinner with class members. Last but not least, my brother and his family are a part of the church there, and it was a pleasure to get to spend a little extra time with them while we were there.

Ripon, CA

We’ve been good friends with Caleb and his family since our Bear Valley days (he’s been preaching for the church in Ripon for 10 years), and we learned a few years ago what a wonderful “buffer” they provide for our journey to and through the United States. Our families mesh well, and it’s great opportunity for fellowship, relaxation and readjustment.

There are a couple of families who have been supporting us financially for several years, and it is important for us to be able to thank them and share about the future in person. It’s also always a pleasure to get to talk about the work before the assembled congregation. We were especially excited to learn from the elders during this long-weekend visit that the congregation has included our work in their 2016 budget. What a blessed and encouraging time!

Month's progress

We blitzed the Etas building project in November, knowing that our family was scheduled to depart the country the following month. The local brethren pitched in with some extra help, and we also hired four skilled friends-of-a-friend for the final two weeks of the month.

We were able to render/plaster the interior and exterior walls of the main building, install timber framing for the gables and ceiling, and get the guttering in place to feed the 6000L water tank. We also completed the concrete block work on the toilet/storage block, boxed and poured the bond beam, and screwed on the roofing sheets.

We didn’t quite get the project completed in 2015, but it will be a high priority once we return to Vanuatu in early 2016. Our level of excitement is high, as we dream of all the ways in which the structure and property will be used to promote the gospel in Etas and beyond.

Six Souls Added

It’s always exciting to get the call someone has decided to make their confession of faith in Jesus and be baptized. We got just such a call recently, as 3 couples in Etas decided that it was time to make a commitment.

All six of these precious souls were heavily impacted in one way or another to make this decisions following the cyclone. For some, the natural disaster was simply a wakeup call that the end could come at any moment, and they began seeking how to be ready. For others it was the outpouring of Christian love and provision that came at the hands of so many, both foreign and domestic. All six subsequently attended studies during our week long evangelistic campaign in Etas. Though I could be mistaken, these are no “rice-Christians” (those who make a public decision based on hidden selfish motives of getting something) … we see faith working in their everyday lives, and look forward to helping and watching them grow!

Please be praying for Namah & Mary, Joseph & Agnes, and John & Flora as they begin their walk of faith. Good things are happening :)

Back row from left: Sam (baptizer), John, Joseph, Patrick (baptizer), Mary
Front row from left: Agnes, Flora, Namah

Happy Birthday

Titus is 9! Hard to believe it's been that long since we brought that bundle of joy into our home. Never a dull moment since, and we are grateful for the blessing he continues to be to our family!