Ministry
As I mentioned in my last prayer letter, I took a trip to Nigeria for two weeks in November. I was able to minister in five different churches, one Bible college, and two public schools. The emphasis in two of the churches located in the capital of Abuja was on missions. I was able to introduce Faith Promise Missions to the Grace and Glory Baptist Church (see picture), a new church that was just established in the past year by Missionary Mark Holmes and a national pastor. Brother Mark also had me preach his missions conference at Truth Baptist Church. Pastor Henry Alade had me preach his very first revival. His church is located in Ibadan. It is always a blessing to preach in the schools and see the young people respond to the Gospel. Praise God for the 30 souls saved in all the meetings!
Church
As is the case every year, our church had the Live Animal Christmas Play during the weekend of December 11 – 13. We praise God for allowing us to minister to over 4,000 persons that weekend, with 327 indicating they received Christ as their Saviour. What a joy to be a part of an activity that can bring that many people to church for one weekend, especially when you consider we live in a village of only 6,000 persons.
Personal
It is always difficult to get together with all the children at one time during the Christmas season due to schedules and all of us living in different states. This year, however, we were all able to meet in Northwest Indiana at Jim and Holly’s house to celebrate Christmas together. What a joy it was to see all the children and grandkids at one time! We had supper together, and then we exchanged gifts. We even were able to get a family picture taken. I said to them that this was the best Christmas gift I could have received.
Since none of the children were going to be with us in Iowa for Christmas, we decided to be with Rachel in Indiana. Each year First Baptist Church in Hammond serves hundreds of sailors two meals on Christmas day. Linda, Rachel, and I decided to help them this year, so all Christmas Day was spent serving these young men and woman who are preparing to serve our country. Tom Vogel, who oversaw the activity and also served during the Vietnam War, gave his testimony and urged them to trust Christ as their Saviour. It was a great way to end the year. Thank you for continuing to support us with your prayers. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.
James Belisle