Let's start 2016 off with some great news! A few years ago we decided to make an attempt at gathering data from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (ACSOP) Alumni concerning their work in the kingdom. From the graduates we could reach the results for 2015 are as follows:
71 Congregations Established
1 Congregation Restored
71 Campaigns / Gospel Meetings
679 Baptisms
210 Correspondence Courses
156 Active Bible Studies
We praise the Lord that so many lost have come to Christ and that the kingdom is flourishing in East Africa. We also want to thank you for your continued support and we hope that these encouraging results confirm that your financial sacrifices have been well used.
MORE PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR THE STAFFORD'S
Our dear friend and mentor Cy Stafford, 20 year missionary to Tanzania, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia. It was news that has shaken everyone that knows Cy and no doubt there has been innumerable prayers offered up on his behalf. It appears that the chemotherapy is doing what it should and killing the disease. It's a small step in the right direction and we'll take all the good news we can get right now. Cy still has a bone marrow transplant and all the other things that go along with his treatment so please, please, continue to pray for him. We also want to solicit your prayers on behalf of Stephanie, Cy's wife. Stephanie is juggling care for her mother and for Cy. If you know Stephanie, you know she is one of the most tenacious and capable people you have ever met. However, even the most tenacious person can only take so much. The stress and concern she is enduring is immense and we hope you will join us in praying on her behalf.
KEEPS YOUR EYES PEELED
In the next few days Keith Kasarjian, the assistant director of Bear Valley's extension school program, will be releasing the end of year report for the BV extension schools. We look forward to sharing, what we believe will be, impressive results with you.
In addition to the extension school report we will be sharing our plans and goals for 2016. If we can accomplish everything that we have been asked to do we will definitely have an extremely taxing, but fulfilling, year.
THE NO FUN STUFF TOWARD THE END
Over the past few months we have lost a few supporters and we were recently informed that we are going to lose a couple more in February. We do our best to try and stay calm and prayerful during these times but when our budget is so tight we do get a little anxious. We ask that you would pray for us as we try to raise the rather large shortfall we are facing. If you know of a congregation or an individual that you think might be willing to support us in this work would you pass along their contact information to us? If you'd rather not send us the information could we ask that you forward this report or our information to them? We would really appreciate it.
CONCLUSION
We are very excited about the upcoming year and we are thrilled that we are able to labor for the Lord this way. We are so very grateful for your encouraging words, financial support and prayerful petitions to our Creator. On behalf of Anita and me we hope that 2016 will be a year where you enjoy good health and your most productive in the kingdom to date.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
Yours in Christ,
Sean & Anita