Where has 2010 gone?? A lot of people are asking that question today. It has certainly been a busy year for us. This year, for the first time, I achieved Gold Elite status with my frequent flyer miles...that’s 50,000 miles. Some of my colleagues reading this, travel more than I do and that won’t seem like such a big deal, but almost half of that came in the last one fourth of the year, making the last three months seem like I was always in the air going to or coming back from...somewhere.
December is usually a quieter month for me, since the overseas trips are done for the year. I try to begin making reports to my supporters during December and January and I have been able to do some of that. However, I am already making plans for new trips in 2011. Currently, I am translating the class material for Revelation which I will be teaching in the Bible Institute of Honduras (IBH) at the end of January. I will be staying over an extra week there on this trip because our students will be graduating at the end of this quarter. The graduation is currently scheduled for February 11, 2011. I am extremely proud of these men who have worked so hard in their studies and who are already doing such a great work for the King in His vineyard.
I plan to return to Central America and teach the short course Minor Prophets II (Nahum-Malachi) the first week of March at the Latin American Theological Institute (ITL) in Guatemala City, so I will also be translating that material over the next few weeks. The students of ITL will also be graduating at the end of the next quarter. Their graduation activities are scheduled for April 1-3, 2011, and, Lord willing, I will be there for that. Again, I am very proud of the students in both these schools for their hard work.
The rest of the year looks to be busy, but very rewarding. I am excited about what lies ahead over the next twelve months. I want to thank all of you for your continued support, both financial and prayerful. You are a great part of this work and I never forget that; I appreciate you all so much!
From Noma and me to you, we wish each of you a very Happy New Year and God’s richest blessings on you all!!
If you would like any further information about our work, I encourage you to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We have recently made some changes to our website at: www.WeTrainPreachers.com. I encourage you to visit the site and learn more of the work Bear Valley is doing around the world.
You may also find information specifically dealing with the extension program is a new blog:
http://extensiontraining.wordpress.com
You may contact me at:
2013 Rushing Meadows
Edmond, OK 73013
Cell Phone: (580) 326-1914
...praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:3).
Thank you and God bless you all.
Donnie Bates