December 13th

Merry Christmas!

Only 12 more days and so much happening!  Not only in the church but for every family, right? It’s a wonderful time of the year…busy, yes.  But wonderful! 

I want to take a sec and ask for your help.  Those in DCC have heard about this but I need to put it “out there” for everyone to understand, join in prayer, and participate as directed.  It goes back to 2006 when our church partnered with a ministry called Priority One to build a Bible School in Tirana, Albania. Over the course of two years we donated $15,000.  The facility has been completed now for two years and is fully functional with 22 students currently enrolled.  I was able to visit the school, experience the culture, and speak in a couple of churches in 2005 (Ryan joined me in 2006).  In September I was approached by the Superintendent of the school, Albania Bible College, to be the guest speaker for a New Testament Survey class April 23-May 4; a two week class, 45 hours of instruction, that will be open for both students and local pastors.  This is a dream come true for me as I had just begun to pray that the Lord would open a door and then it came.  After discussing it with others I accepted the challenge and will be leaving April 20^th. The specific itinerary is on my desk top now awaiting approval.

There is a lot of work that must take place in the next months so I desperately need your prayers.  I have to cram the 45 hours of instruction into 23 hours due to the need for an interpreter.  I will also have to have all of my hand outs, quizzes, tests, and syllabus in the mail one month prior so it can all be translated into Albanian. 

I also need your prayers for the finances.  The airfare is $1,500 and the interpreter is $250.  Add the baggage fees and other miscellaneous costs and I will need around $2,250. The church, you, have already pledged $350 per month for January-April, $1,200 (which is outstanding!).  If you haven’t turned in your pledge yet please get it into the office when you can so that we can plan accordingly.  If you would like to make a one time donation you can go on line at www.lifeatdestiny.com, click on the donate tab and then check the “Albania trip” box.  All contributions are tax deductible. If you would like to contribute in the next months because you can’t right now, ship off a note to Ryan atlifeatdestiny@gmail.com, he’ll record it and you can send it in at your convenience. 

This is definitely a “full circle” ministry opportunity; build the school and then return to teach in it. I believe it is a win-win situation with blessings both to each who pray or give (or both!), blessings on the church for giving, and blessings to the church through what God is going to do in me.

Again, I deeply covet your prayers for strength and wisdom to prepare properly and for the provision of all the finances needed.  I appreciate it so very much! If you have any questions in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.  I am honored to be the spokesman for DCC in this school who are training leaders to  change Albania!

Quickly, this week:

·         No Wednesday night meetings.

·         Thursday Action Group at Lewis & Clark Hotel

·         Friday through Sunday – Christmas Lights in Borst Park

·         Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – Men’s Tool Exchange at Denny’s in Centralia

·         Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – Monthly Food and Clothing Distribution in the Outreach Center

·         Sunday – 10:30 a.m. – Cinnamon Roll Sunday and Children’s Christmas Presentation

Ø  Anyone want to make some casseroles to donate to the shelter?

Ø  Good news: we have been given $500 worth of toys!

Ø  Bad news: they are in Yakima! 

o   So…anyone free to drive over and pick them up?  We’ll pay your gas!

God bless you indeed….your pastor and friend,