Prayer & Praise

Upsurge of support for end of year financial concerns
Coming mission trips to the Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand
Praise for improved health

Dear Friends,

These past weeks have been full as usual what with a speaking trip to Malaysia then on to the Nordic and Baltic Deaf Christian Fellowship conference in Norway. Lill was able to join me in Norway which was a blessing as I really needed her help more than ever this trip. We also managed to fit in a whole series of speaking engagements while there too. The warm acceptance and enthusiasm for what the Lord is doing among the deaf was a great blessing to us.

Thanks for your concern and prayers

Thanks to so many of you who have been praying for us especially since the last newsletter. What really set me back was first of all kidney stones in Malaysia followed by a lung infection in Norway followed by exhaustion and who knows what else. It seems now I have the remnants of the infections still, a new kidney stone developing and a partially blocked bowel. Other than that I am fine. This is the excuse I am making for a late newsletter anyway.

Davao

New building in Davao almost complete

The dormitory, church and centre is finally finished. In spite of opening and dedicating the building in August we were not able to move in until October 16th due to government red tape and fire regulations. It is now in full operation. Moving day saw an added “bonus” too as 18 were baptized that same day in the baptistery which also serves as a water storage tank. Two were deaf but the other 16 were hearing workers who had been employed on the building. Bible studies were held for the workers during the building process which resulted in them coming to the Lord. What a day!

Finances

As you are all aware it costs money to operate this ministry and any other ministry for that matter. We need well over $40,000 a month to scrape by, not to mention the hundreds of thousands needed for buildings, projects and the like. It all becomes a bit overwhelming at times for both us and for donors alike.

A great proportion of what is given however is the “widow’s mites”, small donations from pensioners and low income people who sacrificially give so that the deaf may come to know Jesus and the Good News.

Recently came a note with a $5 donation. “I am a widow of 10 years and am 88 years old and I cannot afford to give much”. This lady occasionally sends a gift of that amount to help support a deaf worker. Such giving although small is a blessing to us as we know that the gift is accompanied by prayer. It is very humbling to know that we have a team of supporters who have stood by us year by year so that the deaf will know the words of the Book. (Is 29.18)

Since July though, we have only been able to send to most of the fields about 65% of the promised budget. This really stresses me out not to mention our people who have to try to survive on a lot less. To make up the short-fall and to try and see the year out in the black we need about $65,000. Here we go again with figures that blow our minds. If, however, it is stated this way it does not sound so bad. IF every one who receives our newsletters gave an extra $AUD31 or $US 24 or NKR 150 or JPY 2500 this month we could meet the need. It sounds great in theory but as the majority who receive our letters don’t respond in any way at all it might be just a theory. Anyway, do pray about an extra gift this time so that the commitment to our dedicated workers can be met.

Handprints of the Creator

While I am still being mercenary, Peter Nichols has just revised his little booklet “Handprints of the Creator”. There are more photos than in the last edition and the percentage that he is giving DMI for the sale of these booklets is much higher than last time too. If you would like copies of this book let me know. They make a lovely little gift and especially nice to give someone in hospital who does not have the energy to read much. These are available from us for $10. We also have cards at $3.50 which include some of the same photos contained in the book.

Coming Events

Uganda Conference August 2nd to 6th 2005. Let us know if you are interested in attending. To date we have registrations from US, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Ethiopia, Egypt, Thailand, New Zealand, Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, UK, Germany and Norway. We would love to see you in Uganda.

I join the Tweed Heads Church of Christ group going to the Philippines December 6th to 16th. While they work at the school I will visit the new work in Bacolod and the new dorm in Davao.

Lill, Ian, Brent and Neville will be in Myanmar and Thailand from January 19th until Feb 12th. We look forward to ministry opportunities, planning sessions and a little holiday too.

God Bless and thank you again for your love, prayers and gifts.

Neville and Lill