I had the privilege of reuniting with the dear people at my college church Sunday. That was a wonderful day for me. I had the opportunity to share with the junior high and high school classes during the Sunday school hour. I was also able to share for a few minutes during the worship service.

It was a special moment I had been waiting for and so much looking forward to... the chance to thank this precious congregation for their friendship and partnership with me in the Gospel. In the past year, I have often thanked them through my letters, but now I could be with them and express my appreciation in person.

A highlight of the day was the Christmas open house, held at the home of the pastor and his wife. What a special time it was of fellowshipping with these much-loved brothers and sisters in Christ. Words could not express how thankful I am for each of them. :o) God has been so good to me and provided me with so many wonderful friends and supporters such as you all!

Today was such a good day. My first day back in the office since before Thanksgiving. I had been quite sick, and it's so refreshing to be back to normal again. And today was also my first day at the new building we're working in now, and I really like it! Our ministry here has expanded to keep up with the incredible things God is doing on the mission field. It's been such a joy to hear of the thousands who are coming to Christ. Still, there are millions more who have yet to hear of a Savior who loves them dearly.

Tonight at staff prayer meeting, a brother who works in our call center reminded us that 80,000 people die daily in Asia without ever having heard the Gospel. He challenged us to be continually gripped with this reality as we go about our daily lives. Each of these people are precious people, cherished by their Creator. Oh Lord, may my heart break each day for the things that break Yours. Thank You so much for the privilege we have to be part of the furtherance of Your kingdom in Asia.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you all who have chosen to link your lives with me or with a native missionary who is sharing the Good News on the field. Your life is impacting eternity more than you will know in this lifetime. Ten new church fellowships are being planted in Asia each day, among people previously unreached with the Gospel. This is a testimony of God's grace, made possible through your faithful partnership.

I haven't written in a while... it's good to be back. There is so much to be thankful for, and I am encouraged as I remember that. Thanksgiving week was a memorable one, as I spent it in the town where one of my roommates grew up. I enjoyed getting to know her family, and I was all ears as she told me stories about how a farm is run. With her help, I even got to feed the cows and drive a tractor! :o)

I wish I could say this past week was as fun. I was out of work all week with a combination of allergies and a bad cold, accompanied by a high fever. I'm on the road to recovery now and am so glad, but these past few days I've definitely had feelings of being overwhelmed... thinking of everything I need to do between now and next Saturday, and wondering how it will ever get done. I've also been a little homesick... I think you naturally get to feeling that way when you're sick. :o)

But I was encouraged tonight as I sat in the living room of our apartment, singing the wonderful words of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." How reassuring it is to know that God is in control and will work everything out, and His plan is best. (Jeremiah 29:11) He has called me here, and that is true in the good times as well as the bad. Besides, life is all about Him and His glory, and not about me. How comforting that is to me! God is so good.