DID YOU KNOW?

Every November a date is set aside as the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church”.  This years date was November 8th.  In many countries throughout the world, some that you wouldn’t be surprised to know about, and others that you would, there is severe ongoing persecution of the followers of Jesus simply because they follow Him.  Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are often denied access to water, are limited in other life-necessary resources, are placed in prison, beaten and killed – simply because they live for Jesus.  Sounds like the book of Acts!  The minimum we can do is frequently pray for the persecuted church and if the Lord leads you to be involved in other ways – to respond.  Visit www.persecution.com or www.idop.org for more information.  If you would like to download a PDF copy of the above map so that you may be reminded to pray throughout the coming year – just click here: http://www.idop.org/force-download.php?file=media/pdf/2009-idop-map-final.pdf

FINANCIAL NEWS

Seems that the “global financial crisis” is the ongoing number one news item.  And, with the recent news about Dubai – formerly one of the richest cash countries in the world – struggling, world financial markets continue to scramble. We thought we’d share some news with you  in this venue that you won’t hear on CBS, ABC or Fox.  The IMB – International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Church – reports that they are not sending nearly 600 missionaries into the foreign mission field because they simply do not have the funds.  Funding from various annual offerings, along with ongoing regular offerings from churches and individuals are way down … thus these missionaries will not be sent.  You are probably aware that many mission organizations, ministries and independent missionaries are finding times tough as  the economic impact touches home.  This causes us to thank the Lord for our financial support team even more for their regular faithful financial support!

CROSSROADS MISSIONS

November took our team to Peoria, IL to lead groups of youth in framing up the walls for nearly 23 homes.  Phyllis and I stayed behind here in Louisville in order to help keep the missions travel and expense costs in line for this event.  This was CrossRoads Missions 11th year participating in the National Missionary Convention.  Our team led a couple thousand teenagers in worship through service by providing them this opportunity.

Pray with us for the Lord’s provision for several staff positions. In particular we are searching for a full compliment of staff for our Inner City Ministry.  This means we are needing a Field Director, a Field Coordinator and a Field Project Manager.  We are not short of mission opportunities for this field, and we are not short of churches or other groups wanting to go with us.  The field has been on hold since early this year due to our own staff shortage.  Pray with us that the Lord will lead folks to come on board to fill this positions – pray for them, pray for their support raising efforts and pray for the fruit of this ministry.

CLOSING

As we bring this newsletter to a close we are reminded that this month we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.  Luke chapter 2 is probably the most widely read account of His birth.  So here is a link for you to enjoy reading it online as you receive our blessings and greetings through this newsletter.  May you and your entire household have a most wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jim and Phyllis