Dear friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I have been thinking of the plan of God and His marvelous grace for those who are in it. The year has been rife with disasters, warfare, political madness, growing antisemitism, invasion of illegals into the country, and economic uncertainty. But in the midst of it all there is that wonderful inner peace that comes from knowing that our sovereign God is in control, that everything is moving toward the culmination of His plan.

It is a marvelous time to be alive. Many people look at their circumstances and despair, but we who believe the Word of God should not be despondent for God has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God has not called us to comfort and ease, to success and prosperity; He has called us to be faithful to Him. We are here to fulfill His purposes, not our own. Whatever God has called us to do, what is required is faithfulness.

Reviewing this past year has been humbling as we consider all the grace that has been given to us, having traveled to six different countries to preach the gospel and to teach the Word of God. We were able to spend some time in the war-torn country of Ukraine, where we rejoiced to see people we trained for ministry faithfully presenting a free grace gospel and teaching sound doctrine, even under adverse conditions. We also went into Poland and Romania to teach in churches hungry for the Word. As we have done for many years, we also did many hours of teaching in Zambia and Brazil.

The photo is a display of flags from all of the countries where I have had the privilege or preaching the Word of God.

In addition, we went to Tahiti where we joined Mark and Rene Perkins for a few weeks of teaching. People seem to have the idea that Tahiti is a tropical paradise, and that doing ministry there would just be like working in the garden of Eden. I assure you that such is not the case. It is a small island with mixture of indigenous Tahitians and French, and the number of evangelical Christians is quite small. Most of the indigenous people are still steeped in their animistic religion, cults from America are proliferating, and Catholicism is also strong. The Perkins are working intently to establish a grace gospel and sound Bible teaching there.

While in the US we have also been able to do a lot of teaching in several churches around Texas and in a few other states. Our desire is to be able to return to Ukraine, but apparently the Lord has other plans for us at the present time, and He has given us many opportunities to teach in other places. Our calendar is already full through June of next year.

The Lord has blessed us so greatly, and it is our privilege to serve Him. We are most thankful for the mental and physical health we enjoy, making it possible for us to maintain this very active schedule. We are grateful for all of you who have a part in this ministry through your intercessory prayers and your support.

Sola Gratia (by grace alone),

Jim