Dear Friends,
Greetings from Omaha. By the time this letter reaches you Chris and I will be well on our way to south and southeast Asia.
We'll start out spending time with WMF missionaries who are pioneering a presence among the sexually exploited in Bangkok, Thailand. From there we'll journey to Kathmandu, Nepal where WMF is ministering among abandoned, destitute widows and orphans. On our way to South India we will stop in Kolkata to visit WMF missionaries ministering among children and women enslaved in the sex industry. We will spend Christmas in Chennai, India with Patrick and Victoria Samuel and the remarkable children whom they have taken in over the years. New Years Eve we will be in Colombo, Sri Lanka for a short retreat and will take a couple days to connect with ministries among sexually exploited boys.
Once Chris and I return to Omaha in January we will have visited 19 countries in 12 months. We are grateful to have been able to visit all of the growing WMF fields this year, but the travel has made us weary.
The subsequent 8 months (January-September 2004) we have decided to take a season of rest from international travel. As we look back over the last 7 years it seems we've been caught up in a whirlwind. God has done amazing things through WMF and we stand in awe of it all. Serving Christ through WMF is our greatest joy. The Lord has pulled together an amazing international community of over 100 people. That number doesn't reflect the numerous men, women, and children who are an integral part of our community as well. Your involvement in our lives and the life of WMF makes this movement among the poor possible.
God is raising up leaders within WMF to help carry the responsibilities that comes with nurturing this amazing community. We are grateful for the numerous ways in which God is providing for all of our needs.
Your role in our life is critical to our being able to continue in this ministry. Thank you for partnering with us and WMF. Thank you for giving so selflessly.
January through September 2004 we will reside in Omaha. Chris may take a number of speaking engagements around the country, but for the most part we will be in town.
As this unique time of rest draws nearer, we're getting more clarity for how we want to spend this time. Please pray for us in the following two ways:
1. That I would be able to posture myself to listen and receive from the Lord.
2. That Chris would be able to devote much time to writing. He currently is working on two writing projects that he would like to finish.
During this special season for us in Omaha we hope to connect with you if you are in town. Your friendship means the world to us.
Love and prayer for a special Christmas,
Phileena