November/December 2008

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8-9)

Dear Praying Friends and Ministry Partners,

Psalm 118 reminds us that God is the source of wisdom and strength. He is the One who raises up and puts down kings and kingdoms (Daniel 2:21). In these uncertain economic times who are we going to put our confidence in? God or man?

Deputation News
During the month of October we were privileged to visit seven churches, including three mission conferences. November was likewise busy with meetings in six churches. A highlight was the mission conference at Massillon Baptist Temple, in Massillon, OH. The final day of the conference was Faith Promise Sunday, and we were delighted to be there as the church met and exceeded their goal by over 12%. They are praying that the Lord will allow them to add 10 new families in January, 2009. During the conference we also had a wonderful time staying with Mrs. Jeffries. Celeste and Amber loved playing with her Siamese cats, Sam and Max.

We also visited Roanoke Valley Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA, where Terry Mabrey is the pastor. Pastor Mabrey was Ruth’s first pastor when she was growing up in Hebron, IN, so it was a blessing for her to get reacquainted. On our way back from Roanoke we visited Calvary Baptist Church, one of our supporting churches in Clendenin, WV. Once again Pastor Kersey and his family were so kind to us, and our girls had a chance to renew their friendships with Tabitha and Tiffany.

November was not without its challenges as Ruth contracted poison ivy while working in the yard on the last warm days of fall. It was mostly contained to her forearms, but it was a burden to say the least. We are thankful that after four weeks, it is completely gone.

We also saw Ruth’s parents twice during November as we had meetings in NW Indiana and Illinois. Over Thanksgiving weekend we were also able to share our ministry at South Park Baptist Church in Crown Point, IN just a few blocks from Ruth’s parents. That was probably our closest meeting so far!

Another huge answer to prayer is that one of our supporting churches has committed to pay for our upcoming language acquisition course that our family will be attending during the first two weeks of January. This course is highly recommended by Baptist Mid-Missions for each of their missionary families planning to work in a new language. The course is taught by Mission Training International in Palmer Lake, CO. All we need to raise right now is $1000 to cover our airfare to Colorado. If you would feel led to give, please send any gifts to Baptist Mid-Missions at the address below with a note that it is for the Kimmels’ Language Acquisition Course.