Living Word International

CHRIST: THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

The hustle and bustle has begun. The secular and business world is hoping for a profitable year and upturn in the economic crisis. To be politically correct, we can no longer use the term Christmas, display the manger scene, sing the old-fashioned carols or mention the Savior of the world. In this Twenty-First Century, the world displays an anti-Christian spirit.

Our nation, the final great cradle of Christian truth, has fallen. Our current President has declared us to be a non-Christian nation. People have little interest in the Church. The youth generation rarely darkens the door of the local churches. Many of our leaders and citizens espouse the one world government and monetary system. The world looks for the human utopia.

Almost two thousand years ago, God sent the One and Only hope for this world. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, offers salvation, hope and peace. This time of year, the Christian world has a wonderful opportunity to speak the truth in love. We thank God for His Unspeakable Gift and make no apologies for speaking about His love and grace.

Pray for the national pastors and believers in their ministries. And ask the Lord to do a great work this Christmas. We know not when the Lord will come; but in the meantime, there is a great work to be done. Isaiah, the ancient prophet, proclaims the hope of this world beautifully: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

FAITH WINS:

Does not the Word of God tell us to live by faith? The writer of Hebrews says “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Living Word International operates totally by faith.

Because you give, we can give. Through your faithful prayers and partnership, this year has been the most productive in our history. Your giving has helped many pastors in the Philippines and Asia, provided humanitarian needs, and met basic needs.

We praise God for each one of you. Thank you for making this a very fruitful year for the kingdom of God.

FUTURE PROJECTION:

The LWI Board has set a minimal projected budget plan of $22,000 for 2010. We trust God to provide this amount to meet our basic commitments in supporting pastors and answering humanitarian needs.

As usual, any specially designated gifts will go one hundred per cent for the intended purpose. The Board will also evaluate any monies over and above the annual projection and prayerfully and wisely determine urgent needs and use. We make every effort to be good stewards of all the monies given to this ministry.

UPCOMING MISSION TRIP:

It has been confirmed and set that I will be traveling to the Philippines, April 12-27, 2010. My focus will be a visit to the pastors and churches that we support in the southern Philippines, a trip that I have never taken.

Would you be praying for this future endeavor? The risk factor is greater in the southern islands due to terrorists groups. Again, we trust God to provide the needs, give safety and reap a bountiful harvest.

CURRENT FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS:

For those who have supported the ministry this year, you will find a ballot in your mailing. Please take time to vote on the revision of the Constitution, new LWI Board members, the LWI officers, and the minimal budget recommendation.

We appreciate your participation and request your input anytime. You can contact the LWI office or speak to any Board member or officer about your concerns.

FAMILY LIFE

As we get older, do we get slower? Is that true? If so, we have not begun to slow down. I continue

to minister in the nations through LWI, pastor full-time at the church and work part-time at Wal-Mart. The latter allows us extra monies to invest locally and universally in God’s vineyard.

Carrie is a precious gem in my ministries. She continues to encourage and support me. She is a partner in most of my visits. And she is actively involved in the church’s ministry, leading the Ladies’ Bible Study, teaching the teen S.S. Class, directing the Adult and Children’s Choirs, and helping in the Nursery and Children’s Worship. I am thankful to the Lord for a beautiful wife.

Ron, Kimber, Brandon (13), Kerra (10) and Kaley (6) still reside in Maryland. Ron is a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Chad, Aimee and Savannah (1) are currently in a transition period. Chad will officially be done in the Air Force on Dec. 16^th. He has transferred to the U.S. Army due to the downsizing of the Air Force. He will hold the same rank, Captain. They will be in SC for six to eight months for training.

Bryan, Nicole, Matthew (4) and Ella (1) live in Bristol, VA. Bryan serves as the Children’s Minister at Victory Baptist Church. Nicole continues to work at VA Intermont College from which she graduated.

We are most thankful for our family and covet your continuous prayers for protection. God has been gracious to us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOUR FAMILY!

HEART-EXPRESSED THANKS

Some of you have been partners with us for many years, and we are grateful for your continuous support. We praise God for each one of you and keep you in our prayers.

We thank God for our most recent partners. And we encourage others to join us in this ministry. Your partnership is very important to us in getting the Gospel to the four corners of the earth.

This ministry is totally impossible without your help. God does the impossible because you care and share. The kingdom of God will be richly blessed for all eternity because you make a key difference.

UPDATES FROM THE FIELD

LIVING WORD INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH: ROOF REPLACEMENT:

TARP IN BACKGROUND TO BE REPLACED WITH A ROOF PASTOR JOE TAMPUS LWI BAPTIST CHURCH

MY MINISTRY AT THECHURCH IN SEPTEMBER PART OF THE CHURCH FAMILY

MEDICAL CLINIC FOR THE POOR IN MANILA

(Rescheduled in November due to the typhoon in Spetember) LWI DONATED OVER $26,000 OF MEDICINES

BANNER AND STAFF MEDICAL ACTION

MEDICINE DISTRIBUTION SHARING THE GOSPEL