Dear Supporters and Partners,
As 2019 comes to a close, we reflect on the last 12 months. It was a year filled with exciting times of new adventures and progress as well as difficult times and challenges. Even as we walked through “desert” moments, we were reminded constantly of how good God is through the showers of blessings He sent. It has been a year marked with His provision and faithfulness and we are so expectant for what He is going to do in the new year!
Here are some of the blessings that we have received over the year and we feel that God is moving within the work in Chad.
- Housing during our stay in the States: We frequently joke that we are homeless, as we sold our house in Columbia, SC, before leaving for Nigeria in 2014. We have always had a safe, quiet, and relaxing place to stay when we return to the States plus a car or two put at our disposition.
- We were back in the States just a week before Debbie had to have back surgery because of severe sciatic pain. We thank God that the surgeon, who is a brother in the Lord, was able to operate so quickly and that Debbie woke up with no more sciatica.
- We were able to visit with our children, Philippe and his wife, Brenna, in North Carolina, Joël in Louisiana and Greg, Lily and our grand-daughter, Hannah, in Texas. We also had the privilege of celebrating Debbie’s parents’ 65th anniversary in Pennsylvania and visit other family members.
- Sharing with old and new friends about our work in Chad was such an encouragement as they continue to pray for our ministry and support us in this endeavor.
- A very generous couple donated funds to remodel the old sterilization/laundry building into two one-bedroom apartments that should be finished in the next month adding much-needed housing.
- Our team is growing- a French nurse couple and the two children arrived in October. Two British couples and their children will arrive in January. Four more short-term missionaries (2-6 months of service) from the USA, Germany, England, and France will be arriving in December/January. Our compound will be overflowing!
- We have had many opportunities to share about our hope in Jesus with those around us!
- Our Ethiopian colleagues are doing a wonderful work as chaplains as they visit, encourage, and share the Gospel with the patients.
- Working alongside our teammates, both missionaries and national, sharing, discussing, planning, laughing, and at times crying is a blessing that we can’t take for granted!
- The hospital received a sizable grant from the Swiss government which will help us improve our x-ray and laboratory services, purchase a larger generator and build a new building for ultrasound, prenatal clinic, and well-baby clinic. Many also donated to help buy much needed new delivery tables.
But the biggest blessing is to be used by God in his work! We are imperfect vessels, but our prayer is that we allow Him to mold us for His work.
Thanks again for all your support. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and God’s richest blessings to you and your family!
Bert and Debbie!
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We’re thankful to be working with Crossover Global.
Crossover Global (a trade name of Crossover Communications International) has maintained “good standing” as a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) since 1996.