December 9, 2025
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” —Matthew 1:21
Dear praying friends, family, and partners in ministry,
Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we have travelled to minister in churches in the far western states. Currently, we are in Katy, Texas, fully immersed in searching for a new ministry home. We are excited that this deputation trip is our last hurrah in the support-raising part of our ministry. We are approaching the end of itinerant living on our pilgrim journey and anticipating a more settled life.
In mid-October we left Columbia, South Carolina and travelled west. We have ministered in churches in Utah, Nevada, and California seeking for additional prayer and support partners for our revitalization ministry at Good News Baptist Church of Katy. Our odometer indicates that we have put more than 6,500 miles on our vehicle since setting out from South Carolina, and we still have another 1,000 miles to go before our return. Since we last communicated with you, we have gained some additional support, but we have also seen our support estimate increase slightly, due to a better evaluation of housing costs. As a result, we are at the same percentage point of support as before—about 95%-97%. We have made the prayerful determination to move ahead with our transition to full-time ministry in Katy.
This letter is being sent later than we intended. We were hoping to have something definitive to report. After arriving in Katy on Friday evening, November 29th, our real estate agent began the very next day to show us properties that we had short-listed as the most promising. Over a ten-day period, after looking at dozens of homes, we have yet to find one suitable for our needs. Our original plans were to place a home under contract during this visit, then move our household items from storage in South Carolina to Katy and close on this home in early January. This plan will now have to be adjusted.
So, our major prayer request for this time is that the Lord would help as we rent a moving truck and relocate to Katy around January 8. We will need to put our things back in storage in Katy until we find a home. We will then continue to look for a suitable ministry home. Please pray that God would provide a home (1) that is within about 15-minute’s driving time from the church; (2) that is suitable for us to hold home Bible studies, entertain small groups, and host church guests; (3) that is within our budget; and (4) that this would occur quickly. As we reminded the GNBC congregation last Sunday, we are not looking for our “forever home” down here; that is waiting for us in heaven. But a suitable earthly home now would be appreciated!
Since we did not bring any furniture back from Taiwan, we will need to completely furnish our new home. We are thankful for multiple large, special gifts from churches and individuals that have come in over the last 10 months, which we have set aside for this purpose. Once we have a home we will begin shopping for furnishings, establishing residency in the state of Texas, and settling into ministry.
So, our second major prayer request is that God would help as we transition into life and ministry with Gerald and Julie Hawk at Good News Baptist Church. There will be adjustments for both families as we make this move. We have enjoyed the time with the Hawks and with the GNBC congregation during this visit. The hard work will begin when we actually begin to live and minister in Katy.
Marla and I will be driving back to Columbia, SC later this week and taking a break for the Christmas holiday season with our daughter Beth. Thank you for your financial gifts and faithful prayers for us and our ministry during 2025. We wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
In Christ,
