We have learned that when we choose a theme for the ministry, God teaches us all about that theme. This year is no exception. We chose as our theme “God’s Amazing Grace.” We didn’t know what or how much He would be teaching us about His grace and trusting in Him, but the first two months of 2008 have been pretty much a crash course, both in the ministry, and in personal lives.

Several of our staff members have had health problems along with just generally growing older. Barbara Andrews had surgery on her knee and was out for several weeks. One of our volunteers had surgery at the beginning of the year and is now undergoing chemotherapy. There have been people out with the flu, back problems, and other health issues. And through these, we are learning to trust in God; He is in control, and He knows what is best.

Health issues are one thing, but that’s not the only area God is teaching His grace. On January 7th, our office was struck by lightening, and we lost most of our network system. We praise the Lord our computers were all okay, but our modem, router, and two network hubs had to be replaced. The new Risograph lost its network card also. All together, damages on the whole network and Risograph ran more than $3,000. We are covered by insurance with a $1,000 deductible. This, too, was an opportunity to see God’s grace at work. He sped up the process for getting our Riso back at work. Originally they told us 3-4 weeks. It was back up and running in just about two. A week after the lightening strike -- another blow. Our grant request which funded the purchase of lessons and postage as well as salary for two people was refused. The budget alone for postage in 2008 is $20,000. This is another opportunity for God to show His grace. On the third Monday of January, I knew we needed to order lessons. However, the funds were not available. We needed postage, but there was no money. We had been praying. When Howard brought back the mail that day, there was a check for $1,800. Someone else dropped in with a check for $500. The two together were enough to purchase the postage needed and more than 1,700 Emmaus courses (each with 12 lessons -- see picture). That took care of the need for January.

Additionally, we have been feeling very overwhelmed with the number of lessons to be graded. We were so thankful for a group of 12 who came from Hilltop Bible Church in Clarksville, AR and spent a day doing some work at the office. A couple of the volunteers put in some much needed insulation in the attic, while others moved some cabinets and did other maintenance type work. A group of them graded lessons all day long and got us pretty well caught up. What a blessing that was to us. God again showed grace through providing individuals to help in time of need.

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? Luke 12:24

God has been so gracious in His provision of funds. The financial statements for both December and January are included on the next two pages. General Fund giving for the year fell short of the budgeted amount by a total of $23,083.92. God had provided a grant which took care of $20,400 of this amount, so actual shortfall was only $2,683.92. General Fund Expenses for December were $3,557.91. Total General Fund Expenses for the year were $51,061.80, below budget by $1,667.98.

The monthly budget for 2008 is $4,640.00. General Fund income for January was $4,464.35, a shortfall of $175.65. Please pray for God’s provision of funds as well as for additional partners to support on a monthly basis. Expenses for the month were $3,723.91, leaving a positive cash flow of $740.44. As of January 31, 2008, we are under budget by $694.59.

Missionary Support for 2007 was $109,810.88 plus $24,413.00 from the grant for a total of $136,023.09, under budget by $21,304.95.

Missionary Support for January, 2008 was $9,469.25 against a budgeted amount of $14,850, for a total shortfall of $5,380.75. Please be in prayer for support for the staff.

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Psalm 33:1

• For five Salvation decisions in December, and five more in January. God is at work in the hearts of many individuals. One of the five in January was from the Online Ministry.
• For the ability to minister to 1,161 students in December and 1,330 students in January through traditional courses. A total of 404 certificates were awarded in December and 483 were awarded in January. Two online students completed the Basic Bible Doctrine Course in December and one more completed in January.
• For a total of 228 men being visited in December, 124 visited in January through the Jail Ministry. Many of the men are open to the Word of God as it is presented. Continue to pray for salvation, and for men to give their lives to the Lord.
• That Barbara’s knee surgery went well and that she is back in the office full-time.
• For our staff and volunteers who worked a total of 14,288 hours in 2007.
• For Bryn Smith who is working several hours a week, posting grades to the computer. Bryn began working in December, and we are grateful for her labor of love.
• For more visits to the website, and for the addition of our online studies site, studythewordonline.org, and our new children’s ministry site, seekersinsneakers.org. Visit the sites to find out more.

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation. Psalm 69:13

• That those who have made Salvation decisions will continue to grow in their walk with the Lord.
• For the many health needs of our staff.
• For the financial need of the ministry.
• For the work that needs to be done in the office. The computer work has doubled along with the grading. Another computer person along with more graders are needed.