Merry Christmas!

At this time of year we always reflect on what has transpired over the last 12 months and we rejoice in what the Lord has done. We are also grateful for how the prayers and concern of those who share in our ministry have carried us through another year. Thank you for bearing the burden with us. Many of the students we work with will be involved in representing and reaching others in the years ahead. If you’ve prayed you’ve had a part in that future. Eternity alone will reveal how all that multiplication will have played out. Thanks so much and have a wonderful Christmas and may the New Year afford you a greater knowledge of the Lord we know and serve.

Change forthcoming?

At this writing we will have been at New Tribes Bible Institute for 2 1/2 years. It has been an enjoyable time in that we have gotten the opportunity to share in the lives of many young adults who desire a greater knowledge of the Bible and have been challenged to the cause of tribal missionary work. For some time now we have been contemplating as to how long we would serve in this capacity. Over the last several months we have felt the prodding of the Lord to consider other options for our future. Though we have not made any decisions we are praying toward a possible change in the future. Your prayers that the Lord’s direction will be clear to us are greatly desired.

Prayer Needs

• Our kids continue to grow in the Lord and seek the Lord’s direction for their futures. We rejoice in this and are so proud of them. Please keep the lives of Jordan, Grant & Lindsay in your prayers.
• As we consider what the future holds for our ministry we ask that you pray on our behalf for discerning minds and hearts so that we can clearly follow the Lord’s leading.
• We rejoice that several tribes were taught the Gospel message this year. Many more tribes still wait to hear the Gospel message. Pray that local churches will challenge others to surrender to the cause and that many more will desire to be trained.

FAQs

Do the tribes celebrate the Christmas holidays?

Most tribal groups do not know enough about the Gospel message to celebrate the meaning of the Christmas holidays. Depending on the country in which the tribe is located some sort of “end of the year festivities” may be added to their culture. The people of Malaumanda knew that it was some sort of Christian holiday connected to Jesus birth but the significance eluded them.

Jeff & Joy on their 25th Anniversary!(December 2nd)

You can be a part of Jeff and Joy's work. They can be helped by your prayers and interest and financial support if you are led to help in that way. It is a trying and stressful ministry at times and they would deeply appreciate your involvement in their lives.

Their e-mail address is Jeff_Ryder@ntm.org