Merry Christmas to all. On December 16, 2023 we departed Chattanooga for the Hagerstown area. So, as we reflect on the past year, we wanted to give an update on our ministry here as well as the work the Lord continues to give through ABWE/Live Global.
Local Outreach
Just last night I was able to speak to the staff at the Hagerstown Hope Center (an area rescue mission) on “The Grace of God at Christmas.” Some friends from our church also participated in that event and we have other church members who serve there regularly.
Global Outreach
Many of you prayed for my trip in October to Moldova, where I was able to serve with our Live Global partner Pastor Mihai. The focus of that trip was threefold:
1. Speaking at a conference hosted by Mihai’s church on the Providence of God.
2. Speaking at the 6-year anniversary of their home church, which they planted in the fall of 2018.
3. Leading a 3-day workshop on expository preaching for pastors from surrounding villages. (See pictures below)
How the Two Connect
The intertwining of both aspects of my ministry (locally in Hagerstown and globally with our ABWE partners) has been very encouraging. Generally speaking, it involves the following.
1. The material that I preach/teach at our church gets passed along to partners in Eastern Europe and South Asia, where it can be adapted for various contexts in churches, schools, and homes at the partners’ discretion. In 2024, that included studies from the books of 1 John, Job, and Ruth, as well as a topical series on the doctrine of the Resurrection. I am also in the middle of an Old Testament survey study.
2. I am able to meet with pastors and other ministry leaders on Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, (and probably other platforms) to encourage them in their ministries and/or assist them and strategize with them as they work through making disciples among their own people.
3. I contribute to writing projects for the ABWE and Live Global blogs, which are accessed all around the world.
4. In all of these ways, I am able either to teach others directly or provide material that can be adapted by our partners into a variety of international contexts.
Future Opportunities – I am in discussions with our team about possible trip/s for 2025. Pray for wisdom and the best use of time and resources.
Financial Needs
There are two areas where we are asking for your help.
1. Our monthly support has decreased by about $225/month in the past year. So, whereas we were fully supported for a while, we now have a slight shortage in our assigned goal. This support funds both the time that I spend directly assisting our partners but also enables their ministries to be most effective. Please consider how you might help, either through your own giving or by connecting us with others who might be interested in hearing from us.
2. One of our partners in Europe has the chance to come to the US to attend the Shepherd’s Conference (hosted by John MacArthur’s church in California) this March. If you are willing and able to give towards his airfare for that opportunity, please let me know. He needs around $1,500 to cover the whole thing.
Family Updates
1. We are planning to be in the Chattanooga area to visit family and friends for the last week of December. Pray for our travels.
2. Asher’s school football team (Spring Mills High School) plays in the West Virginia AAAA state football championship game Saturday night. We will drive 4+ hours each way to cheer them on!
3. Judah has started his junior year of basketball for Heritage Academy, where he is attending.
4. Eva and Tori are also attending Heritage and participated in the school’s Christmas concert last night.
We are so thankful for many who pray for us and make it possible for us to be involved in the Lord’s work around the world. We always love hearing from you.
-David and Brandi
Prairie Quests 