I am about a month into the study of Galatians that I have been asked to lead for one of our partner ministries in south Asia. The plan is to continue meeting weekly with these fellow believers through the end of May. It has been encouraging to spend time in the Bible with them and to hear how the Lord has drawn some of them to himself out of backgrounds of Hinduism and other worldviews. Please pray for these believers, many of whom will have opportunities to pass along what they are receiving to people in other contexts and places.
I’m also preparing for an online summit on International Theological Education, which will take place on May 28-29. I will be speaking on the topic of “The Biblical Authors as International Theological Educators.” This event will include other ABWE representatives and is designed to equip and others who are involved in theological education and pastoral training around the world.
Our area was hit with a strong wind/rainstorm late Saturday night, which knocked out power at our church property and thousands of homes. We have electricity at our facility again, but some are still lacking it. Unfortunately, this affected our ability to gather on Easter Sunday. Some members got together the next day for an “Easter Monday” service.
Family events are slower this time of year (which is a nice breather). Our kids are about five weeks away from summer break, which they are anticipating.
We have had a decrease in our support level recently and are in need of about an additional $300/month in support for our ABWE ministries. If you know of others who might be interested in hearing about our international work, please help us get connected. Our giving page is https://give.abwe.org/worker/david-and-brandi-prairie.
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.
Prairie Quests 