We have been able to raise all that we need for Leah and Jonathan's tickets to go to the US for a month for Jonathan's Shriner's appointment, even more than we anticipated.  Thank you!!  For those who have pledged, and have not yet given, we are planning on buying the tickets by next week so please send your checks soon.  It is truly amazing at the response, God has used many of you and we know that he will in turn bless you for how you have blessed us.  THANK YOU for everyone who gave sacrificially, especially during the holiday season when there are so many other demands on your finances.  We praise God for all of you, and feel so blessed that you all love us so much. 

    Depending on the tickets we are able to get, Leah and Jonathan plan to leave from Arusha around January 15^th.  Jonathan's appointment at Shriner's hospital is on January 18^th, and they will be making him a special shoe to help him walk with more stability.  Leah and Jonathan will be staying in the country 21 days, enough time for them to make the shoe and any adjustments that need to be made.   Leah and Jonathan will then be returning to Arusha around Feb. 15^th or so, depending on ticket prices, etc.

     Leah and Jonathan will be staying with Leah's parents in St. Louis, MO, where the Shriner's hospital is also located.

    Jonathan has been developing so well.  He is crawling and has been pulling to a stand and even "cruising" along furniture.  We look forward with much anticipation to the day that he will be able to walk.

    Bill and Carolyn DeLaughter, Bill's parents, arrived here on December 9^th and plan to stay until March 7^th.  They are helping out with Katrina and Heather while Leah is gone.  Carolyn also plans to continue meeting with two of the ladies that Leah has been discipling, to encourage them in their Christian walk.  Bill and Carolyn are also planning to do a Christian Marriage seminar while they are here. 

   We are enjoying having them here, especially during the Christmas season. It's so nice to be with family during the holidays.  Leah will be leaving about two weeks after Christmas.

Often during the month, in addition to our daily routine of discipleship sessions, we try to have ministry events.  Often these events can be just fellowshipping together over a game of PIT, FARKLE, or some other game.  These events are essential as we bring tho

se that we are discipling together so that a network can be formed.  This network supports one another, encourages one another and in time begins to share ministry responsibilities with us. 

During the month of November we had 3 game nights and hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner inviting a good number of those currently in discipleship to come and introducing potential new disciples into the mix.  One of the men Bill is discipling, Chandu, put on an incredible magic show for us and fellowship continued late into the night. 

Things have slowed down a little in December as many are away for Christmas.  However, we will be hosting a Carol sing and a retelling of the Christmas story.  We so far have hosted 2 game nights this month as well.

·         Praise the Lord that no one was seriously injured and the damage wasn't more severe on Sunday.

·         Praise God that Bill's parents have arrived safely.

·         Praise God for everyone who has given towards Jonathan and Leah's tickets back in January, and that we were able to raise the money.

·         Praise God that he sent his Son into the world as a tiny, helpless baby 2000 years ago and that he was born in a manger with cows and goats!  Praise God that he allowed that Son to die on a cross for our sins.

·         Pray for Moshono Christian Church to grow.   We have recently lost an elder, and we are currently looking to relocate the church.  The church is going through some growing pains, and needs prayers.  Please pray for Prosper, as he is discipling 13 people.

·         Pray for the Asian Fellowship, that is will continue to reach out to the Indian and Asian community in Arusha.

·         Pray for our family as we will be away from each other for a month.

·         Pray that the people we are discipling will continue to be consistent, and will keep growing in their faith and knowledge of God. 

·         Pray for the Discipleship Movement in Tanzania.  Pray for further interest and for the Disciples as they begin to Multiply themselves and create Networks.

·         Pray for Leah and the girls to have a peaceful time of homeschooling after Christmas and before Leah leaves for the US.   Pray for the girls to adjust ok to Leah being gone for a month.