Massengill Middle East Minute   
COGWM Project #065-0069 
December 2015
Leandra's Corner
Hello from the cold Middle East... well if you consider 60's & 70's cold. Since living here, I do. I am doing great, especially since my Granny & Papa arrived a couple of nights ago. They brought me all kinds of goodies. Of course, Daddy says he will have to spank me for a month after they leave because they spoil me so much... but I think he is kidding... I hope he is. I had a great Christmas thanks to my grandparents and some really nice church people. The New Year was also great although we just stayed at home & watched fireworks out the window. Daddy is doing really good with his diabetes. The doctor has already taken him off insulin & may even take him off all medicine next month. Keep praying for him... and me!  
Kendra's Corner
What's up from the UAE? I am going good even though Daddy says Granny & Papaw are spoiling me too much... can you spoil me too much? Anyway, I am great. I had a good Christmas and New Year and looking forward to whatever holiday comes next. During Daddy's school's graduation, Leandra & I got chosen to give the sheiks a bundle of flowers. That is a custom here. I was really nervous but they were nice. There is a bit of sad news, one of the ladies at our church... her name is Lysa... is leaving to go back to India. We are sad about that. Sometimes it feels like all we do is say goodbye to people. Pray for her & for us... because we will miss her. See ya!


Greetings from the Middle East and belated Happy New Year. Our last 6 weeks have been so busy and the next few months our schedule is packed. We will have numerous training programs for several local churches & other classes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah. God is doing so much in the UAE and in the Middle East as a whole. I know how discouraging it can be when you only see this part of the world through the news, but God is still VERY much in charge and at work everyday for His purpose in this part of the world.
 
Laborers for the Harvest
First Time in UAE History
On December 3rd, our seminary here in the UAE held its annual graduation. For the first time in the history of the UAE, members of the ruling family attended the graduation services of a Christian seminary including the leader of Islamic affairs. In addition, we were honored to have Dr. David Blair, the International Assistant Director of Youth and Discipleship for the Church of God. The whole event was a special time of celebrating the graduation and commissioning of 25 men and women. Please keep these special people in your prayers as they enter a very difficult harvest field.   
 
Unexpected Opportunites
His Ways...Not Ours
Since we began living in the UAE, we have been a little surprised at some of the people that God has chosen to bring into our lives. Working in the Middle East for 14 years, and preparing to work with Muslim people for almost 20+ years sometimes gives us a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to our purpose. God has ways to get us to look outside of the boxes we sometimes build for ourselves. For us, the box-breaker has been Hindus. In the last 3 years, it is amazing at how many Hindu people we have been able to establish relationships with. Again, we have always prepared to share our LIFE with Muslims, but God has provided other unexpected opportunities. In the last few months, we got new neighbor who lives across the hall... yes, they are Hindus. They are a young couple and a good friendship was established almost right away. They have visited our church, the woman attends our church's women's meeting every month & now they asked us for a Bible. Through these experiences, God reminds us of His love for all humanity & that we should be ready to share HIM with whoever He brings into our life.  
 
Discipleship & Training
Building a Foundation
In recent weeks, we have instituted several new training programs in the church that we are privileged to co-pastor. In this part of the world there is a desperate need for both discipleship & ministerial/ leadership training. Most pastors have little or no biblical education & most laity's understanding of the Scriptures is not very strong. Many come from Muslim or Hindu backgrounds. We are trying to cover not only areas of Bible, theology & practical ministry, but also areas such as marriage, family, and finances. Materials are not abundant in our area, but God seems to always provide what we need. Please keep our churches in the UAE in your prayers & pray that God will continue to guide us in the best way to prepare & equip Christians in the Middle East to both live & share their lives in a way that gives glory to God.  
God is so good and at work in the Middle East. You play such a vital part in your prayers & support. They are truly not in vain. While it is not always easy, knowing there are men & women of God supporting us provides so much encouragement. Please keep the Middle East and our family in your prayers.
 
In His Service,
Vance, Kari, Leandra & Kendra Massengill
Massengill Middle East Minute