Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

We trust that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving week! We truly have so much to be grateful for, and we want to express our thanks to YOU for your prayers and support!

God has blessed us with an easy transition in Sierra Leone as He has surrounded us with new friends at The Hope Centre, missionaries and locals, to help us with every aspect of setting up house, rides to and from the city, permits, banking, internet, etc... We would not have known where to begin, but their experience and willingness to help has been such a blessing!

As of this week, we consider ourselves “at work” as we have had meetings with the Country Director of Buckner International about the agricultural and food securities program that will impact nearly 300 families made up of widows, orphans and foster families. We will be “up country” four times in December for overnight trips at Mile 91 (91 miles from Freetown) and Pujehun (about 200 miles in the interior near the Liberian border) to assess and begin food distribution, skills training and preparations for an agricultural extension program. Ten Social Work Interns from The Evangelical College of Theology will go through orientation and training next week and will assist with this endeavor.

Another program in the beginning stages, with expansion planned for January, will involve 120 young adults in the Jui Community near Freetown with much needed skills training in 6 areas: plumbing and electrical, auto mechanics, computer skills, tailoring, quilting and catering.

Also, we have set dates for two mission teams to come in May and June 2011 to continue work with Hosetta School for children with mental challenges in the Kissy District of Freetown. Details will be coming soon for those interested in being a part of a team!

We have a meal set for Thanksgiving afternoon, chicken and dressing and all the trimmings!! A dozen or so missionaries will be together for a time of celebrating and giving thanks to our Heavenly Father… “Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or even think to ask!”

PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Krio language studies – we have our work cut out for us!!
• Vehicle – we have started the process of securing a vehicle and have found two options. One seems to be in fair condition, but priced on the high side. A friend of ours (a mechanic) will look at it today to determine if he thinks it is reliable. We trust the Lord for funds for purchase.
• Plumbing issues – The Hope Centre has had on-going problems since completion. Tom is working daily with the contractor and plumber to find a solution.
• Traveling up country – safety on the roads, arrangements with local guest houses for rooms, the people we will serve.
• Generator – our main generator at the apartment needs repair.

Our best wishes for a happy holiday!
We love you with the love of the Lord!!
Tom and Becky