She was grateful to make the sale. I was delighted to have one of the beautiful shirts she was selling. It was a simple but wonderfully human moment in Nairobi's Maasai Market.                                                                 

A few days later, Martin and Tedi were excited to be exploring the meaning of Mark's Gospel together.  I was grateful for the opportunity to work with these deeply committed leaders from Kenya and Ethiopia, helping them prepare for effective service in the mission of Christ. 

During the week of Berean Safari, Lucas was grateful for the chance to team teach with me, sharpening his skills at leading people into a fresh encounter with Scripture.  I was grateful for another chance to team up with Lucas, and deepen my own understanding of what excellent leadership looks like in an East African context.

 

Today I write to let you know that I am also deeply grateful for your partnership in the gospel. Your prayers and gifts have made it possible for me to serve this year among church leaders in Vietnam, Jamaica, Mexico, Thailand, the Czech Republic, India, Kenya and the U.S.A. As you have supported the ministry God does through me, you have brought encouragement and increased understanding to those who are serving Christ and his church all around the world, literally!

 

Like the smiling woman in the Maasai Market (but multiplied many times!!), I am grateful!

 

In March, the staff of International Ministries challenged missionaries and their Partnership Teams to reach their support goals by the end of September (the end of IM's fiscal year).  On behalf of myself and the Slade MPT (Alan, Angela, Del, Lisa and Sue), I am delighted to report that giving to support our ministry is up!  Lord willing, we will not only reach the goal set for us by IM staff, but will even make good progress toward the higher goal we had set for ourselves. *

 

Thank you!

 

I am also delighted to report that the same thing can be said of almost all the missionaries who serve through International Ministries. Total giving to the Luther Rice Matching Fund campaign for missionary support came to more than $800,000. Praise the Lord!

 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with inspiring folks in many places. It is wonderful to catch a glimpse of what God is doing in diverse settings. Lord willing, the rest of the year will include service in Mexico, Nicaragua, Myanmar (Burma) and the U.S.  Thanks again for helping to make it possible!

 

May the Lord bless your own witness to Christ, wherever it takes you!

Stan

 

*To keep this journal from growing too long, I have not gone into the details of the financial support picture for this ministry.  But, I would be happy to do so with supporters who want the fuller picture of what they are giving to. Drop me a line at stanslade(atsign)pobox.com and we will fill you in.