Donations:

I've now been in Mali for five and a half years, laboring day and night, seven days a week, ceaselessly, trying to raise up the locals, young and old, to do the works of the ministry; trying to save children from exploitation, death, hunger, and an eternity from hell; trying to expand God's kingdom by going into villages where the good news has never been heard.

And I'm still the only white person. I have 9 resident kids, 9 kids from the neighborhood, and 35 street children that sleep here every night and who get two meals a day. My two local team members are 18 and 20 years old.

And I still don't even have a third of the financial support we need. We started 2008 with a debt of $2,700, and as of today have a debt of $11,500. And I cannot go into debt much further according to the bank.

I'm tired of laboring alone, I'm tired of not knowing how to feed the children. I'm tired of crying out to God for workers and for provision.

Two verses have been going through my mind the last few days. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov 13:12) and "I ... make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die" (the widow at Zarephath - 1.Ki 17:12) as I've given the last bill I had several times to buy food for the day.

Something needs to happen, because I don't know how to continue.

I'm glad I'm leaving for the US on Monday. Hopefully it will be a month of seeking and finding God and receiving from Him what's needed for the road ahead.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

QUICK NEWS

•        Family Christmas - We celebrated traditionally by going to the swimming pool, and then exchanging gifts at home. This year we were about 30 people. Read the report and see the pictures and video clips here.

•        Street Kid Christmas - The big party was cancelled due to lack of money, but we still handed out candy and shoes to the children who were very thankful. Read the report here.

•        Sponsoring Children - Jérémie is the only one who still needs a sponsor for €40 or $60 per month.

•        Travels - I will be in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and Pasadena Jan 6-Feb 2. If there is anyone who could lend me a car in Kansas City Jan 6-28, I'm willing to pay, and would be very thankful. Also, I'm still looking for a place to stay in Pasadena. Please look at the CALENDAR page for my detailed itinerary, including when I preach/share where.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Prov 13:12)

Claudia