There is much to update you with this month. We begin first with news of IBIMI. In January 2007 we wrote of our intentions of establishing a scholarship fund of some kind to assist our missionary families’ children as well as qualified native young people in their quest of biblical Christian college studies. There have been several memorial gifts given to the Mission that we wanted to use in this way. At our annual board meeting this year we were excited to see this idea come to fruition. Three of IBIMI families have Bible college freshmen eligible for this fund. It was a blessing to be able to designate each of these young people a $500 scholarship for their second semester studies. We are trusting this can be multiplied over and over again as the Lord provides the finances. Dr. Jerry Tetreau, chancellor of International Baptist College in Tempe, did an outstanding job as our principle speaker this year at the retreat.
Another blessing of the board meeting this year was to see Steve (our youngest son) take the responsibilities of Director and President of IBIMI effective January 1, 2009. We are not and have no plans to ‘retire’, and plan to remain active on the executive board but we do see the need to pass the responsibilities and directing of a growing ministry to a younger generation. It is a special blessing to us personally to see the board heartily elect Steve into this position.
Church ministry includes the rededication of a young Navajo man this past Sunday. He was saved in his younger years in Shiprock, NM, but had slipped back into the world. After one of our faithful deacons invited him to the services this past week, he came with his sister and his girlfriend. The Lord worked His Word wonderfully in his heart and extended his mercy to him. Pray with us for real spiritual growth in his life and those of his family and friends.
The Gilson Wash Baptist Church Academy began the 18th of August with four students. There is one student each in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8. The Academy collects Campbell labels as well as Box Tops for Education if you would like to help. The labels can be sent to us at the Globe address and we will see that they get to the school.
Personal news to update is that David continues to improve although at a much slower pace now. He is able to walk down steps forward and bending and stooping down are much easier. We are anticipating the time when he has better balance and a steadier gait. Thank you so much for your continued prayers for him.
We would like to ask you to also pray for the Kevin Barthels. They are in the process of planning their move to Globe and taking the pastorate at Gilson Wash.
In His love and ours,
Dave and Becky DeFord
There is much to update you with this month. We begin first with news of IBIMI. In January 2007 we wrote of our intentions of establishing a scholarship fund of some kind to assist our missionary families’ children as well as qualified native young people in their quest of biblical Christian college studies. There have been several memorial gifts given to the Mission that we wanted to use in this way. At our annual board meeting this year we were excited to see this idea come to fruition. Three of IBIMI families have Bible college freshmen eligible for this fund. It was a blessing to be able to designate each of these young people a $500 scholarship for their second semester studies. We are trusting this can be multiplied over and over again as the Lord provides the finances. Dr. Jerry Tetreau, chancellor of International Baptist College in Tempe, did an outstanding job as our principle speaker this year at the retreat.
Another blessing of the board meeting this year was to see Steve (our youngest son) take the responsibilities of Director and President of IBIMI effective January 1, 2009. We are not and have no plans to ‘retire’, and plan to remain active on the executive board but we do see the need to pass the responsibilities and directing of a growing ministry to a younger generation. It is a special blessing to us personally to see the board heartily elect Steve into this position.
Church ministry includes the rededication of a young Navajo man this past Sunday. He was saved in his younger years in
The
Personal news to update is that David continues to improve although at a much slower pace now. He is able to walk down steps forward and bending and stooping down are much easier. We are anticipating the time when he has better balance and a steadier gait. Thank you so much for your continued prayers for him.
We would like to ask you to also pray for the
In His love and ours,
Dave and Becky DeFord
