Dear ones,
 
THANK YOU so much for praying! God has been pleased to answer as will bring him most praise. Conversations have continued opening on the side walks of abortion clinics (even getting to speak with more of the workers!). There is both much joy and sorrow in this. You can read a couple stories in the letter attached, as well as an update from Sudan.
 
God has also now opened a door to RETURN to South Africa, where I pray to be based for the next few years. I'm scheduled to fly out at the beginning of the year, in time to help with Frontline's weeklong Biblical Worldview Summit.
 
With plans now more firmly on the horizon, I will be working to finish raising SUPPORT for my time overseas. If you would like to contribute toward this, there are some details below in how to do so. (And please let me know if so, for planning. Thanks!)
 
Immanuel! Praise His name!
Dan

Much worth can be gained in a study of the field—ants about their work, birds in joyous praise, flowers robed in all the spectrum, grass reaching to its Maker. The springtime across the Northern half of the globe sends such sweet reminders of the beauty of our God in this his footstool. Take courage in his providence, which takes time to work a blade of grass from darkness toward the sunlight, which shoots out some plants’ seeds only through fire, which sprouts new life from beds of decay. He may at times so work with you. ​

National Day of Prayer
The nations, however, still think it more fruitful to set this same footstool on the throne— demote the king, deify his creation, calling the shots themselves by whatever seems right at the time. California lawmakers, reconvening this week after nearly 2 months’ recess, are to decide whether certain sickening bills are to pass (namely regarding the gender revolt & abortion).  As believers across America come together before the throne, praise God that he is exalted over all. Pray that this vain plotting would be dashed in pieces. Pray that he would turn stony hearts to himself, just as he has kindled your own heart in his warmth. Turn from any sin entangling you, & look at the brightness of his face. He is worthy! ​

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves,  so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matt 10) 
 
Consider this call given to those who shared the dust of Christ’s trail. Their little pep talk here entailed the expectation of sentencing, flogging, dragging, death, hatred, persecution, flight! Why send them so? What comfort was in that? (1) To bear witness. (2) So walked their teacher.  (3) They were worth more than many sparrows, which he faithfully cares for—so no worries!     A “problem-free philosophy for the rest o’ your days” would we only trust what Christ has said. Think not lightly on your salvation. Think no less on Him who sends out sheep among wolves. ​

​“Awake, O sleeper, & arise from the dead, & Christ will shine on you!” -Eph 5:14 
As fun as it may be to employ this line as a lively    wake-up call alongside the first glimmers of dawn, the truth that this same picture illustrates (drawn from Isaiah’s own palette) is worthy of tireless thanks. Those groping in sin’s dark abyss, groaning as doves, growling as bears—no hope of salvation in that midnight crowd—it was on them that God would shine his salvation, wearing it as a helmet, and righteousness as a breastplate. O glory! that he commands us to glow with his own radiance, let alone that he clothes us in his very garments of salvation. 

Launching into 2020 
The year began quite promptly with FF’s annual 3-week training course; in fact I spent New Year’s Eve on the flight down. It was a joy to share on a variety of Bible & missions topics, and hear from others how God is working in them—mostly high school & college students this year, with a handful of older & younger folk. The days were rather full, from PE at 6:30 each morning, until lights out at 11pm—lectures & singing, discussion & prayer, outreaches, activities, practicals, and of course a camp favorite…mealtime fellowship. Thank you for praying for this course. I had many conversations with people who were well challenged and encouraged through it—echoing my own gratitude for the time to learn alongside them & worship together with them. Praise God! ​

“And the word of God continued to spread!”
(Acts 6:7, etc)

It was spoken at the foundation of the world…it was seen in the flesh in the person of Christ
…and by God’s grace it continues to spread today.

Bibles into Nuba Mountains!
A couple months ago, a few of our brothers made it into the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, where they were able to personally distribute 32,000 Bibles and 43,000 The Story of Jesus Christ picture books. These are now being used by the local schools to teach English! Praise God! The team’s reports can be found at www.frontlinemissionsa.org/south-sudan.