Wishing all our friends and supporters a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Things were not quiet and peaceful “in the time of Herod…” (Luke 1:5). History tells us those were troublesome days. So God sent the Prince of Peace, and His angels spoke of peace on earth for those who believe. May His peace be yours each and every moment of this holiday season!
Linda and I have much to be thankful for as we wrap up the year and look forward to returning to Mali soon.
During our extended furlough I made several trips overseas on different AGWM assignments. Most recently I shared with Live Dead team leaders from East and West Africa during the Dakar, Senegal, Conference. We strategized together and set up action plans for greater ministry particularly among our unreached people groups.
Even as jihadists and security concerns dominate the news, we are convinced that God is calling the Church to engage Muslims now more than ever before. We should not retreat from the challenge that they represent. I wrote some articles which you can find at www.hesed.com, which address the flood of questions we’ve been getting about Islam and all that our nation is facing.
Our self-sufficiency agricultural project continues to be a positive venue for daily interaction with and ministry to Muslims. The project is steady, but we really need to be there for wider outreach, discipleship of MBBs (Muslim Background Believers), as well as the opening of the School of Hope, and more effective community development.
On the home front we rejoice in what the Lord is doing with our family: our son’s family is serving in Northern Asia; our daughter’s family is active in their local church and works with an agency in the fight against human trafficking. Linda is teaching an Adult SS class at Christian Life Center, Santa Cruz, CA, and cares for her 95 years old father.
Presently, I am trying to finish writing a Bible School course manual for pastoral care in Muslim contexts. God willing, I will speak for several days at a pastors’ conference in France in mid-January, and then head back to Mali by mid-February for our regular term of service.
Thank you for sending us back!
David (Faouzi) and Linda Arzouni
