UPCOMING EVENTS

Today, November 21st……….Monte Tuttle from EEM will report and preach

Wednesday, November 24th….All classes dismissed, day before Thanksgiving

Saturday, December 4th………Workday at the building

Sunday, December 5th……….Holiday Fellowship Meal

HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP:

We are taking up a collection for a special purpose. Norma Bryan collects the money. Please, see Norma, ASAP before Sunday, December 5th.

Also, remember that we collect stuffed animals/dolls (with no loose parts, please!) for the Care-A-Van, which will comfort children, who experience difficult times in a hospital.

COOKIE TIME IS HERE!

Every year we send cookies to Cherokee Home for Children for their Holiday party. The ladies class packs them up on the last class day before year’s end, which is Wednesday, December 1st. Please bring your cookie contribution to the Fellowship Room no later than Tuesday, November 30th. Either home-made or store-bought cookies are welcome.

PEW RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN REMOVED

The elders believe we are at a point where we can use all our pews again without social distancing unless it is desired. Song books and Bibles have been returned to the auditorium pews. Thank you for your cooperation through these many difficult months of the pandemic!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

We have been informed that the booster vaccine for COVID-19 and the regular flu vaccine is readily available now for those who want it. We would also remind everyone: Please don‘t come to the assembly if you have flu-like symptoms!

All classes dismissed on Wednesday, November 24th, the day before Thanksgiving!

EASTERN EUROPEAN MISSIONS

Welcome!

Today, Sunday, November 21st, we welcome Monte Tuttle and his wife Tamaria to our assembly! Monte works with the Eastern European Mission (EEM) and he will give us a report in Bible class about the current work that is done through EEM in Europe. Monte will also preach during the worship hour. We are looking forward to his report and message.

For many years our congregation has supported the work of the Southern African Bible College (SABC) which prepares student in South Africa to share the Gospel. On Sunday, December 5th, SABC’s representative Kirk Eason will be here to make an update of their work to the congregation. Please keep this work in your thoughts and prayers. For the elders, Ken D

SABC 2021 In Review

The last couple of years have been strange all over the world: COVID shutdowns, division, riots, protesting, and political unrest seem to be the new normal. South Africa is no exception. So, do you want the good news or the bad news first?

Let’s start with the bad. Southern Africa Bible College had to shut down twice for several months during the pandemic. Students went to online learning and, even though SABC covered the cost of online access for students, it is still a difficult learning situation. Many students requested deferments until we were able to be back in person on a regular basis. Our student body has dropped over 60% in the last two years.

Second, the economic downturn associated with COVID has negatively impacted donations in South Africa, and to a lesser extent, in the US.

Third, the value of the Rand to the Dollar fluctuated by 25% this year. This caused us to increase the monthly amount sent from the US in order to for them to receive the same amount of Rand.

Now for the good. Graduates are still able to conduct Bible studies and meet with congregation members. People are still coming to Christ!

Churches are learning to reach out via internet, and many are able to meet in-person again, albeit in smaller groups.

Students have returned to in-person learning. Plans are being made for lectureship in 2022.

While several faculty members contracted COVID, it did not prove fatal to any at the college.

Finally, donors have been very generous to support the school during this time.

A more complete report and information on the school, students and graduates is coming.

Your donations and prayers during this time are really appreciated.

1. Pray for South Africa as they are still under the threat of COVID.

2. Pray for the students and faculty who face restrictions to ensure the virus does not make it to the campus.

3. Pray for the graduates who are working in the community that they will be effective in their ministry and that congregations will continue to grow and glorify God

Peace,

Kirk Eason

Director of Development – USA

Children ministered to by SABC graduates at the Noah’s Ark Outreach. You may not be an integral part of this ministry. Maybe you’ve never even heard of it before. Yet, because you support SABC you are part of all the great works led by our graduates. Thank you for your partnership. Your support is not in vain.