ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

u   To all   our friends everywhere, greetings in Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May 2006 bring you great joy and blessing as you serve Him

 u   As we had previously announced, my wife and I and son and daughter in law spent Christmas in Sierra Leone, West Africa at the annual retreat of our mission work there.  About 800 registered for the event, plus many children and youths.  Our group ministered in a total of 10 services during the 4-day event.

RAPID ADVANCE
u  In spite of the obstacles   this mission is rapidly advancing.  Eleven new churches were established in the last year, and more than that number are planned for this year.

Some of you furnished funds for the bicycle project that would send up to 100

evangelists into remote villages to start new groups of believers.  Already over 70 individuals have applied and many are already on their way to begin this ministry.

u   A recent Youth Camp was held on the campus of Faith Bible Institute with 166 campers in attendance, establishing a new record. Good progress has been made on the materials for the upcoming VBS program. You will recall that it has become necessary to produce our own materials. This is a massive task, but high quality materials are ready to go to press a month earlier than last year.

u   Meanwhile, there is an unending list of other things to keep the Petits busy long hours every day. There are calls to minister in rallies, special events, and regular services, as well as over seeing more than 40 congregations spread over 7 provinces.

u   Added to this are teaching and directing the operation of Faith Bible Institute.  Record keeping and corresponding with supporters and the mission’s office also places additional demands on their time.  Somehow they get it all done, ---and enjoy doing what God has called them to do.

Guinea

u      We have great news from the African country of Guinea!  Brother Paul Danso, who founded our mission in Ghana, felt God was leading him to Guinea to start a Free Gospel Mission there. Desiring verification of what was being done, we requested that Isaac John, Field Supervisor in Sierra Leone travel there and report to us. Brother Isaac reports that in just a few months a thriving congregation has been established, and that many healings and miracles have taken place. Thus far this work has been totally funded by the local people, but we hope to be able to provide future funding for expansion of this work.

u   This is a new development in missions where those in poverty dare to trust God to help them advance the work without always looking to the USA for financial support.
Sierra Leone is opening a mission in neighboring Liberia, as well as sending out the bicycle evangelists who receive no support from the mission. It is wonderful to see missions maturing to where they can direct their own affairs, depend less on outside, support, and complete the circle by sending out missionaries to nearby areas.

u   A pressing need has been met in India, thanks to the generous help of some who read these letters. Funds sufficient to make repairs to the mission roof have been received, and the work is progressing.

u   As we enter into a new year filled with uncertainties, we count on your continued prayers and financial support for these important overseas ministries that are fruitful and growing. We have very capable and dedicated leadership overseas. These are people of vision, energy and dedication, who are getting the job done. I have great confidence that 2006 will one of the greatest years ever for Free Gospel Missions!

Thanks for your help, and to God be the glory!

u   Having viewed first hand both the Philippine and Sierra Leone missions in 2005, I know personally the value and extent of the work being done. I have seen the amazing progress being made with the limited funding we have to work with. Many missions have much more adequate funding then we do, yet because of the integrity and dedication of our leadership and our determination to make every dollar count, we are able accomplish more with less. Our pledge to you is to maintain and redouble these efforts in 2006.

u   Thank you so very, very much for your prayers and support. This is a part of your investments in eternity. May the Lord bless you greatly and may 2006 be your best year.

Sincerely yours for the harvest,

C. H. Heath,
Director of Missions