Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and want to wish you a very Happy New Year! We pray that you will experience God’s richest blessings during 2024!!
As we shared in our last update, EE-Brazil more than met its 2023 goals, exceeding the number of training events that were projected, i.e., thirty-six vs. forty-one conducted. An Action Plan for 2024 was presented at the October Board of Directors meeting, but we had only nine months of 2023 data at that time. In the coming days, we will take another look at 2024 and adjust training event projections upward…to the mid 50s range, I anticipate. Please pray for this process of refining our 2024 goals!
I mentioned in our pre-Christmas newsletter that I would be trying to complete a project during the holidays and before year’s end. Yesterday, I sent my review and correction of the translation of a training manual dealing with how to give a reasonable answer to an “honest skeptic.” The material has at its core the following verses: “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:14b,15) Here is a brief excerpt from the English text:
“How might we respond to people who raise a question or objection? Our primary task is to be a witness not a scholar. Also, some questions are sincere; others are really about something else, something deeper or are perhaps merely smoke screens. Millions have trusted Christ without raising questions or objections, yet 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to be ready and be respectful.
Witnessing Tip
Remember, it is the Gospel itself, not our clever answers or persuasion, that is the “power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Therefore, our goal is to deal with an objection as simply and gently as possible and then continue sharing the powerful Gospel message.”
We begin each new year with expectation, and 2024 will be no exception! Seeing God’s people equipped to explain the Gospel and to train others to explain it, too, is what motivates us! Therefore, your continued financial support…investment in helping us to spread the Gospel, as well as casting a vision for evangelism training in 2024 remains of utmost importance!! Please take note of some important details that follow about 2023 year-end giving:
The donation system at Be One Together indicates that $4,676 has been received thus far this month for our support. “Thank You” to everyone who has already given! We are essentially 50% of the way to the goal of $10,000 that we communicated to you earlier this month. Our December goal includes funds for our family support in the first quarter of the new year when giving will slow somewhat. In order to see the goal met, we are praying that several others will be giving in the remaining days…hours before year’s end this coming Sunday evening.
Remember: we will receive 100% of what you give, as no administrative fees are assessed by Be One Together.
Donate online up until 11:59 PM (EST), Sunday, December 31st, by clicking here. Website donations that are received/completed at midnight (EST) and after must, by determination of the IRS, be counted in 2024.
Check donations mailed to Be One Together at the address below must be postmarked on or before 12/31/2023, also by determination of the IRS, to be counted in 2023 giving. In other words, the date of the postmark, not the date on the check, is what is used to determine a 2023 tax deductible gift. IMPORTANT: Since a postmark is unlikely at most post offices on a Sunday, you should consider Saturday morning (12/30/23) as your deadline to mail a donation. Be alert to pick-up times posted on the box at your post office, or other public place. Post Offices close around midday on Saturdays. So, Saturday afternoon or evening will be too late to drop an envelope in the mail.
But secure online giving, using the link above, WILL be available to help you more easily meet the 11:59 PM (EST), Sunday, December 31st deadline by using a credit card. Still, if you prefer the mail, there are two & one-half days left to mail a check with a 2023 postmark.
We are so very grateful for your faithful support of our family and ministry during 2023!
Praying you have a very Blessed & Happy New Year!
Robert & Mary Jo Foster,
Serving Evangelism Explosion-Brazil
* Atualidades a Portuguese word that means news or up to date information. We want you to have the latest information in order to support us in prayer, as well as financially when the Lord leads/enables. Thank you!