Use the links to download the PDF version of the resources. Using a windows computer, right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As..", then select where you would like to save the file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view these files. If you do not have this program use the link below. It is a free download.
January 1976 Newsletter
COLOMBIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION
Dale and Jeanie Meade
San José del Guaviare in Colombia, South America
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 1976
REFLECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
In January, 1973, the first issue of the Colombian Christian Mission was published. It was mimeographed and "unpolished" to say the least. I wrote as a senior in Bible College and all "plans" would have best been described as "wishful thinking." Yet we began with a dream, a desire to serve God, and a faith that His people would see fit to meet our needs. Our support was zero, but our optimism was 100 percent. My wife and I were willing to step out on faith, but we wondered what life would hold in a strange land far from home and family.
Three full years have passed since then. Bible College, with its money worries and final exams, seems to belong to the distant past. My dreams for changing the world have been tempered with realism. Thirty doesn't seem "old" anymore. The time has gone fast. Our "marriage" has become a family. A tiny baby has become a toddler. A new addition is expected. And the Colombian Christian Mission has been upgraded.
Yet, in spite of trials and frustrations, our optimism remains. We retain a peace knowing that God cares for us. We read of troubled times and hear the rumble of coming wars; but we know that our future is secure in Christ Jesus. 1975 has come and gone so quickly. We have felt keen disappointments in this year. The growth has been offset by anti-American campaigns and a Pentecostal movement within the congregations here. Yet we have seen significant gains both in numbers and spiritual maturity. The Jobo church, which was an infant when we arrived has matured and has begun to plant new works. We have gained enough fluency in Spanish to really become helpful in the teaching and preaching.
We now look forward to and ponder what 1976 might bring. We hope and pray that it will spawn a renewed devotion in the life of each Christian. We await the good news of real growth among the "home" churches. But one main concern will always be in Latin America. We have renewed and dedicated ourselves to increasing our evangelistic efforts. We pray "that the Lord of the harvest will grant the increases."
Also, with the passing of time, our thoughts are drawn to some things that never change. The Lord's love for us and His concern for the lost most assuredly never changes. This love is reflected in the enduring concern of His people. This comes to attention especially in relation to you, as our supporters. When we came to the field we heard rumors of churches dropping support and leaving a missionary stranded. Some even urged that we get a contract guaranteeing support for a certain length of time. we did none of this and the Lord, through His people (you), has cared for us. When we left the States we had barely enough support to cover living expenses. Our actual pledged support is still quite low. But the generosity of you, as financial backers, has been astounding. We have never received a "short" salary. Every material needed, whether personal or work related has been met.
We can only say "thanks, may the Lord bless" and trust that He will repay. In the coming year we are looking forward to a continued good working relationship with you as supporters. If you have any questions, please feel free to write. If you have no questions, write anyway and let us know how things are going with the "mission work" in your home town. we shall close this issue and introduce the new year with what has become our motto: "Praise Him from whom all blessing flow."