December 8: DeckerUpdate

Dear friends and family,

"What hope we hold this starlit night,
a King is born in Bethlehem.
Our journey long, we seek the light
that leads to the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
God incarnate here to dwell.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
Praise His name Emmanuel!" (from Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship by Chris Tomlin.)

This Advent season we are thankful to rejoice in the hallowed manger ground where Jesus came to dwell among men. Because of His life, and death on our behalf, we can appreciate the joy of Christmas now as well as the joy of eternal life with Him!


The season has finally changed here in Dakar and we are enjoying cooler temps and less humidity. We are thankful for the opportunities we have to be part of SIM's Western Africa Area regional leadership team, as well as for day-to-day involvement in the lives of MK's and international students at Dakar Academy.

These past weeks have included ministry and fun activities, such as Dave and Jacob's participation in an outreach with the senior class, Turkey Bowl and Thanksgiving. Our annual council meeting with leaders from Guinea, Senegal, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire was held in early November, with the many accompanying discussions and decisions.

We are now enjoying the Advent season, anticipating Joey's visit in a few weeks, and the celebration of Christmas.

Family update
Danny will graduate from college (with a finance major) next week! We are so thankful for his hard work, and pray that he will be able to find a good job even in these difficult times.

Joey will graduate in May. After his graduation, he will enter Naval Officer Candidate school before our return to the States. We are looking forward to spending time with him over the three weeks of his Christmas break, and then will see him again at his graduation from OCS. Please continue to pray for him as he moves forward in this direction that he believes is God's leading for him.

Jacob has submitted two college applications, has been accepted by one and is waiting to hear from the second. Please pray for him as he waits on God's direction for his future. It's been a joy to us to watch him maturing in this his senior year of high school, as he continues his hard work in three AP classes, as well as drumming on worship teams and participating with his class as their treasurer.

Financial Update
Our support came in at about 92% for the fiscal year which ended September 30. SIM transferred money from some of our other accounts (ministry and housing) to cover it so we ended up ok for the year, though some have had to stop giving due to difficult financial circumstances. We have a need of new monthly partners and/or those who would be able to increase their monthly giving, as well as one-time gifts to our ministry account.

This seems a bit daunting until we recognize once again that it is GOD who provides for all of our needs, and He will continue to do so. Please pray with us for His provision. For those who'd like to be part of providing these needs, here's a link to online giving.

Future Update
In January, Dave will travel again to spend time in Liberia, to help with a financial audit there. He continues to provide support and leadership to the team there, who are working through transitions in leadership. Please pray for SIM-Liberia in their partnership with ELWA ministries, and the church partnership with the Evangelical Churches Union of Liberia. We see God's hand at work as well as challenges and difficulties.

We anticipate being here in Senegal until 11th of June. From that time, we'll spend a few days in Charlotte, NC at our mission home office, and then head up to MN for a six month home assignment. We are praying for God's direction as to what comes after that. We are sensing a need to provide a home base for a few years for our sons, and are trusting that God will continue to clarify the plans He has for us. One possibility is that we would re-locate in Charlotte in January 2011, to continue working with SIM in the U.S. office. We'll keep you posted as plans develop, and we'll appreciate your continued prayers for our future!

We are thankful for your prayers for us, for your encouragement, for your financial partnership, and your presence in our lives.

With Advent love to you all,
Mary
for the DakarDeckers