In my last prayer letter, I mentioned about an opportunity I have to help a national pastor, as he and his church are reaching the Mangyan tribes on the island of Mindoro. Pastor Israel and his wife (a lady trained years ago in our church) have made tremendous progress in the past few months laying a foundation with a church they have adopted. A group had a building with a pastor, but they are under no authority of a sending church. After carefully vetting the pastor, who had never been ordained or even baptized, they held a Commissioning Service, and through him, they have met four other pastors.

None of these men have had any formal training, so our goal is to teach them through a Bible college we have started in this first church. It will be challenging because they are about four hours away from Pastor Israel’s main church. He travels there once a month for three to four days to teach the church members. Many are understanding salvation, and the five pastors then come one week a month to train and observe Pastor Israel’s church. His challenge is the cost of travel for him and the pastors and then housing and feeding them when they come for training. We are undertaking this expense and could use help if God so leads you.

My health has improved somewhat, and my heart rate has stabilized, so there is no need for a pacemaker at this time. I have also been getting some special treatment for my neuropathy. Thanks for praying for me.

We are excited for the new year as it approaches and the opportunities it affords as we seek to reach Asia and work with the national pastors God has allowed us to partner with. None of this would be possible without your continued financial support and prayers, and for this we are truly thankful. Merry Christmas to all and a blessed and Happy New Year!

Charlie & Kay Vest