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As I write this letter I also think ahead to this New Year. I thank the Lord for each of you who willingly serve the Lord in a world where the vast majority reject Him and yet your steadfastness and faithfulness speak volumes. Going through all the government hassles, culture adjustments, living conditions, and ministry disappointments can be very heavy at times. And yet, it is incredible how the Lord lifts you up, takes you and uses you to reach people, disciple them, and start new Bible studies and churches in places where one would have never imagined it could happen. Thank you for doing what you do. You are making an eternal difference in lives all around you. I look forward to hearing of the many great things God will do through you this next year.

Several years ago, my wife, Pam, read about an organization that was working with teachers who were educating students cross-culturally. This was of interest to her since her background is in Elementary Education. Having been a missionary, and now working with missionaries, she wanted to be able to help others with their education issues. Pam recently completed nine online courses through PACE—the Professional Association of Cross-Cultural Consultants in Education. These courses included a three-part Introduction to Education Consulting in Cross-Cultural Settings, Special Educational Needs, Interpersonal Skills for Consulting and Teamwork, Educational Planning, Child Development and Early Learning, Basics of Home Education, and Multilingualism Issues. As Pam has been learning, she has been sharing these materials in her Candidate School classes. Realizing that all children, families and situations are different can be challenging. Pam hopes to help missionary families with questions, issues, or options as they relate to their children’s education.

The following are some things to think about in case of emergencies that might come up. One of our missionaries recently shared these with me.

• The husband knew where the hospital was located and what roads to take but the wife did not. Perhaps have a map or directions loaded on your phone.

• Consider having a cardiologist or primary doctor in your country of service. Emergencies do happen on the field and it would be good to have some contact with a physician.

• Have the Mission Office contact information written down somewhere. Fortunately, the husband was conscious enough to give it to his wife during the emergency. This will enable the Mission Office to help with the medical plan, hospital, etc.

• If you feel like God has placed someone on your heart, pray for them. Many have said they were praying for our missionary even before the word was out that he was having a heart attack. Prayer really works!

• Make sure you have a good working relationship or at least some contact information with other missionaries and national leadership on the field who can help in time of need. Peggy Disney was a huge help to Wendy Solomon when Joel was having his heart attack. Peggy arrived to help at the hospital in a few minutes and helped with the admission process. A national pastor also helped in this time of emergency.

The month of January is named after a Roman false god Janus. It is shown as having two faces: One looking back and one looking forward. Many times, it has one face of sorrow, confusion and disappointment. The other one, looking forward, has a face of hope and confidence.

During the last week of December, newscasters often look back at the significant events of the past year – the triumphs and failures of prominent people, natural disasters, economic challenges, and the deaths of celebrities and leaders. The most surprising events usually receive top billing.

If you reviewed and made a list of the past year of your life, what would appear on that list? Has an unexpected event caused you a lot of grief and frustration or caused you to draw closer to the Lord? What has this past year been like for you? I know for some it has been a year of sorrow, confusion, tragedy, heartache, disappointment and even hurt. While for others it has been a happy, good, fruitful, joyful year.

When I think about this, I am reminded of Philippians 3:13-14 where Paul said we are to forget those things which are behind us.

As we look to this New Year, I know it is nearly impossible to erase the bad memories of last year. However, this verse means we must no longer be influenced by or affected by those difficulties. Isn’t it good to know that we can forget past sins, failures and heartaches? Not that we forget mentally. There are some tragedies and experiences that are not easily forgotten. However, spiritually, we cannot let those things in the past control us today. We can rise above them with the power of the Holy Spirit.

I pray you will be able to go forward this year with a renewed spirit, remembering that God is always with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. May God give you the strength and peace to make this next year one of the best ever for you, your family and your ministry.

We serve a great King!

Jon Konnerup

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