Well, we are off and running in 2020. Just a few weeks ago, I had a great trip to South Africa visiting several of our missionary families. Unfortunately, a few were on furlough. With these trips I make I am more and more burdened with the enormous need for more missionaries. South Africa is twice the size of Texas with nearly 59 million people. This is why I am pushing the 9:38 Challenge which is patterned after Matthew 9:38 where Jesus encourages us all to pray for more laborers. I am sure you would see the same need in your country of service too.

If you normally read my monthly letter, please take a moment to let me know by a quick email response.

Pam and I are excited for February 22 when our daughter, Bethany, will be married to Elliott Duenow. He is a good, godly young man and an answer to our prayers. Thank you for all the kind notes. Please pray that the weather will be good on that day. :-)

I was reading about time recently and how ages mean different things to different people--depending on their age. The discussion can be quite interesting. My dad just turned 90 years old and often he says he wishes he could go back to being a 35-year-old missionary all over again with the wisdom he now has.

There is a man that often teaches leaders and uses something referred to as the “S Scale.” I think it is kind of interesting to consider. It goes like this:

• Teens – Selfishness
• 20’s – Survival – can I make it in an adult world?
• 30’s – Success – how high and how far can I go?
• 40’s – Struggle and Significance – we begin to ask “What can I do to be significant?”
• 50’s – Stride – you know what you are good at and you stick to it.
• 60’s – Strategic – energy begins to decline but there is still a lot to give and one must be strategic about how to give it.
• 70’s – Succession – passing things on.
• 80’s – Slippery – you are concerned about “life’s ice” – you know you will begin to slip as others slip around you.
• 90’s – Sleep – you want to go to sleep at night, and not wake up – you want an easy way “out.”

This may not be totally accurate for everyone, but it is interesting. Nevertheless, it is a good reminder that we all mature and life changes as we get older. At the end of every year, many set aside time to think through the past year and give it to the Lord. Then, we consider what is ahead. Oftentimes, we set goals and think about accomplishments to be made in the ministry this next year. I have found that leadership comes with a lot of effort and evaluation of your life and ministry. The most important thing is to seek God’s will and way for your ministry and then go for it. That takes some effort and time away with Him and from the crowds of people.

I can’t wait to see and hear what God does through you and your ministries this new year – no matter where you are on the “S Scale.” I pray God gives you much fruit for your labors and wisdom as you follow His will in your life. It is exciting to serve our Lord and Savior – isn’t it?

Your friend,

Jon Konnerup