January 2015

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Greetings, in the name of our Lord.

Thirty, twenty, ten; It sounds like the snap count for a football game. In reality, it is what we here at VFCM are celebrating in 2015. Thirty years of broadcasting the Gospel in Nenana, twenty years in Bethel, and ten years in Big Lake. Praise be to God!

Interestingly, the word "broadcasting" is actually an agricultural term originally referring to the broad arc in which a sower casts seeds over the prepared ground. The imagery our Lord uses of the sower spreading the Word of God like seeds is strikingly similar to our modern day concept of "broadcasting".

While we won't truly know until we get to heaven the full impact of these "broadcasts" on those within the range of our signals, we are encouraged by God's Word that says: " So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11"

As this new year lies before us, we are seeking God's direction as to how we can not only plant the "seeds", but tend the fields as well. We are exploring the possibility of partnering with several churches to help organize a direct ministry outreach in the villages where we have an FM translator. There are some exciting opportunities to expand upon the radio in several of these places.

As well, we are encouraged that two more couples have made application and expressed interest in serving with us full time. One is coming up to spend the month of February with us, the other will be visiting in April. Please pray that God will confirm His call to them, and that He will quickly provide them the support needed to serve. We also have a couple already here in Alaska who are raising funds to support them serving full time. Pray that God will provide the necessary funds to allow them to fully devote their time to the work. Each of us are currently doing the work of several people so it is encouraging to see that God is sending reinforcements.

The word of our Lord in Matthew 9 reads, again with agricultural imagery; Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Thank you so much for your prayers and generous support. Your partnership with us is having an eternal impact in the lives of rural and Native Alaskans.

Art Thompson
VFCM Executive Director.