February 7, 2003

Dear Friends,

Praise items

Praise for an excellent final Group 1 meeting January 13-15. In spite of cold weather, we had 75 adults and children old enough to learn, plus a dozen pre-schoolers. They identified with the story of the man born blind who faced taunts on his way to wash, criticism by religious leaders, no support from his family, and finally excommunication from his community because of his new-found faith in Jesus. Many of them are facing these trials daily. We felt they were unusually responsive knowing the Center was about to close. It has given them a new appreciation of the fellowship here.

George and Gail McBane were here January 16-31 with instructions to close the New Life Center and turn over everything, even literacy materials, teaching aids, audio visual cassettes, videos—the "intellectual products" of their ministry prepared over the years. Two men were sent from Sahiwal to be present the whole time and make sure this was done. Praise that these men love the Lord, hated to see the work closed, and were as helpful as they could be under the circumstances.

Praise for the time of close fellowship and shared sorrow at Workers Meeting, January 19-21. We had a prayer walk all through the New Life Center. Lining up at arms length along one compound wall, we walked prayerfully forward in a line about ten yards, stopped for prayer in groups of five, sang a chorus and walked on claiming the land for God's glory and the growth of His kingdom. Our line stretched half the length of the wall so we covered the whole compound in one round trip. We believe the Lord will be glorified and will protect the Center from being misused. The workers shared what God has been teaching them through this trial. They expressed great gratitude for all they had learned over the years and pledged themselves to continue serving the Lord in the future as He leads.

The McBanes had been able to bring from the mission in the United States the workers' three-month severance pay, and their savings and retirement funds to help them over the lean days ahead. They were very grateful for this, as the literacy workers, Bible women and elementary school teachers who were terminated on December 31 in Sahiwal, had not yet received these promised funds. Pray that they will, as many have served faithfully for years and were counting on this for their retirement.

We ended with a meaningful Communion service in the beautiful little tribal-style round chapel. Many tears were shed, but there was also a spirit of faith and determination to follow Jesus no matter what the future holds.

Praise for six intercessors from six different countries who were here in Rahim Yar Khan February 3-6. In November the McBanes were able to attend a special prayer conference in South Africa. This put them in touch with thousands of Christians around the world who are praying that God will break the bonds of terrorism and violence in this land, and prepare hearts for the Prince of Peace. What a blessing to have this team of humble, experienced intercessors teach us valuable lessons in how to pray more effectively!

Praise for increased vision of what God is going to do among us. We do not believe that the closing of the New Life Center and the terminating of all the workers has come from the Holy Spirit as claimed, but we do believe that God is ultimately in charge. For some reason He did not stop this from happening as we so earnestly prayed. Praise Him for His promise "to work all things together for good to those who love Him." We anticipate new blessings, new insights, and new growth as a result of this decision.

Praise for the safe arrival by Caesarean of our 13th grandchild, Stephen Dale Stoscher, on January 15 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Ruth is making a good recovery, Stephen is adored by his parents and siblings, and we are delighted to have Dale's name carried on by a new little boy in the family.

Prayer items

Pray for the McBanes as they seek to join another mission in obedience to God's call to return to Pakistan. Pray for needed financial support and medical coverage. Pray also for new visas to be granted soon as they were told their old ones were being rescinded.

We expect to continue here at least until summer time. Pray for guidance as to how best to encourage church growth among the Meghwals and to continue teaching small groups in our limited facilities. We hope to be able to do more in-depth teaching with some of the promising young educated men.

Nicky's brother Symen Van Leeuwen is coming February 20 for five weeks to encourage the work in Tando Mohammed Khan where Dale and Nicky worked in Sindh. We plan to join him the last week of February for some days. Pray that this will be a time of fruitful ministry among villagers Dale and Nicky taught. Keep praying for Nicky, Esther, and Luke as they continue to adjust to life without husband and father. They are doing well but it isn't easy!

Sara and David Treece have finished their sojourn in a neighboring country. Their time was blessed with important contacts, good language practice and new insights. Pray for them as they return to the country in Central Asia where they were before. Pray for satisfactory housing where
they will make good friends.

Pray for Kyle and Lois Scott who have taken a study leave from their work in Bangladesh with WMPL. Kyle is working on an MA in global leadership from Fuller Seminary, done largely on the Internet—a new concept for our generation! Pray for adequate financial support for them during this interim.

Paul and Pat Stock are grateful that a young British man who grew up in Nepal is willing to help them home school their children for a few months while he waits to enter university. He is arriving February 13. Pray this will prove a blessing to all concerned.

Pray for the miracle of a peaceful and just solution in Iraq. If there is war with Iraq, pray for Christians in Muslim lands. Since many Muslims interpret this conflict as basically an assault on Islam, there is great danger of reprisals against Christians. Your prayers can make a difference.

Thanks so much for praying and for the encouraging notes many have sent us. We appreciate it so much even when we don't write a personal letter back.

In Him,

Fred and Margie Stock