Dear Friends,

It has been much too long since we last wrote, but much has happened. We are still here in Lilongwe, Malawi and we are doing well. You may have heard, but the IMB is currently going through another reorganization. Right now, Jeff is not sure what he will be doing in the near future. We are waiting to find out. Please be in prayer for us as we patiently wait on the Lord's leadership in our lives and on the reorganization process in the IMB.

Family News. Our three daughters are all doing well. Samantha is in her senior year at R.V.A. She does not yet know which university she will attend next year, but does know it will be in TEXAS. Amy is a sophomore at Texas A&M and loves being an AGGIE. Gig 'em. She is majoring in International Studies. Elizabeth graduated last May from UT Austin with a degree in Chemistry. She loves, by the way, being a Longhorn! Hook'em Horns! She is now in Senegal, Africa, for the next two years as a Journeyman missionary with the International Mission Board. She is working in community development. The Journeyman program is a two-year missionary program with the IMB for young adults who have finished college.

Mary is finding ways to be involved in ministry here in Lilongwe. She is teaching first year students at the seminary right now, until February 19th.
There are 11 men and 1 woman in the class. They are from all parts of Malawi and are from various backgrounds. The one, female student was married to a pastor for 30 years before he died last year. Now she wants to be trained to continue ministering in her village. She wrote in her English journal that she has a burden to teach the old men and women in her village to read. This helps them to read the Bible. A few years ago, a missionary named Steve Baker developed a literacy program in the Chewa language. This program has helped many people to learn to read AND, since it uses the Bible in the material, has also led many people to Christ. Another student told of how he asked Christ into his life and then led all 7 of his family members to also be saved. Mary has been inspired by these students in the 10 days that she has been teaching them.

Jeff continues working with our missionaries leading them to make ministry plans. These plans help to make sure that every person in their work area has the chance to hear the Gospel. One blessing that comes with this job is hearing what God is doing in our area. One missionary meets with young professional women at night, studying God's Word with them, another travels, encouraging the 12 Bible Schools that meet all over Malawi.
Jeff continues to communicate with those interested in coming to Malawi as missionaries. We have several job requests that need to be filled. How great would it be to have more people coming to this land that is so open to hearing the gospel.

As you heard some of this, maybe your heart has been touched already as to how to pray. We know that without your prayers we could not make it many days. Please know that we do appreciate you praying for us.

Things to pray about:
1. Sam, in her senior year. For God's will in where she should go to school. Pray for her to make good decisions each day. Pray that she would seek the Lord with all of her heart.
2. Amy - that God would bless her as she is a prayer leader in the college ministry from her church. Pray that she will be strong in her faith, be disciplined, and keep her eyes on the Lord.
3. Elizabeth - good adjustment to life in Senegal. Pray that she will be strong, be encouraged, and be a solid Christian witness in her town where there are very few Christians.
4. Mary & Jeff - stay close to the Lord each day. Be ready always to share our faith with those we come in contact each day.
5. For people to come and join us to help people in this part of the world to know the joy and peace that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Thank you for being our prayer partners. Please write us. We love hearing from you!

Blessings,

Mary & Jeff Polglase