Greetings from Alask… er, I mean … South Carolina! December 2008

Although our bodies are on furlough in the lower-48, our hearts are still in Alaska as we perform the vital role of a missionary. Updating folks “and shew how great things God hath done”, getting reacquainted, and sharing the great need for missionaries in Alaska is a crucial part of the ministry. Yet, we dearly miss those who our Lord has called us to serve.

With only 2 months left of our 6 month furlough, we have about 20 churches left to update. It is always a challenge to get the schedules of churches to match up with ours, so we would appreciate your prayers on this matter. We have churches scattered from Maine to Florida to Missouri to Ontario and many places between. If all continues to go as well as the 30 churches we have been in, our time will be well spent.

We are receiving good reports from back in Alaska. Bible studies are going well in Manley Hot Springs, and are being well attended. Thank you for praying for Lyman Vincent as he fills in for Earl. Brother David Youngblood and family are doing a great job keeping up with the online shopping for the ministries in the villages. This is a huge relief to the missionaries we serve. They are also taking good care of our house while we are away. This is a huge relief for us!

This time of year should naturally lend itself to a time of reflection. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holidays should cause us to reflect on God's goodness to us and cause us to make plans to serve Him in a greater way.

Our Lord has been so very good to our family. One of the greatest blessings of being a missionary is meeting and having God knit our hearts together with so many brothers and sisters in Christ across the country. There is no way of knowing this side of Heaven the impact each of you has had on our lives and the lives of those to whom we minister. Our prayer is that this will be one of your most memorable Christmases ever. Let's spend more time reflecting on The Gift to us that causes the angels to wonder, for it is certain we don't know what next year will bring.

You will be able to reach us on our cell phone while we are on furlough. Earl’s is 907.388.7253. We hope to see you all this winter. May our Lord continue to bless and meet your every need as you serve Him.

From the Malpass family, Merry Christmas.