DECEMBER 2007

Dear Praying Friends,
The time seems to have flown since our last letter, and we have had some busy and blessed weeks. We trust you had a praise-filled Thanksgiving and are in the midst of a Christ-honoring Christmas season.
Let us give you a brief summary of recent activities. On November 17th we had the second wedding at the church here. Michel, who is saved and has been attending faithfully for several months, married the woman he had been living with for several years. Cindy made a profession of faith after some Bible studies with Linda. With the help of co-workers Paul and Glenda Stetson we were able to plan and prepare a Christ-honoring ceremony. Most if not all of the family and friends who came are unsaved, so it was an excellent opportunity to present the Gospel. Then on Thanksgiving Day we had 16 American and French believers for a big traditional Thanksgiving meal. Everybody enjoyed the food and fellowship and the time of praise. The following weekend found us in Germany enjoying fellowship with around 50 European missionary families at a Christmas banquet at an American military church. This is an annual ministry of love to honor those of us who are far from home and family for the Lord’s work. We were deeply honored and encouraged by the outpouring of love and generosity, plus the excellent messages of Dr. Paul Chappell. Lastly, we had our Christmas "musical evening" on Dec. 8, again with the precious aid of the Stetsons. The program went very well and seemed to be appreciated by all. Several folks from 4 churches and a small Bible institute participated in the musical portion and a young Bible institute student brought the message. There were some first-time visitors and some "repeat" visitors, so we were happy to be able to once again present the Gospel to needy souls. Besides all these activities, we have been continuing the market and mailbox distributions of Gospel portions, tracts, and pocket calendars. The Stetsons are heading up this ministry and some of the folks in the church are helping from time to time. Please pray that the folks who receive the literature, those who are contacted personally and those who attended the recent events will take to heart the message of God’s Word and will open their hearts to His saving grace.
We have some good news to announce : our daughter Debbie gave birth to a HEALTHY baby girl on Nov. 27. Naomi Joy Davis weighed 5 lbs., 9 oz. and was 18 in. long. Mother and baby are doing well. If you recall, the ultrasounds indicated the possiblility of a serious condition which could have been physically and mentally handicapping. We praise the Lord that He gave the grace for Debbie and Jim to experience and express unquestioning trust in the Lord’s will and goodness during the months of uncertainty. Also in the line of family news, Lord willing we will have the joy of a visit from our son Dan for Christmas.
Clare remains quite busy with the continuing work on the Ostervald Bible project, putting on the final touches before the next (long-overdue) printing which we hope will take place soon. Please continue to pray for the wisdom and provision needed for this project. These Bibles are used and greatly appreciated in several French-speaking countries. (If you would like to participate financially in this project, please send your gift to Maranatha Baptist Mission and label it for the French Bible project.) Linda keeps busy with several individual visits and Bible studies with ladies and her volunteer hospital visits to elderly and terminally ill patients. Several translating projects await both of us in 2008. We appreciate your prayers for every aspect of the ministry here. We need the Lord’s strength, wisdom and grace if we are to accomplish anything of eternal value here.
May you experience the Lord’s richest blessings as you honor Him this season and throughout the New Year. Know that your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated. We thank the Lord for your faithfulness which is a reflection of His unfailing faithfulness to His own. A special thank you to those who sent birthday or Christmas cards/gifts. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Clare and Linda Baughman