Pastors, Church Families, Friends and Family,

As critical key to being a good missionary, preacher, pastor or Christian in general is learning to die to ourselves. When one of the early missionaries went to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.”” To that, the missionary replied, “We died before we came here.” One of the greatest missionaries, the Apostle Paul, said of himself in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “…I die daily.” He also said of us in Colossians 3:3. “For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Oh, how we need to lift high the gospel, but die to ourselves so others might see the light of our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ!

As we remembered to die to ourselves lately, we have been privileged to see souls saved in church services after they’ve seen themselves in light of God’s Word. Amen! After preaching, I was excited to see and 11-year-old boy come forward during Children’s church to be saved at a mission conference we attended. We went to a local festival not long ago to pass out tracts while attending another conference. There God directed me to a young man who saw his need for the Savior and came to Christ. We have seen souls saved while knocking doors, too. One day just over a month ago, I was in a downtown area of a city. I saw a multitude of people gathered along the sidewalk. I sensed God’s desire for me to preach to them. I preached there and afterwards, a 43-year-old man named Robert said, “I need to be saved. I want to be saved. Will you show me how to be saved?” I sat down with this dear soul, witnessed to him and showed him God’s Word regarding repentance of sin and faith in Christ and he was born again.

It is always an encouragement to see souls rescued from Hell but it is sad to know that many are still headed there. One night we were heading back from a meeting and we were close to home. As we approached a familiar interstate junction, we saw many police car lights. I was not surprised as this area is often the sight of many automobile accidents. As we got closer, we were slowed down to one lane as we passed the scene. It was not an accident, however. As we passed under the interstate overpass, we could see the problem. It was a teenage boy on the bridge above, threatening to jump and end his life. Oh how many souls are ready to jump into hell but God has us Christians here to “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying…” as the hold hymn song says. The question is, are we doing what we are here to do?

God sent me two encouraging calls this last month. One call was from a man who wanted to visit our church. As I told him the street address in Akron, Ohio of our home church, he seemed confused. As I inquired further, I realized he was in Mexico City wanting to visit us there. Praise the Lord! God has already sent us visitors on the mission field, though we are not even there yet. I also received a call from a Christian who wanted to deliver supplies to us at our church in Mexico. Again, I had to apologize that we weren’t there yet due to deputation. The Lord is already at work there and God has others awaiting our arrival. Hallelujah!

An interesting thing happened to us last month as there was confusion about a meeting date and a pastor canceled our meeting. We decided then just to visit another church. While visiting the other church, unbeknownst to us, another missionary was to be there but didn’t show. The pastor graciously allowed me to preach in his place. The pastor and church seemed to like us and agreed to put us on their list of new missionaries to support. Glory to God!

As our country and Christians face some uncertain times ahead, we certainly see in the Bible and in recent history, God’s faithfulness. Regardless of who is in the White Hose, God is still in the church house and we need to trust Him and stay about the Father’s business.

I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for and it is to our shame that we are not more thankful. As many celebrate Christ’s birth this month and look for the beginning of a new year, we just want to thank you and God for all that has been done for us. Well, I must close. Please pray for us as we will for you. Bye for now.

Bro. Mike Wallace & Family