Pastors, Church Families, Friends & Family:

As I write this letter, it is again a new year. We now have a new president in this country, but regardless of who is in the White House, God is still at work in the church house. As Christians, we just need to stay busy with the gospel and be about redeeming the time (Eph. 5:16 and Col. 4:5). Last year may have brought difficulties for some Christians and churches and probably brought success and victory for others. Regardless of what has come our way last year, we need not to look back but instead look forward. The Apostle Paul was steadfast because of a couple reasons. First, he said, “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13). Paul was always going forward with the gospel. Secondly, in spite of his present circumstances, he said in Philippians 4:11, “… I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” What a great example we have here. If we could forget the past (good or bad), be content, press forward for souls and for God’s glory; we could be all the more effective in the ministry. Amen!

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” I have always marveled at new babies as I consider the miracle of birth. What a great privilege it is to see lost sinners become born again. Nothing in this world compares to this part of the ministry although many highly esteem politicians, professional athletes, and actors as living exciting lives. Nothing, however, is more exciting than to be in BIG business, the Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Recently, as my daughter Hannah was inside an apartment complex, I led a man to the Lord outside the building. Little did I know that Hannah inside, encouraged that man’s wife to rededicate her life to the Lord. They are now both faithfully in church. Glory to God! It is a great honor that God allows us to see His hand at work changing lives for eternity.

Lately I was again invited to visit Mexico. I wanted so badly to go there but due to a full schedule (Praise the Lord!), I could not. We can’t wait to be evangelizing and planting churches in Mexico City. As we work to reach our mission field there, it is a blessing to be busy here as we reach lost souls around us. We try to do here what we will do there. We knock doors regularly, witness along the way, preach and teach the gospel, minister to the masses in public and in prison. We have also enjoyed going with other churches to nursing homes, drug rehabilitation centers and rescue missions. It is encouraging to see other churches excited too when souls get saved. Hallelujah!

As we work hard at filling up our schedule this year, it is a blessing to see our support continue to rise. Remember, missionaries do not go to the mission field, they are sent. Someone once said, “God has a world vision and we have a limited vision. The more we resemble Him, the greater our vision.” Of course, Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” It is vitally important for churches and Christians to realize the need to be serious about reaching their communities and sending missionaries around the world. Souls are perishing at an alarming rate and our prayer should always be, ‘Lord, give us Your vision.”

In closing, Mary and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in December. I also celebrated my 20 year ‘new birth’ birthday last year. God has been so good! Well, I must close. Please pray for us as we pray for you. Bye for now.

Bro. Mike Wallace & Family