CHAMPLIN'S RECENT PRAYER LETTER:

I AM COME - - “a LIGHT into the world.” John 12:46 ... “that they might have LIFE.” John 10:10 ... “the LAMB of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

Dear Ones in Christ,

Again it’s that time of year that lilts;- “CHRISTMAS” and our thoughts go back over the 2000 and more years when Christ came. Yes, He came! He came, as John 1:11 & 12 tells us to be received, and those who do are received into His family and become sons of God. We are so thankful we have - Darrell at age 9 and Louise at 6. Christ was born into the humanfamily that we might be born into the heavenly one. What a marvel is Christmas as we consider Deity clothed in flesh full of grace and truth. We do well to pause and ponder His coming; the plan, purpose and provision for all people. God’s GIFT of gifts that brought such wonder and worship at His birth and still extended today.

As we consider the reason for Christ’s coming, the tragic factor of sin and how it has dominated the scene since the Garden of Eden, we can only bow in awe at our marvelous deliverance from that curse of death. How wonderful to hear the angel announcement;- “Good tidings of great JOY - a Saviour is born - PEACE!” What do we do with this amazing message? The shepherds immediately picked up on their responsibility and became “proclaimers.”  Today it is up to us to “make known abroad” what we have seen and heard as it has come down to us over the centuries. We too should be “glorifying and praising God,” as well as being His witnesses.

Another year as ambassadors of Christ is certainly cause for PRAISE. That we could continue now for 55 years is somethingwe are very thankful for. What it has meant in a harvest of souls coming to Christ and His church being built in both Congo, Africa and here in Suriname, South America, is surely the good hand of God’s blessing. Of course we are much aware of your part with us - fellow workers for the furtherance of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul so frequently spoke of this in his communications with those who labored with him. “We are bound to THANK God always for you, brethren, as it is meet,” he says in II Thess 1:3, and adds “making mention of you in our prayers” I Thess. 1:2. This is surely an integral part of being witnesses unto the uttermost parts. We are grateful for your unceasing prayers in our behalf as well as the regular monthly giving that keeps us able to move forward here. Trying times may test us, but our trust is in God.

A simple request in our last letter was made for funds to replace our smashed transportation boat for the church at Poeketi. Your response caused so much thanksgiving to God! Not only was that need met, but also enough funds came in for our Manlobbi Church. They were in the same situation, but we didn’t want to seem burdensome to you and so didn’t mention the second one. God knew and laid it on willing hearts. Our two preachers, Setoe and Timo, with their congregations are rejoicing in your supply for them. “O Lord my God, how great Thou art!” 

And now for more personal news. God has watched over us through the years as a family and we recognize His grace and goodness to us with both the Champlin and Grings. Louise’s oldest brother Bob is still out in the Congo at age 88. He still rides his bicycle to teach Bible classes and travel the jungle trails. His son Dan and family are there with him as well as daughter Becky and her husband. Other members serve elsewhere in Africa and there are great grandchildren as well. Youngest brother Mark at 77 was called Home to Glory in June.  Wyla stays on in South Africa with daughter Esther and her family to keep the church and radio ministry going. Sister Bessie and her husband also help with that. It’s good to have four Champlin units here in Suriname to continue the ministry. Please pray for older grandchildren in the States in Bible College, and our daughter Debbie with the direction God has for her. Darrell’s brother Russell and wife continue their Bible encyclopedia literary work and publications in Brazil. Son Charles and wife work with Indian people. Their family is divided - two with them and two in the US. An abbreviated paragraph but we hope it will give an idea of for whom to pray and give thanks in our on going service.

As we close let us join hearts in commitment for 2009.

“We want to be faithful, we want to be true, We want to be faithful in all that we do; We want to be faithful through every day. We want to be faithful in walking His way.”

Looking for His COME-ing again,

Darrell & Louise