The Waldecker Family Update
January 2004


Date: January 13, 2004

Here are some prayer requests:

1. I will be flying to Cusco, Peru, in February. The director of Hinterland ministries in South America (Keith Powlison) invited me to meet with the Hinterland missionaries. I will be talking about a number of issues that are usually a challenge to missionaries--like the contextualization of the gospel without compromising the truth of the message. Please pray for this meeting and for the Hinterland missionaries. There is an excitement among them and the Lord is doing some amazing things.

2. With regard to my doctoral studies, comprehensive exams are in April. I expect this will be the most difficult semester. I would appreciate your prayers. I'm convinced it was your prayers that got me through last semester. Even now I'm working on some papers that are due soon. Please pray for me in this. When I look at it in light of other things it seems less significant, but I do believe the Lord has me in this program for a purpose, so I'd appreciate your prayers. I'm trying to avoid any other commitments this semester, except the one trip to Peru, so I can concentrate on finishing up the classwork.

3. The first graduate of our leadership training program in Chile will finish in March of this year. We expect he will be ordained soon thereafter. His name is Pancho. Please pray for Pancho and for the other students. The graduation ceremony will be in April (after I finish my comprehensive exams) because they want me to attend.

4. Pray for the development of a similar leadership training program in Northern Mexico.

5. When we came back from Chile we came with all four of our children. Now two are in college and the third will be starting college this fall. By the time I finish my course of study here, we'll be returning to the field with only one. (Or maybe none, depending on when she starts college and when I finish my dissertation). That will be a very big change.

6. Please continue to pray for our financial support. Our support has not been declining, thankfully, but the total amount remains low--lower than acceptable to MTW.

Thank you very much for your prayer and support.

Gary Waldecker

- January 14, 2004