PUTMAN PONDERINGS NOVEMBER 2009 “Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” Isaiah 42:9 LIFE IN THE USA THANKS to all of you who have been praying for our time stateside! It was quite an adjustment at first, but we have gradually “settled.” Of course, we all know what that means….it’s almost time to board the plane again! Thanks for praying for Hope! She absolutely LOVES Union University! She is enjoying her classes, teachers and many new friends…and she is doing well academically! She’s already signed up for her first “Go Trip” (mission trip) to Boston in the spring. PRAY for Hope to keep God first as she seeks to follow His plan for her life. Thanks for praying for Mya! She is enjoying her small elementary school close to our mission house. She has great teachers and sweet friends…and she received straight A’s on her 1st report card! By the way, she had an amazing time at horse riding camp back in July. I think she is learning TN culture….I can tell by her accent!:) PRAY for Mya as she finishes the year in TN and prepares to return to South Africa. Thanks for praying for the parents! John and Jennifer have been so encouraged at missions conferences and speaking engagements in many of YOUR churches! We are traveling to 6 different states from Oct. to Dec. to share about what God is doing in South Africa. The really awesome part of this journey is seeing what God is doing in churches in the U.S. and exploring how we can partner together in building His kingdom! He has very clearly called out ministry partners from several churches and we are excited about what He will do in the future. PRAY for our relationships with partnering churches to be all that God intends. THANKS and GIVING The season of thankfulness and giving is upon us! We want to THANK YOU for your amazing support through prayer, giving and going! Our Southern Baptist friends are familiar with the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which is an annual opportunity to give to International Missions. 100% of this offering goes to overseas missions and it provides 50% of the budget for the IMB. We are well aware of the current economic challenges and want to applaud you for supporting over 5600 missionaries all around the world! At the same time, we must let you know that the shortfall in the LMCO last year is significantly affecting the sending of new missionaries to the field as well as making cuts to ministry budgets in 2010. PRAY with us that this year’s offering will provide for the work God wants done and all glory will be His! NEW THINGS As we prepare to return to South Africa in early January, please lift these requests to the Father… PRAY for sweet moments with family & friends these next 2 months. PRAY for strength for difficult goodbyes. PRAY for transition back to Africa & wisdom for the way forward in ministry. PRAY God’s watch care over Hope. ***Our next newsletter will be from South Africa. So, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!!!***
YOU ARE AMAZING! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! | 
