Dear Praying and Supporting Friends,

Dina is really getting into “kukking” (her word) with her new scissors. She will take a piece of paper and sit for a long time and just cut shapes. I was watching her one evening cut up an old wrapper and I was sure any minute she would catch either her top finger or her thumb hidden under the paper with the sharp edge of the scissors. I was cringing to watch her play quite oblivious to the danger even though we had warned her several times about the “ouchies” she will get if she cuts her finger. Under the control of the brain and with a bit of practice the right and left hands can work together with scissors and paper cutting away without worry or effort. Where I am going with all this is to share with you the wonderful and exhausting time we had last week meeting all week with several church leaders who live and minister interior. The potential for “ouchies” because the right and left hand are not working in fellowship is very great during these meetings. The mixing of language and culture barriers, and seeking to identify the meaning of something especially when it’s form is quite foreign (pun intended) is nothing short of a miracle. The great hope and confidence that we have is that Jesus Christ is our head! He brings together both the right hand and the left under His authority and leading.

The men who came out are members of tribal churches from all over the island. These men are faithful elders or deacons in their local congregations. Their desire is to have fellowship with others of like faith and ministry. This is a time for sharing challenges in ministry and praying about future ministry endeavors. It is a great privilege for us to be able to minister along side these men of faith. They are relatively unknown to the world, yet well known among the heavenly hosts. James 2:5 says, “God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith”

One of the topics we discussed was the future church planting ministry in the Jelai river area. Our prayer has been that these tribal churches would in faith seek to reach out to this area of the island. After talking and praying together there is a plan for a few of us to revisit the Jelai area and Lord willing gain a clearer sense of Gods leading for us collectively in that area. We see this as a huge step forward. Thanks to many of you who have not grown weary in your prayers for this area of the world. February of 2010 we are going to revisit the area together with some of these men. We praise the Lord, His plans are un-thwarted!

The Holiday season is very shortly upon us. Thanksgiving is just 8 days away, hope you have those turkeys in the freezer and family favorite recipes in mind. This year we’re greatly anticipating the Holidays as we will be traveling home to the States and have the opportunity to make special memories with our families. Andrea’s sister is getting married on Dec 19th and we have been encouraged to make the trip home to be there with them. It happens to be right at the Holidays so we will be enjoying our first Thanksgiving and Christmas with family in 8 years. We’re looking forward to introducing our girls to the snow in Michigan while were home as well. We’ve been reading stories about it and trying to explain it but it’s hard to imagine being cold when you live on the Equator.

We leave for the States this Sunday, the 22nd . We’ll be spending most of our time in Michigan or Indiana as we help prepare for the wedding and have Christmas. Then we will meet Tim’s sisters and families in Tennessee for a week before heading back to Indonesia the first week of January. Just 2 hours ago we had an answer to prayer that Abby’s visa paperwork was just completed in immigration. There was a question of whether it would be complete in time to all travel together, we’re VERY thankful it is!!!

Some other prayer requests would be for our health as we travel. All the talk of H1N1 has us more aware of how many sicknesses and health issues could be upon us. Please pray the Lord would keep each one of our immune systems strong and especially the flu bug away. Pray also that we could be a blessing and have some special memories with the families the Lord has given us. There are minor medical issues and immunizations that will need to happen while we’re there as well. Thanks for praying for us and rejoicing with us this Holiday season!

After His Glory,

Tim & Andrea Ullum