Don and Elizabeth Sendek Newsletter Feb 2009

Elizabeth and I are thankful for the Christmas break, as we were able to have two weeks of vacation in Colombia. The Lord truly saw what we did and accompanied us each day. We were one week in Bogota with Elizabeth's family and many friends for Christmas, our 33rd wedding anniversary, my mother-in-law's 84th birthday and fun, relaxing times. Then we went to Armenia, where we were cared for at a friend's country home. Several couples from our years in student ministry entertained us. Food, laughs and catching up were enjoyed.

I would like to say that our health is perfect, but I think our years are showing. A sciatic nerve flare-up made me remember my finitude. What pain! But I still trust that we can serve for several more years.

As some would say, we are "back in the saddle" and with plenty of work as we begin the new academic year. Our first year students (24 new students) have been here for a week in orientation, and other students are returning, as we have the special seminar on Friday night and all day Saturday. The topic, "The Church and the Signs of the Times", will look at both religious and political signs. Regular classes begin on Tuesday, February 10.

Elizabeth has finished one half of her three-year term as academic dean, and she loves the work. She is presently working on the second edition of her Greek textbook. She is pleased to have served many with the first five hundred copies of the first edition. They were not expected to sell out so quickly.

Don is looking forward to teaching two classes again, Introduction to the Social Sciences and Social Ministry of the Church. He will also continue as coordinator of scholarships. With much joy he finished his interim time as Dean of Students. Now he takes on the direction of a student mission outreach. Next Monday he will dive into this more fully. Pray that he will work well with students who are willing to help. They have the experience having participated in previous years.

In the present economic crisis around the world, we pray as we hear of each one who has lost their job or faces other doubts about the future. We did receive the money mentioned in my November 2009 letter so were able to pay ALL BILLS and end the year. The last day of the office being opened we heard from the bank of the second grant, so the accounting staff returned to pay salaries before Christmas. God is faithful. The foundation that have helped so much with scholarships were only able to send one fifth of last years amount. Yet fifteen students were assisted with something. They were each VERY thankful and faithfully pray for those responsible in this foundation. We know that we are not the only ones who were expecting this funding.

Now we have the responsibility to control spending and stretch resources while working to take advantage of new opportunities to serve the Church in partnership with other organizations. These are new windows of service that I will write about as we formalize plans with each entity. We have received the first installment of money to finance a research project, looking at the impact of formal seminary training. Pray that wise decisions will be made, and that we will continue to have strength to carry out the tasks.

Continue to pray:

For the new year and its challenges, both academic, financial, spiritual and relational.

For finances to continue this year at the seminary, for the institution and for the students who come depending on the Lord's provision through their churches, family and friends.

You have probably heard that more kidnapped Colombians have been released. Pray that this will be a giant step forward for more releases and peace in the near future.

May our Lord give each of you a wonderful year, close to Him.

Don and Elizabeth Sendek
Serving with Latin America Mission at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia
Medellin, Colombia