March 5, 2011

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I will try to write a shorter letter than my normal ones, because I really ask that you read the attached communication from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the seminary.  It pretty much gives you the biggest news of the past couple of months—Elizabeth has been chosen to be the President of the institution, for the term of January 2011 until January 2015.   This was not a position that she was seeking, and she is humbled before the Lord with the responsibility.  We ask your prayers for the next four years of service.

Don asks for prayer also for coming results of pathology.  Wednesday he had a pea sized cancerous tumor removed from the left lower ear lobe.  The surprise was that it was attached to the cartilage of the ear.  We are waiting to see if there was invasion of the cartilage (which would mean further surgery and treatment).  A piece of the cartilage was sent to pathology along with the tumor itself.

Otherwise, we are well.  The new academic year has begun, and Don is teaching Christian Ethics and also the Social Ministry of the Church.  He is also in charge of student practical ministries and the internship year for the fifth year students.  They will finish and graduate in November 2011.  He continues as chaplain, but has a great committee to help and prayer leaders for different prayer activities throughout the week, with direct leadership only on Monday morning with faculty and staff.  He rounds out his moments with communications with foundations, and of course keeping the new president in line.

Dates we have joyously celebrated were our 35th wedding anniversary on December 27, 2010, and Don being a member of Latin America Mission for 38 years just this week.  He is not the longest serving member (nor the oldest), but his mostly white hair gets some respect.  He does beam when he is told now and then that he appears to be less than 65 years old (67 is the reality).  Physical therapy for two months has helped with a right shoulder that was ¨freezing¨ with constant pain and less movement.

We thank those of you who support our ministry with financial contributions.  Some of you have now done this for the full 38 years.  I respect your faithfulness.  Also thank you for your past, present and future prayers for what we do.  It is not possible without your prayer shield protecting us and God´s guiding as we make each decision.

In His love,

Don and Elizabeth Sendek

Continuing to serve through Latin America Mission at the University Foundation – Biblical Seminary of Colombia, Medellin, Colombia.