Dear Partners in Ministry,
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
Monthly Support Update:
The amount continues to rise. Pacific Baptist out of Long Beach, CA and North Valley Baptist out of Escondido, CA have been added to our partnership. Praise the Lord! We are close to the 92% mark, and are continuing our goal for a January 15th departure. We feel very confident the Lord will bring in our last 8% by the first of the year.
Baby Update:
Eliana is becoming more and more beautiful by the day. Each time I see Eliana or hold her, kisses have to be given all over those chubby cheeks and smooth forehead. The change in lifestyle is definitely becoming more drastic as the days move forward. (You parents out there know what I am talking about!)
Ministry Update:
We were so blessed through our October tour in California. Starting the month at First Baptist Church of Palm Desert was an extra special joy because we visited two very good high school friends, Pastor Jason Dickey and his wife Rebecca. It was the church's first Faith Promise Missions Conference, and to see the excitement when the tally came in at over $70,000 was priceless. They also gave $2,000 toward Eliana's hospital expenses and gave items much needed for the field (so many, in fact, that the items took up half the stage). While in California we received a call from one of our supporting churches, informing us they were sending $2,000 toward whatever we needed. Needless to say, some "Bapticostal" shouting took place after that phone call. At Pacific Baptist and First Baptist Church of Long Beach, it was a special treat to see the multi-cultural ministries. God is doing a wonderful work through these pastors and members to bring many Cambodians, Filipinos, Mexicans, and Koreans to Christ.
Container Update:
Lord willing, our container of household goods, clothing, etc., will be heading to Africa the end of November. Please pray fervently that there will be no problems as it goes through the ports/customs here in America and in Africa.
On a side note, we were encouraged this week during a visit to one of our supporting churches. A lady approached and asked if I were speaking in the classrooms or chapel this year. She said her granddaughter would be disappointed to hear that I wasn't speaking this year, because last year after I spoke, she had gotten saved. When the grandmother asked who the speaker had been, she replied, "Tall and Small." (I'm tall; my wife Kristy is short. Our email address at the time was "tallntiny." What a blessing when the Lord allows us to see how the Holy Spirit has worked in lives!
In His Service,
Tony & Kristy Applegate
tony@theapplegates.net / kris@theapplegates.net