We always try to fill the car when the tank is half-full. That way, if there is a shortage, which happens occasionally, we will be able to move in an emergency. We have heard that you are having high prices. We are not complaining, we just thought we would let you know that prices are high here too. This receipt is for just over half a tank of regular petrol (gasoline). The current price is 29.4 per litre. The total price for 32.82 litres (8.6 gallons) was 964.91(or about $60). So, you see, we are paying almost $7 per gallon. We don’t know if that makes you feel any better about what you are paying, but we thought you might want to know.
Plans for 2027
We are commanded to say, “if the Lord wills” (James 4:15). Few of us obey that command these days. But in planning for the coming year, we certainly want to admit that none of this will happen unless the Lord wills it.
As mentioned last time, we are trying to cut back and not overwork ourselves. But here are some of the things we are considering.
Thayer has been writing articles on the Psalms for the Gospel Herald. If he continues at the current pace, the last article will be completed early in 2027. The articles will then be collected into a book. The provisional title of the book is God-Centred Praise and Prayer: Thoughts on the Psalms.
Meanwhile, he has also begun a textbook on Acts of the Apostles. Four lessons have been drafted and most of the lessons are outlined. That book also might be completed at some point in 2027 – although it would be late in the year.
In odd numbered years, we normally have tried to visit the States. The situation this time is very muddled. Harding University is supposedly hosting a workshop on African missions (July 1-4), and our presence has been requested. Thayer is also considering a Great Lakes Bible College class to be taught at Weyburn, Saskatchewan in May. But we have not been given enough details on either of these to see if they will work out.
Thayer has also been invited to visit Ghana in August. Two activities have been proposed. One might be a college class. The other would be to speak at a retreat for university students. But again, many details are lacking. And it is not like Ghana is close to Eswatini. Both are in Africa, it is true, but the distance is greater than the distance between Panama City and Montreal (and crosses more borders).
These are things we are considering. We cannot do them all. Join us in prayer about what will be of most value.
Agriculture
While those of you living in the northern hemisphere are moving into winter, we are heading into summer. Summer is our rainy season. The predictions for this summer are dire. Higher temperatures than usual along with less rainfall than usual mean that there will be a danger of drought. It seems that El Nino is to blame. This poses a serious problem for the agriculture project in Timbutini. Timbutini is usually drier than other parts of the country in a good year, so crop failure this summer is a definite possibility.
Due to the expense involved, there is a question of whether it would be better to forego planting a crop this summer. Please join us in prayer for wisdom in this decision. Also continue to pray that a long-term solution to the water problem for the project can be put in place. It seems as if drilling a well and putting in a solar operated pump might be the best solution, but that is very costly. We want to make the best possible use of the money the Lord provides. Pray for guidance in these matters.
African Textbook Ministry, %Church of Christ, 5130 Flanders Road, Toledo OH, 43623