Still praying, still waiting, still singing!

Serve the Lord with gladness, enter His presence with singing. Psalms 100:2

Since our last update we have seen the Lord continuing to encourage us in our ministry here. We have been contacted and have submitted the additional requested documents to further process our paperwork. Now we are awaiting further contact, after paying the latest fees, to authorize our current status to change to resident from worker. There will be additional tasks, like getting a formal medical examination (have to pay for that, too, of course). Despite the seeming delays and continuing expense, we remain confident in the Lord’s directing us to serve here with NTM of Canada. We thank you, so much, for your prayers with us. Every day we are reminded of you, our partners in ministry, before the Throne of Grace as we call on the Lord for hearts devoted to His work in us all.

This training term is well underway now. At the beginning of this term, during new trainee orientation, I, Roland, was able to introduce myself and provide guidance to the new trainees regarding their new “tech” environment and the services which the ICT department provides and supports. Each year I am able, also, to work with the trainees returning for their final term. Their LITERACY COURSE requires the installation of proprietary software, used to collect practical components of cultural and language data. I work through this installation and configuration, with the trainees, to allow them to complete the modules ahead. The orientation period is a great way to establish connections with the new trainees and reconnect with the returning trainees. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve these dear people as they prepare themselves for the journey they have ahead.

The enrollment is significantly lower this time. Although this is not what we were praying for, we know the Lord would have us continue to ask that He send laborers into His harvest. God is surely calling out laborers and we are grateful for the time we get with them here, as they count the cost of serving the Lord as His messengers – wherever He would send them.

Jinni has been quite busy herself. She is teaching a new group of students, at the NTMC Academy. It is also a different grade spectrum for her. This year she is teaching grades 5 and 6. The curriculum is new to her as well as the students, so she is working diligently to keep them engaged and encouraged. I am so thankful she is able to daily remind her class of the One Who knows all things and His provision of ways to know more about Him in the classroom.

Susan is attending the NTMC Academy, where Jinni is teaching. She is going through grade 10 curriculum. She is facing some challenges in this since she is just in grade 9. She is maintaining a good attitude about it. Moriah is entering grade 10 this year. She is trying out for the basketball team. Her core courses this year continue to be college preparatory. She definitely has to keep her work organized if she makes the b-ball team. Elijah is being very patient with us. He really would like to get a job and save for his return to NTBI, but our current status prevents him from seeking formal employment. A few odd jobs have allowed him to have a little money. He continues to deepen his relationships with several young men here in our community. We pray that he will have open doors to challenge them about the Savior and the Word of God. RJ is in his 2nd year at Liberty University, working a couple jobs and preparing for a new role in the play by Shakespeare, “Twelfth Night”.

Recently Jinni and Elijah took the opportunity to audition for a play at the neighboring community theatre. They both have been cast in “Alice in Wonderland”. Jinni will be portraying the Queen of Hearts with Elijah enjoying his role as the Mad Hatter. I know it is a great joy for Jinni to have a chance to be onstage, but better still with her son in the cast, too. Rehearsals are just twice a week right now. The schedule will get more involved as the performance date draws closer. If you’re up in our area, please drop in and attend the shows happening during the month of December.

We greatly appreciate your support, friendship and partnership. We know we have the privilege of serving the Lord here, because of all He does for us – through you!! Please, let us know how we can pray with you and your family. It will be our joy and privilege to do this with you.

our team for His glory,
Roland Jr and Jinni Shafer Family