Dear co-laborers in God’s Great Harvest Field,

Greetings from Coffee Country!

GRATITUDE
November – a month for giving thanks. As we go through life there are many cycles that seem to repeat and which give structure and meaning to our lives.  One of those cycles is the changing seasons, the passing months.  In the norther hemisphere the cycle of planting, growing, harvesting moves from spring through summer to autumn.  As the year progresses we are reminded of the continuity of life as described by God to Noah:  “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.”  And part of that cycle is the yearly giving of thanks as we approach the end of the calendar year. And that is why this month we start our monthly report with giving thanks.  First, we thank God for His love and generosity, His mercy and grace.  He is the One Who is the Foundation of all we are and do. Without Him we can do nothing.  And second, we thank you for making it possible for us to live and work here in Colombia.  We want you to know how important each one of you is to us and our ministry.  As we look through the list of people who have financially contributed each month to South American Christian Mission we lift each one up in prayer.  As we teach here in Colombia we also use the faithfulness of our supporters as an example to God’s people here.  Thank you for being a vital part of our ministry.  As we look over the list of people to whom our monthly email reports are sent, we thank God for each one and their faithfulness in lifting us before His throne in prayer. 

TRAVEL AND MINISTRY
November was a busy month, more so than most.  Since the national church elected me as president and legal representative before the Colombian government the recognition of the election had not been granted by the corresponding ministry due to one problem after another.  Each time the paperwork was presented it was received by a different person due to a high turnover in the ministry this year.  Finally the paperwork was received, approved and the official letter of recognition was granted.  This called for an immediate trip to Bogotá to take care of different tasks which were waiting for me there.  So up and over the Central Range of the Andes on the XL200 I went, across the Magdalena valley and up the western slope of the Eastern Range to Bogotá.  After running around that congested city for several days it was back to Pereira – and then back to Bogotá the next week.  It is only 186 miles but at an average speed of around 31 mph it takes six hours (not counting any rest stops and refueling).  Still, it is much better on the motorcycle than in bus (usually at least 10 hours, sometimes MUCH longer) and way cheaper than airfare.  The bike is a bit small, but has served better than the old 125 did.  I’m keeping my eye out for an affordable replacement of more appropriate size to the task, but time and available funds will determine if we change or not. Besides the official paperwork required by the government it was also my privilege to visit three different congregations while in the capitol city.  This is also part of my official duty and one which allows me to see how we are doing as a movement nationwide.  There will be trips to visit other congregations around the country over the coming months as well.

CO-LABORERS
Meanwhile, back in Pereira, we had a great month of service as well.  David, Miguel and Mario filled in for me on different Sundays with preaching on important themes.  What a blessing to see these men stepping in to help and to see the response from the congregation.  Raising mature leaders takes time and we rejoice to see God’s provision in this area raising to maturity. 

THANKSGIVING AND PREPARATION
The month ended with our celebration of Thanksgiving Day in our home and with the decoration of the meeting place in preparation for the Nativity season.  Sheri was able to take off the day (it is NOT a Colombian holiday) and we invited friends who have lived in the U.S. or Canada to join us for a traditional turkey meal.  It was a blessing to serve and also to have a chance to sow some gospel seeds in lives that the Lord has brought in contact with ours.  On Sunday several people stayed even longer than usual in order to lend a hand with the decoration.  Many hands make light work and soon the walls were gleaming with decorations as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior during the month of December. This was followed by a light meal before we each went our way.  We praise God for raising up people willing to lend a hand in different ways of ministry.

MOM’S NEW HOME
Paul’s mom, Janet Moreland, was able to find a new (to her) home in Webb City, MO. Thank you all for praying with us about this matter.  And thank you for praying for her as she continues to adapt to this new stage of her life.  Those who have have spent extended time outside of their homeland can understand the difficulty of adjusting to what has become a new culture.  Everything from the language to new ways to pay for services requires adaptation.  We praise God that she is near to two of her sons and that her oldest daughter is just a couple hours away.

UPCOMING HOME SERVICE
In 2015 we are planning to visit the US to report directly to you, our supporters, about what the Lord has been doing through our ministry here in Colombia.  If you would like us to participate in camps or VBS’s or other special occasions, please let us know as soon as possible the dates.  We plan to be in the US from the end of May to August or September, depending on speaking opportunities.  “Home Service” is an opportunity for us to report directly to our supporters as well as to reconnect with our families in the U.S..  We look forward to reconnecting with our prayer partners and supporters – not to mention the grandkids.  They have a way of growing in a mere three years…

JESUS IS THE REASON
May this coming season be full of light and joy as you celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ.  May He indeed be The Reason For The Season in your own life and ministry.

In Him,

Paul and Sheri Moreland

--   South American Christian Mission "... to prepare the saints..." Ephesians 4:12 www.sacm.net www.paulmoreland.com