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S T E PH E N & SAR AH KO CH
PUBLISHED IN

JAN 01

18

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Happy New Year!

W
e absolutely love this time of year. For us its sad to see the Christmas season end. It is probably our favorite time of the year. There have been many thoughts that have come to mind during the winter months and as we transition into a new year. First of all, we cant help but be captivated by the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. While traveling He has been undeniable gracious and merciful, immeasurably patient and long-suffering, overwhelmingly faithful and steadfast, and infinitely good! Since we began full-time deputation last January, December and the new year brings to a conclusion our first year of raising support. The experience has been nothing but a blessing. We are certainly looking forward to arriving in the Fiji Islands, but we are so grateful for the churches weve had the opportunity to attend, and especially for the pastors and people weve come to know and love. Its hard to believe that we have traveled though 31 states and driven over 40,000 miles. We have been coast to coast. Throughout October we spent our time in California and Arizona. November took us out East for the second time. We enjoyed seeing the trees changing into vibrant colors. Something not quite as common or drastic where we are from in California. We come to learn in news ways how each state and each city are very different, and possess their own characteristics and personality. While attending a missions conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there was a 4.3 earthquake. As we sat in our room, we looked at each other and said, Is that an earthquake? Didnt expect one of those in Oklahoma. We just continued with what we were doing. The local news began to cover the incident immediately. It was the largest earthquake in Oklahoma history. The following morning Sarah was going down the elevator in our hotel. An older couple asked her if she felt the shaking from the night before. She said, Yes, it wasnt too bad. The people stood wide eyed and speechless. They were shocked by her statement. They then said, Well, were not use to that type of thing around here.She quickly responded, Oh, Im sorry. Im from California. An immediate expression of understanding came across their faces. Every new place provides countless memories which we will certainly cherish. Through our various experiences the Lord has proven Himself true and faithful. Our individual relationships with Him has grown stronger, and our relationship with each other has grown as well. One of our favorite things about deputation is getting the privilege to meet some of the most amazing people in the churches weve gotten to attend. We have heard wonderful sermons that have been tremendously encouraging and powerfully convicting, but we have been completely overwhelmed by the friendliness, kindness, generosity, and love of the facinating people weve met. We can not even begin to appropriately express the amount of gratitude we have for each person and church that has been a help and encouragement to us. We pray that each of you has a wonderful new year. We are all blessed beyond belief. And all glory, honor, and praise is due to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

PR AYER R EQUESTS
Salvations while traveling Scheduling more meetings Financial support Health and safety The Fijian People

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Stephen & Sarah // The White House

Grace Baptist Church // Fair Oaks, CA

Laurel Baptist Church // Charlotte, NC

Lighthouse Baptist // Colorado Springs, CO

Pastor & Mrs. Armstrong // Tuscon Baptist, AZ

Pastor Irmler & Stephen Benefield // Fresno, CA

Eastland Baptist Church // Tulsa, OK

SENDING CHURCH Shadow Mountain Baptist Church 17810 Monterey Rd. Morgan Hill, CA 95037

MISSIONS BOARD Baptist International Missions, Inc. P.O. Box 9215 Chattanooga, TN 37412

CONTACT INFORMATION oceaniamissions@gmail.com oceaniamissions.com BIMI #1447