South African Update - Howell 12/2/08

Greetings Friends!

I hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic. We enjoyed the day with a family of 30+ folks and they just took us right in--what a great day.

As this email goes out, I am just about to teach Church History at TES.  I love history and studying Church History is a fascinating endeavor. There is so much to inspire one--and so much to learn in order to avoid similar mistakes!

The trip to South Africa is taking shape and God has provided more than 40% of the ministry budget. I will have to make the decision as to whether to go or not soon as the calendar clicks on--so thanks for the many of you who are praying and to those who are giving as well. It all matters and your prayers are greatly needed! (If you're unfamiliar with this South African endeavor, check out the MissionCrossRoads events) or email me and I’ll send you more detailed information.  Some have written and asked about sending support for the trip.  It is a simple process and 100% of all support goes toward ministry.  Checks can be made out to Biblical Ministries Worldwide and mailed to:

Biblical Ministries Worldwide
Pat Howell #4141
1595 Herrington Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5616

Lot's going on these days. Elizabeth's birthday was Monday (12/1) and my birthday is Sunday (don't ask, please). The third semester of TES ends mid-December and with great gratitude for our students and the growing development of the school.

In January, I hope to be in South Africa ministering to churches and former students as well as seeing many old friends from our ministry there.  Then, later in the month, Cathy and I have been invited to Los Angeles for John MacArthur's 40th Anniversary at GCC.  Many former GCC staff members will be there and we will be among them. This will be a great celebration of God's faithfulness through John's ministry to GCC. It is a great blessing to count him a friend--and a privilege to have served with him as Missions Pastor and a Senior Staff member at GCC in the 1990's!

Mid-February brings two weeks in Myanmar and then a return to Los Angeles for the GCC Shepherds Conference.

I continue to pray and seek God's direction for my future ministry.  Such a process is an inexact science for both the man and the church so again, prayers and counsel are always welcome!

Thanks for your encouragement and fellowship!