Dave and Donna .ca

Dear Praying friends;

We are able to send this to you via a travel lounge in Kuala Lumpur as we travel back to Canada. We counted our blessings and discovered that we have enjoyed the comforts of over 35 different beds since we left Africa in June. Our passports are full, our memories burst with the impact of our travels, and our hearts overflow with thanks to God for the privilege of working with our FEBInternational missionaries, their partners and national Church associations.

Following our last email near the end of October, we flew Pakistan. Among the work we had scheduled were two unexpected opportunities to lead marriage enrichment seminars. The first was for couples who belong to an international church in Karachi and the second was for national couples attached to our women’s hospital in Shikarpur. The results were very encouraging. As in Europe we relished the chance to spend time with each of our mission families and to speak at their annual conference in Lahore. We were invited to teach several Bible Classes at the Murree Christian School, as well as conduct a leadership seminar for the School Management team and a second one for the entire school staff. A highlight of our time in Pakistan was visiting a Sumero village with the Wiley’s where we learned more about village life among the majority community, watched Terry put out a roof fire, and acquired some ‘visitors’ in our tummies. Several of our mission families in Pakistan were quick to volunteer their time to work in quake devastated areas, and we were glad to debrief their experiences with them. We join them in praying that God would open hearts as the nation recovers from this destructive quake.

We were set to travel from Islamabad to Karachi and on to Kuala Lumpur when our airplane in the capital airport had to be de-boarded due to mechanical difficulties. I found a clerk, explained the problem of our connecting flights, and by his kindness we were settled on the last flight south (with our luggage!) that night. While we were unable to confirm our travel plans in Indonesia we were met at the airport and all went well. We boarded a flight to Borneo (the Indonesian section is called Kalimantan) and once there were met by the president of their Church Association. Pastor Ronny gave us an excellent tour of present ministry and opportunity in the capital of Pontianak and then accompanied us to Monado on the island of Sulewasi where he did the same. In the early summer of 2006, FEBInternational is sending a Canadian trained Indonesian couple to Monado. Edwin will be teaching and leading students in Church planting as part of the staff of the Bible College in Monado. There are huge opportunities in this country.

The last stop of our 13 week tour took us from Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur to Manila and then on to Palawan Island. This Philippino Island Province is probably best known as the location from which the New Tribes Missionaries, Grace and Martin Burnham, were kidnapped a few years ago. However, we know it as the place that FEBInternational missionaries, Jose and Lourdes De Guzman are working. We found the place safe, secure and experiencing a wonderful work of grace under the De Guzman’s leadership. The capital city of Puerto Princesa boasts a population in excess of 250,000. The De Guzmans have planted several new Churches and created an effective ministry program that is revitalizing existing Churches as it trains new leaders. Currently there are plans to open a Bible School in the summer of 2006, which brings an invitation for Canadians to join in this thriving work. The De Guzmans have retired from work in Canada, but not from work for the Lord. Their vision is compelling, matched only by their energy and enthusiasm for the work.

Donna and I are looking forward to a white Calgary Christmas to be celebrated with our family there. Soon after this we will relocate to Victoria B.C. to start ¾ time as Senior Pastor in Central Baptist and continue to work ¼ time with FEBInternational from there. We are already scheduled to be in Japan in March 2006, and in South Africa, Zambia and Kenya in July 2006. We anticipate further trips for the fall.

Thank you so very much for your prayers and interest in our lives and work. Many times we were conscious of people praying for us as we traveled and served. We couldn’t do this work without your partnership. We are grateful to be teaming with you in the work for the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Christmas we are confident that the Lord will light your hearts and homes with His joy and good purpose as you celebrate His birth and commit yourselves afresh to His service in 2006.

In his love and ours,
Dave and Donna Marttunen

Praise:

1. Good health, travel connections, and safety.
2. Good results in our ministry in Pakistan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
3. Unexpected opportunities, (open doors).

Prayer:

1. That God would continue to use us in this ministry of personnel care for our FEBInternational missionaries and their families.
2. That the work done this last year will continue to bear fruit.
3. As we settle in Victoria and use this base for international and local ministry, that God would give us energy and wisdom.
4. That the Lord would lead us as we seek to purchase a condo, car and essentials in Victoria.
5. That our director, fields and we ourselves would have wisdom in planning our travel for 2006.

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