Dear Fellow Laborers-

Greetings in the wonderful name of Christ from sunny South Africa! We cannot believe time has passed so quickly here, and that we’ve already celebrated two major holidays away from home. The girls are settling in very well, and are happy. Just the other day Sia (our youngest) was saying “We’re getting used to South Africa now.” And when we spoke with my parents through Skype, Tina told them she is very happy here, and it’s just like America. (Oh for childhood perspective!)

We spent the holidays with two missionary families, the Radebaughs, and the Feruses. We are blessed to have other Americans around to fellowship with. We hosted Christmas dinner, and it was a blessing for my wife to be able to minister to others in our home.

Plans are coming together for the Deaf Bible College to begin on the 15th. Bro. Chris Radebaugh, myself, and several men from the Deaf church have been busy remodeling two rooms in the church that will serve as temporary dorms for the men and women. It is a lot of work, but we are getting deep satisfaction at seeing it all come together. Please continue to pray that the work will continue unhindered, and that school will start on time. Also, please pray for Chris and I as we prepare to set the teaching schedule, and our lessons.

We have been having more fellowship with the young man, Prince, who we will assist in establishing the third Deaf church in February. He is a humble and sweet young man with a deep love for the Lord. It is an encouragement to us to be able to communicate with him in his own sign language. Thank you for your prayers toward that end.
Pray for my wife who will attempt to start a Bible study with Rina, a friend she met in the neighborhood where we live. Please pray for Rina’s husband, Morgan who is unsaved.

One thing that is greatly missed is American customer service. When you order a service here and it isn’t deliver as promised, you receive a shrug and a smile. Not even an attempt at a poor excuse. One example is that we still have no phone or internet service. It will probably be mid-January at the earliest before we have it. Please be patient as we have opportunity to check our email only once a week. We are thankful for the opportunity to practice our patience! If you would like to contact us through Skype, our name is jtsoukalas. We’ll look for you!

As always, thank you for your love, prayers, and support. God continues to amaze us with His timing, provision, and love. You are a blessing!
In His Glorious Name,