Merry Christmas to each of you our family and friends:
It is always amazing how time flies. Here we find ourselves near the end of another year. With all the things happening, celebration seems somewhat surreal. Though I am sure all seemed normal/hectic to those who received the announcement of our Lord and Saviour’s birth. We trust that in the midst of your celebrations, travels and other activities that Christ will make his presence felt real to each of you.
This year began with a new opportunity. A childhood friend of mine who is now an inspector for the government schools reconnected with me. During a visit to his home we showed him the reading curriculum that Kathryn has created. Knowing the great need in the country for literacy he was excited and asked if we would entertain sharing it with the heads of the schools he’s responsible for. We agreed with some fear and trepidation as they would be mostly M directors and inspectors. However the Lord went before us and they were excited, engaged and most of them purchased materials to be used in their schools. We pray that it will have a significant impact in their students as well as to their view of our love for the people here.
This past year we taught literacy in 12 locations and chronicle bible storying or biblical integration in 15 villages throughout Chad, putting on over 15,000 kms. This represents over 200 schools and roughly 1000 teachers. It is encouraging going to the villages as they see little input. So when we travel to see them, they walk and bike from miles around to receive training. One of our trainings, though we suggest 50 as a limit had over 100 teachers present.
Kathryn has also been training some young nationals over the years who have now done a few trainings on their own. Reflecting on the fact that we spent approximately $10,000 printing books for these trainings and several thousand on handouts and other training materials we realized that this works out to about $25/teacher who will build into the livesof many thousands of children over the coming years. Some of these teachers have classes approaching 100 students each year!
This year also saw a change for Paul as he was asked to be a ‘senior’ part of the mission leadership in country. It’s hard to believe that we are now one of the senior missionaries on the field. We praise God for each of you who have partnered with us over the long haul. 
That being said we celebrated our 40th anniversary this summer with a road trip to P.E.I. made possible with the help of our children. It was a wonderful time as we enjoyed uninterrupted time together, beaches and just enjoying God’s creation as we travelled.
In the middle of our time home this past summer we returned to Chad for a couple of weeks to host and provide logistics for a TEAM trek program. 
It is designed for those exploring God’s calling on their lives with a glimpse into overseas mission’s ministry. While it was a small group, the two young families are planning and have begun the process to return to Chad for full-time ministry. The young lady and her fiance are seeking where God is leading them for full-time ministry, including Chad as one of the possibilities. Pray that God will provide and lead for each of them.
Paul had the privilege of installing the solar system at our Mission Support Centre and had a wonderful group of guys to work with. It is now providing all of the power for the centre most days. We praise God for the ability to install such a system that will allow missionaries to find respite, that come to the capital from locations that have very challenging living situations.
One of the biggest challenges this year has been Chad’s reciprocal response to cease issuing entry visas for US citizens following the decision of the US government to ban entry of many African nationals including Chadians. This is now keeping over half of our missionary coworkers at home. Not just our mission but all those working here in Chad. This and the ceasing to fund US-AID has also had a huge effect on the many refugees and other aid programs in the country. Pray the God will cause these governments to rescind these orders and re-open the doors for those held back.
Finally, many of you are aware of the divide in the church denomination that we work closely with. This has also caused many challenges in ministry. After almost 8yrs it seems that there will not be a reunification of the two sides and that they have decided to remain separate. We continue to pray that the Lord will work for reconciliation in their hearts such that at least they will be able to work side by side. It has also brought division even at the family level for many. This January 2026 the churches are planning to celebrate 100yrs since the gospel came to Chad through our mission endeavours. We have asked that I have the opportunity to share my/the Lord’s heart at this time as my parents were of the first generation that began the work here. I would like to speak truth in love to those present. Pray that those present will take it to heart and bring about change.
Once again we thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support. Your are a vital part of the ministry here in Chad. May you feel His presence each day but especially at this time of celebration of our God, creator and sustainer, coming to earth to redeem us and bring reconciliation.
Be blessed and Merry Christmas, Paul & Kathryn