Dear Family and Friends
We hope and pray that you are doing well! Thank you for your prayers and support!
The Mission of the Church
How would you answer the question “What is the mission of the church?” Social justice? Health care? Discipleship? Building God’s kingdom? To tell you the truth, I have never really thought of it until now. As part of our pre-field work, we are required to read a multitude of books of which one of them discusses this question. The book, What is the Mission of the Church?* states “…but because the kingdom is a matter of relationship between the King and his subjects, we cannot extend the kingdom of God over people who will not submit to the King’s rule.” I could not agree more. The relationship with Christ is not a forced process. It is one of choice and is only possible through the development of a relationship with Christ. It is a process, that when it occurs the individual is changed. Thus, a church’s mission is the building of a relationship with God and people through the sharing of Christ’s ministry and studying his word. Social justice, health care, discipleship are “works” that reflect the nature of God in us as our relationship with Christ grows and we willingly change because of that relationship. Change comes not from a cause which can galvanize a generation and which not only dies with its completion, but may change with time. It instead comes from a relationship with Christ and lasts forever. Want to change poverty, health care, injustice, or conflict? Start with Christ. We pray that our lives may truly reflect Christ, whether in Togo or here in the US.
*What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert, pg. 121-122.
UPDATES
Presentations. We have done 9 presentations over the last 4 months –both locally in Fort Wayne and in the towns of Quincy IL, Bowen IL, Davenport IA, Madison IN and Portage WI. Overall, the presentations have generated good questions and discussions. It is this response, that encourages us, as it shows peoples’ interest in what we are doing. Our schedule for the next 5 months looks promising as we have 6 more presentations, and at least 5 more in the works. If you, as a church or an individual, are interested in hearing more about our ministry, please contact us: mail@fredandlydia.com. If you would like to see more information on the team that we will be joining you can visit: https://abwetogosouth.org
As a side note –we want to say thank you to so many people and churches who over the past few months have been so generous and loving towards us with finances, but also in sharing their hearts and homes –may God bless you!
Fund Raising (promised and actual) Currently we are at 94% !! of our monthly costs (84% of those promises have signed up.). And we continue to be at 100% of our one-time costs. Please know for us to start to plan our departure, we must be at 100% (our departure goal is summer/winter 2024). If you have made a promise of support and have already signed up, thank you! If you have not, could you sign up at www.abwe.org/pfenniger? If you are having difficulty signing up, contact us via email: mail@fredandlydia.com or call ABWE Donor Services at 1-800-901-2293. Also, if you have made a promise and things change, that is ok! All we ask is that you inform us so that we are not sending you emails. If you know of any individuals or churches that would be interested in hearing our story, please let us know! (We only need 7 more people at $100/month –and any amount adds up!)
Work. This is a bit of a challenge, to not be working a traditional job. Fred’s last day of work was Dec 31st. Lydia’s work is volunteering two ½ days a month at Matthew 25 Clinic. Interesting enough despite this change, we are quite busy doing pre-field tasks, fund raising, and driving the kids around.
Pre-field Tasks. We continue to meet with 2 couples from ABWE in preparation for departure. We are also working through our pre-field tasks: 3 online courses, a journal, books, and book studies (some of these are proving to be very time intensive!).
Skiing. We were able to get away for a 3-day ski trip in Michigan in the first week of January. This was fun! All the kids and Lydia are now on skis! Lydia and Noll are just learning, while Noah, Nathanael and Noémi are challenging dad’s skiing ability. Although there was not a lot of snow, enough of the ski hill was open to enjoy the days.
Family Update
Lydia and Fred are adjusting to this season of life and working on embracing it for what it is. Lydia is working on deepening some relationships with some women in her church through a study in James and on the assigned pre-field reading. Fred is currently enrolled in a Muslim online course through ABWE that is focused on Muslim history. He has been taken back by the history of their culture and contributions to modern society. Fred and Lydia spend most evenings busy with the kids and their activities.
Noah (age 11) is half-way through grade 6. He continues to amaze us in his perseverance. One day he decided to try out for the play Oliver. He had to learn a dance and a song, neither of which his mom and dad can do (nor should do). Though he did not get a part, he persevered and gave it his all! Noah continues to do well in school –working on math and writing at home. He enjoys music –playing the trombone and singing in choir. He just finished basketball and will be doing chess club and math club for the next 2 months.
Nathanael (age 8) is mid-way through grade 2. At the beginning of the school year, he heard his teacher say that no student had made it to the rocket math division section during the school year. Being the competitive kid he is, he made it his goal. And guess what, he is there! At home he is working on math, reading and how to win and lose gracefully. He continues to do gymnastics including local competitions and has started basketball.
Noémi (age 6) is part-way through kindergarten. At home she is working on reading, addition, and subtraction. Her ability to focus is improving! She, like her brothers, is a fearless skier doing not only whatever her brothers do, but more. They ski backwards, she not only skies backwards, but with her head between her legs! Noémi continues with gymnastics and has started basketball.
Noll (age 4) had a cardiology follow up in December and all is well! He is down to yearly surveillance and the long-term expectation is good. Preschool continues to be a joy for him. At home he is working on numbers, letters, and reading. While learning to ski, he pushes dad away, not wanting to be held, forcing dad to catch up to him near the bottom of the hill so he does not crash into others. He continues in gymnastics and has also started basketball.
Prayers that God would:
- February 25th –marriage retreat through ABWE -God would protect and work in and through this time
- March 11th -Lydia will be having a outpatient surgery -that all will go well and no complications
- Give us the ability to trust Him –being without jobs and walking this road can create fear and doubt
- Help us in the presentations –to be able to share our hearts for Togo and open doors with people
- Help us to finish raising the last bit needed of monthly financial support –it’s amazing how God works!
- Help us in getting our pre-field tasks completed (Though enjoyable, some are very intensive.)
- Be with us –our children (Noah, Nathanael, Noémi & Noll) and in our marriage –to give us wisdom, grace, peace as we look at major life changes
Praise
- For the response . . . discussion, questions, and financial support (94%) . . . to our presentations
- For Noll, his follow up cardiology appointment and how his heart has responded
- For the community and relationships, we have and how they have supported us as we explore missions
