Looking Back at 2024 & Ahead into 2025

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38

Together, we as Firefall family have prayed for workers sent into harvest. Together, we’ve also prayed for the Lord to work through our prayers, our finances and our seeds of faith. Our faithful God has answered!

When we review the numbers (only one indicator of what is happening), we’re filled with humble gratitude. We can only say, “Lord, yours is the glory for what you have done this year. Thank you for using the Firefall family in your harvest.”

In the midst of Myanmar’s cruel civil war, the Lord is bringing spiritual revival. Those with dire physical needs are being fed and clothed. The helpless sheep are following the Shepherd into eternal life. Hallelujah! 

Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in the gospel, making disciples of all nations.

plus, we bought a bus!

With your help, we were able to buy a bus that can transport 30 football players and help the Glory Football Team become an official Football Federation of Myanmar team. Federation membership will also protect young men from being conscripted into the army, since playing football is considered a community service.

Building bridges into 2025

Many years ago, I sensed the Holy Spirit asking me, “Will you be a bridge, Nancy?”

I quickly answered “yes!”, expecting some grand design and adventure in my future.

Little did I realize that being a bridge is basically making strong connections (often unnoticed) which further the greater purposes of God. It requires trusting the Lord in all aspects (and sometimes feeling walked on). This has been our 31-year journey and joy with Firefall International. Thank you for your vital part in prayer and partnership. Together, we have seen God do amazing things. 

Next month, we will travel to Thailand to meet with Pastor David and his wife Diim te. Due to the current turmoil and instability throughout Myanmar, it is not advised for us to travel there. This plan will enable us to set aside several days for fellowship, prayer and strategic planning (bridge building) for Firefall International’s work in 2025 and 2026.

Our travel dates are March 14-27. Please pray for us. Expenses for the trip will be $6,000, if you would like to help send us.

30 Years of Firefall

Recently, Jim and I reflected on the journey of Firefall International over 30 years. It is both humbling and gratifying to remember how the Lord called us and led us to establish Firefall International in response to our burning desire to make disciples of all nations. God’s response to our “yes” was to launch us in a big way that first year with Jim going to the Czech Republic and Ukraine and me heading to South Africa for several weeks of ministry. Precious friends cared for our three young daughters, giving them treasured memories as well.

On those missions, we gained invaluable practical experience and mentoring from pioneers and spiritual leaders. As we continued to walk by faith through open doors the Holy Spirit supplied, we were shaped by circumstances both wonderful and challenging to be the people we are today, imparting who we are to others.

“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”

— I Thessalonians 5:24

The hard seasons of failure and drought helped us lay down offenses and pride and cling more tightly to Jesus. The joyful times of miraculous guidance, provision, protection and fruitfulness fueled our passion for Jesus and our tiny part in His great mission even more. 

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.”

— Psalm 36:5

With each year of service, we are more amazed that He called us to “go” 30 years ago and more grateful that He has sustained us by our wonderful Holy Spirit. He has been our guide, encourager, comforter and source of power to make Jesus known. 

We give thanks for each board member, each individual and partnering church who invested in prayer and giving and going with us on occasion. How beautiful is the Body of Christ! All glory to the Son of God who gave his life to purchase mankind for God through His precious blood. 

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

— Ephesians 5:20-21

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Thoughts on 2023 & Plans for 2024

Last year was an amazement indeed, as God graciously gave an increase in Burmese Bibles distributed, souls saved, cell groups and house churches established, humanitarian aid offered and lives exposed to the gospel for the first time. You are part of each success! 

In addition, three months ago, Jim traveled to Virginia Beach, VA to receive an award for the work of Firefall International from Regent University (where we were a part of the first graduate class in 1978). See a video of Jim’s acceptance remarks and read the full article about the work of Firefall that was included in the Regent University Alumni Newsletter.

Blessing, Minh and their son, Ben

As for 2024, we are planning to go to Vietnam in April to spend time with Firefall associates Minh and Blessing.

We will team with them to strengthen the family lives of young couples in ministry. In addition, we hope to encourage key leaders in the national VBS network that Blessing oversees. 

These teams travel to remote areas of Vietnam all summer, touching thousands of children with the love of Jesus. These leaders challenge us in their zeal, dedication and purity of purpose.

Firefall International will sponsor 2-3 day seminars in two locations. We ask for your prayers and financial support as the Lord leads you.