Newsletter Archive

December 2003

Christmas Greetings from the Borthwicks

As the above verse concludes, Jesus is described as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This Christmas we celebrate an increased sense of Jesus as our Prince of Peace. We invite you to review this P-E-A-C-E filled year with us.

PLACES. Ministry related to Development Associates International (DAI) has taken one or both of us to locations deeply affected by turmoil - such as politically unstable Zimbabwe in April and struggling-to-recover-from-civil-war Sri Lanka in November. Summer studies included a trip to Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina - with all the vivid evidence of their recent brutal war! Speaking ministry included trips to Australia, the Cayman Islands, and even SARS-afflicted Toronto. The "peace that surpasses comprehension" has ruled in our hearts throughout an intense year of travel.

EVANGELISM. Inviting others to find their peace in Christ has included a breakthrough at Christie's workplace where a coworker made major strides towards personal faith. We've had an amazing family conversion this year, and the release of Stop Witnessing and Start Loving has (we hope) served to encourage others in their witness to Jesus Christ.

ACADEMICS. Involvement in the academic world has taken two forms this year. First, part-time teaching in missions has continued at Gordon College; Paul had more than 130 students in four different courses. Second, both Christie and Paul continue as students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The courses have stretched us intellectually and enriched us spiritually.

CHALLENGES. This peace-filled year has included many stimulating ministry opportunities - ranging from our work with DAI to keeping up with our studies to preparing for Urbana 2003. The year ahead will continue to challenge us with DAI ministry in places like Egypt, the Philippines, South Africa, Nigeria, and Thailand as well as ongoing teaching at Gordon College.

And as always, our lives as support-raising Christian workers include financial challenges. If you'd like to join us in that challenge by giving an end-of-year gift, we'd welcome it - either to our support or to a special project we're undertaking related to DAI staff meetings in Egypt in April 2004. See below for details.

ENCOURAGEMENT. We end this year encouraged by a personal sense of restoration (following some very tough years in 2000 and 2001). We continue to be encouraged by YOU for your faithful prayers and financial support. We thank God for you!

We pray that you will celebrate the Prince of Peace this Christmas and that His peace will take you into 2004.

Merry Christmas!

Paul & Christie

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE DETAILS:

EGYPT: these strategic April meetings will cost almost $30,000 (international travel for our team of almost 20, lodging, trainers, etc). A generous donor has offered a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. If we can raise $15,000, the budget needs will be met.

OUR SUPPORT: as we enter 2004, we're trying to increase our monthly support by just over $400 ($5000 annually) - to offset the increased cost of health insurance.

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS either to the Egypt meetings or to our personal support can be made payable to "Development Associates International." Project gifts should be noted "Egypt meetings-April"; support gifts should be noted "Borthwick support." Any gifts can be sent to:

Development Associates International
P.O. Box 49278
Colorado Springs, CO 80949