January 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

“Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness…” (Psalm 65:11a), and truly we can say that about this past year. It has gone quickly but when we reflect once again we see the mighty hand of God all over and through it. We can’t stop and reflect without thinking How great God is, and be amazed at His continual blessings that He has lavished on us.

We started our deputation in March right here in the Chattanooga area and since then have been able to present our  hearts for Venezuela with fellow Chattanooga Churches and with a few abroad. We want to thank all the churches who have allowed us to present our burden for Venezuela and also for your kindness and hospitality. We have been overwhelmed by the goodness of God’s people toward us.

In September we welcomed a new addition to our family, Luke Allen, who is truly a blessing. He has a smile and a giggle for anyone who is near. He has a sweat temperament and is a joy to have. His  big brother loves him to death and keeps us on our toes especially when he “helps us” take care of baby brother. We pray for both Samuel and Luke that they will grow to love the Lord with their whole hearts.

In November we became official BIO (Baptist International Outreach) missionaries. They welcomed us with open arms, and we have been so impressed with the godly yet humble leadership we have observed as well as the godly wisdom they have given.

December was a great time for all those a part of the Sykes family. Jason’s sister Rebecca and her husband Ben Sinclair were home on furlough from Cameroon, Africa. We had fun watching our children play together as well as spending great time together.

We have also been blessed with a truck, which was donated to us. It is a great blessing and we are thankful as it makes getting around town so much easier.

We ask for God’s people to join us in praying for several things:

First for the political situation in Venezuela. Elections were in this past December, and we know that many of you were praying for that. Hugo Chavez won the election which is of great concern, because he has great communistic tendencies. Please pray that the Lord will keep the doors and opportunities open, and that He will give us the wisdom as to handle thins such as visas and ministry.

Secondly, please pray for Jason as he quits his job in July to step out on full time deputation. We believe that the Lord would have us do this. We ask the Lord to fill our calendar so that we can get to Venezuela quickly.

Thirdly we ask prayer for Luke as he has a surgery coming up this March. Please pray that everything will go smoothly for him.

Last but definitely not least please keep the souls of Venezuelans in your prayers. Pray that the Lord will tenderize their hearts toward him and that they will have hearts that want to search for Him.

Our local church here in Chattanooga has some great evangelistic material called “Understanding the Gospel”, it is great for totally explaining the need as well as the basics for Christianity. We believe this is the best tool we have come across and after a person has gone through this material there is no doubt in their mind where they stand with Christ the Creator Who has rightful ownership of their lives. If we could assist you in any of this material please let us know. We would love to help get the gospel out however we can.

We are looking forward to 2007! We know that the Lord has many opportunities in line for us and we are excited to find them.

Because He Lives,

Jason, Sarah, Samuel, and Luke