July 19, 2008
Summer news from Furlough:
Praying Friends,
As we continue on this summer, we continue to make dates, new contacts and the like. As many other missionaries to "westernized cultures" are saying, we too, are feeling the pinch. If you look at any currency converter, you will see what the U.S. dollar is worth against other world currencies. The Australian currency is now almost completely equivalent to the U.S. dollar. This is following an increase in value against the dollar from almost a 2/1 ratio of Australian to U.S. dollars since our arrival in the field in 2002. Your not surprised to hear this...everyone is feeling the economic impact in every facet of society, especially those of us who are strongly tied to the generosity of giving partners.
What you might be surprised about is this: in a recent Business article posted in a prominent periodical, Australia was listed as one of the top six influential economies in the world. Brazil, Japan, India, Canada, and China were also listed. (Source: Martin D.Weiss, Ph.D., in an article entitled, "The Six Giants of Global Profits".) The article went on to say that everything that takes place in American business is touched by the economy of these six countries. Everything from computers to storm windows, from clothes to cars.
So with the strengthening of these economies, the world is experiencing a heightened profile of these countries. With heightened exposure, we experience a heightened understanding of the need of a good, strong gospel witness in places like these. Australia is on the list. Australia has a strong influence in the Chinese business market. It's a strong presence in Japan. The relationship is good. Australian people can serve easily in these countries because of exposure to the Asian culture even within Australia. (Two Australian companies are strong sponsors of the Olympic games in Beijing this summer. Like it not on the political front, it's still happening.)
But what is needed is more personnel. That personnel needs strong and steady and adequate support. Opportunities abound for "tent-making" ministry with the expansion of the business sector. Christian brothers and sisters could use their profession as a platform for service in these business opportunities worldwide, if God would so choose to call them, and they would so choose to obey His call.
As you continue to pray for us, I would like to ask especially for your prayers as I have been given an opportunity to teach a modular course at Boston Baptist College in August for two weeks. This opportunity is good exercise, and I am thankful for it.
As we continue to pray the Lord of the Harvest, we are praying that the Lord would send forth more laborers into His harvest...in Australasia, and beyond.
Thanks for praying with us.
Paul and Tammy Trinkle
May 13, 2008
Dear Praying Friends,
The last 2 months have been busy ones, with nearly every Sunday, Sunday Night, and Wednesday night meetings in different churches 3 different states. It’s been a time of productivity and blessing as well as a time of great challenge.
First the blessings – It has been a great experience visiting with some great churches! We’ve been inspired and challenged by the exposure to different ministries in different parts of the country. As we continue to mature and grow in ministry, these times are enriching. Also, with our need to increase in support being a big issue, we are thankful to report that 2 new churches have joined our support base. This is an answer to prayer, as we have to make up for the loss of 50% of our spending power in Australia during our last term. Further, about 2/3rd’s of our airfare has been committed to us for our return to Australia, planned for December, 2008. And last, but certainly not least, I am very glad to report that 6 young people have responded to God’s call on their lives for full-time missionary service. This has been an answer to all of our prayers, as we continue to “pray the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth more laborers into His harvest.”
And now for the challenges … (these are presented as a request to join us in prayer as we work through some of the difficult circumstances that are a normal part of this “abnormal” job). We are doing our best in cutting expenses, and a large part of our monthly outlay this month has been our car. We have had to replace a transmission, an alternator, and a starter. I’m not saying that money has been so tough that my kids have to eat the stale French-fries in the back seat for their next meal, but could you join us in prayer that our car would hold out for the next half year, without too much more financial outlay. (I would also like to add that God has blessed us with a great mechanic, who has worked on our car with an attitude of ministry. We thank God for him and his family.) Would you please remain with us in prayer for our family as our children still work through the issues of “reverse culture shock”. Three of our four kids had very little or even no exposure to the American culture prior to this furlough. This is felt by them in school especially. Thanks for praying for them as they “soldier through” the difficulty. Another challenge is the loss of some precious churches due to various reasons. While we appreciate these good people, we thank God for the fruit that has been placed in their account for the sake of the gospel. The last difficulty that I ask you to continue to pray for is the traveling that has yet to be done to report to supporting churches, as well as raise the remaining necessary funds to return to work and ministry in Australia.
God Bless You All,
Paul and Tammy Trinkle (Tim, John, Grace, and James)