Attached is The February newsletter from George W. Hall with Biblical Institute of Central America

Jabe Matthew Pratt, 95 of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at his home in Abilene. A service is scheduled for 11:00 am Friday February 5th, 2010 at Piersall Benton Chapel, 733 Butternut St with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, Don Morrison officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday evening from 5-6:30 pm.

Jabe was born on September 17th, 1914 to Jabe Ero Pratt and Virda Cooper Pratt in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He attended ACU, LCU and Sunset International Bible Institute. Jabe was a minister at many churches across the Northeast and the Western United States as well as many other areas of the country. After retiring from Portalis, NM Jabe and his wife Yvonne moved to Abilene where they were members of the 11th and Willis Church of Christ.

Jabe was preceded in death by his mother, father, A son and a brother. He is survived by his wife of 77 years Yvonne, a son, Butch Pratt and wife Gladys of Little Elm, TX; a granddaughter; Jamie Klimko and two grandsons; Gary Pratt and Gerald Pratt, 5 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, as well as many extended family members and close friends.

Friends,

Kay and I just returned from our 15th annual trip to work with congregations in the Northeast.  I was able to speak to three congregations and members from several other congregations who attended the various events. 

On Wednesday evening, Oct.7, we were at the East End Church of Christ on Long Island.  This congregation was planted years ago by one of our graduates, Jim Condon.  Jim has recently retired from preaching and moved to North Carolina to be near his children.  East End is now looking for a full time preacher and they have asked for our help to find the right person.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

In the United States of America, we go straight from one public holiday to the next in a heartbeat! No sooner are the after-Christmas sales finished, when you can buy your cards and decorations at half-price for next year, than we are seeing hearts and pretty pink and red items for Valentine’s Day! After that special sweetheart’s day, on the same shelf, you will find specials on heart-shaped cards and boxes of candy beside yellow and white marshmallow Easter eggs, chicks and bunnies. Then we have, in May, all the floral wreaths and red-white-and-blue American flags displayed in the stores in preparation for Memorial Day. And, rightly so, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day cards and special gifts are on display about the same time. The flags continue until after July the Fourth for America’s most celebrated holiday of independence. Often, I think if it were not for visiting the card sections, we would not become aware of most holidays. Likely I would forget the dates if I didn’t see reminders so often.

Jerry Hogg's newsletter concerning his work in Africa.

Dear Folks:

Getting home the 27th was good . I was so tired. During my six weeks away, I visited 5 countries which included Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was the right timing and season for good weather on both sides - not too hot, not too cold in either place. Signs of early Fall and cooler temps were starting in the Southern Hemisphere where the days were getting shorter, the sun going down earlier. Our God has made a wonderful planet for His children as our temporary dwelling-place! 

For years I have accumulated Voyager Miles with both South African Airways and United Airlines for local connections. Until now, I was unable to take advantage of them - not enough miles or something. On this trip I paid for tickets to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia & Botswana using Voyager Miles, and only had to pay the tax in cash. This was such a savings for me. At last, I was able to enjoy the extra miles for a good cause!

Jim McGuiggan's wife, Ethel McGuiggan, passed away on Sunday, April 12.  Jim was a 1967 graduate and a former faculty member.  They have been working in Northern Ireland.

Dear Co-workers,

Blessings to you and yours. Praise God for His grace and mercy. Much thanks to you for your financial help. Thanks for the many prayers. Last week, an elder told me that he prayed for me 5-6 times a week. That made my day/week!

Let’s look at the reports for the first 10-11 weeks of 2009. In Guatemala, we had 72 baptisms with 21 restorations. Some of the campaigns were more difficult because they were in 100% Mayan villages. The language and cultural difficulties naturally hindered the number of responses. We are happy to make these inroads.

I am very pleased with William Racancoj in Honduras. He is the new director; with only 16 students, they have baptized 105 and restored 114. Also, they have helped start at least three new works. In Nicaragua, over 160 have been baptized through March. I do not have the restorations number. So totally, we have more than 337 baptisms, plus very many restored to God’s glory.