Dear friends and family,

The first month of the new year is just about over! As we look back over 2001, we are grateful to see how our steps have been directed into Hinterland ministry in January, how the Lord confirmed those steps through MTW's Interview and Orientation process in July, and how He is working in us to make us more like Himself even now.

Last year we visited 8 churches and 2 presbytery meetings. This Spring we have 10 more churches to visit (possibly a few more to be added). It has been wonderful to meet new friends, to be given the gift of hospitality wherever we go, and be encouraged by the interest in ministry among the Quechua. It is astounding to sense open arms and open hearts when you express your willingness to pray for us. Thank you for this powerful work on our behalf!

As we walk through the steps required "this side" of the field, we are thankful that our own energy falls short. It may sound like something you have heard before, but we can attest to the fact the Lord supplies above and beyond what we can imagine! We are especially aware of His redeeming work after MTW's "Living in Grace" conference. We are so encouraged by the way the reality of our need for grace prompts us to rest in Him as we prepare to work in a new and different culture.

In December, we were able to meet with all the Hinterland missionaries who were stateside. It was a great time for us "new folks" to hear the challenges and joys of ministry among the Quechua from those who already serve in Hinterland ministry in Ecuador and Peru. We are eager to join them.

In fact, our team leader, Keith Powlison, has asked us to come to Cusco this June! Since we will spend our first year in Cusco, Peru for on-the-job training before we take the model to Cochabamba, Bolivia, it would be wonderful to be fully funded by May. If not, we can return this fall to finish support-raising. We covet your prayers for the Lord to quickly supply our support needs and as we do our part of contacting churches, etc.

In light of this request, Frank shifted to half-time at his engineering job in order to devote more time to fund-raising! We know we have a responsibility to 'ask' (the hard part) but we are thankful for the fact this job is bigger than we are! It helps put us in our place, the place of absolute trust that it is God alone who supplies all our needs.

We now have over 30% pledged, and a number of churches are considering our support. Please pray as we plan to leave the country for the summer. This means we are looking at 'closing up' our home and will be moving into a less expensive housing option in Augusta, Atlanta or Macon. Please pray for us as we begin the logistics of distributing furniture (back to their owners, usually!), packing boxes, assigning value to sentimental items (storing vs. giving away) and taking the 12-year old dog "Pumpkin" to Darlene's parents for safe-keeping.

Thank you for your support as you pray and keep up with us!!

Yours for the Kingdom,

Frank & Darlene Helmly
tel (706) 650-2075
New permanent email - fhelmly@mtwla.org

- Sunday, January 27, 2002